Tae Kwon Do
What is Tae Kwon Do?
Tae Kwon Do's story begins on April 11, 1955, in South Korea, where it was celebrated as a modern martial art, but its roots stretch far into Korea's ancient history. The militancy of northern Chinese immigrants who settled in Korea likely influenced the early iterations of combat techniques, which later evolved into a distinct style of unarmed combat.
Training the youth in early Korean societies involved increasing their physical strength and speed to prepare them for survival, and possibly, battle. Among the various techniques that emerged during Korea's Three Kingdoms period, "subak" became quite popular, consisting of wrestling-like groundwork infused with hand strikes.
A truly Korean innovation was incorporating foot techniques into fights. The art of Tae kkyeon emerged as a strategic use of the feet, distinctly Korean and enduring in its influence on Tae Kwon Do's iconic kicks.
Furthermore, during the 7th century, Korean nobility's sons, known as Hwarang or "Flowering men," received a holistic education that included the arts, philosophy, and rigorous physical training. These young men studied combat techniques, excelling as horse riders, swordsmen, archers, and of course, in the kicking and grappling disciplines that shaped Tae Kwon Do.
Korea's martial arts faced suppression under Japanese rule from 1910, with practitioners forced to train in secret. During this time, some learned Japanese martial arts like Judo, Aikido, and Karate, while others sought instruction in China. It was from these mixed experiences that unique Korean styles like Tang Su Do were born.
Won Kuk Lee, a key figure in Tae Kwon Do's evolution, trained in Shotokan Karate in Japan before integrating his knowledge into the creation of the Chung Do Kwan upon his return to Korea - laying the foundations of a Korean martial art independent from Japanese methods.
Post World War II, a proliferation of "Kwans" - martial art schools - emerged. They each contributed variations to the martial art, yet it soon became vital to unify these systems under a single banner, reaffirming their Korean identity and distinct culture, moving away from Japanese influence.
Grandmaster Won Kuk Lee played a pivotal role in renaming the unified discipline to "Taekwon-Do," rooting it firmly in Korean tradition and language. The term brings together "Tae" (kick), "Kwon" (punch), and "Do" (way), symbolizing a harmonious path that blends physical technique with a philosophical lifestyle.
Finally, on November 30, 1972, the Kukkiwon was established, signifying the official national academy for Taekwon-Do, elevating it not just as a form of self-defense, but as a cultural heritage, a discipline, and a way of life embraced by practitioners worldwide.
In 1980, the thrilling world of Tae Kwon Do caught the attention of the Olympic Committee. By 1982, it had earned its place as a demonstration sport and shone on the grand stage during the 1988 Seoul Olympics, followed by a repeat performance in the 1992 Barcelona games. Fast forward to the year 2000, and Tae Kwon Do made a historic leap into the official Olympic medal events, becoming the unique and only competitive martial art of its kind to be included, alongside the esteemed Olympic martial art of Judo.
Sparring
Under World Tae Kwon Do Federation and Olympic guidelines, Sparring is an intense, full-contact Match . Picture this: two athletes facing off in an 8-meter square ring, equipped with protective gear from head to toe—chest guards to mouthpieces! The goal? Outscore your opponent or achieve the ultimate win with a knockout. Each match is made up of three rounds; after each, fighters catch their breath for a minute, strategizing with their coaches.
Scoring isn't just about landing a hit—it's about delivering precise and powerful kicks or punches to approved areas. Light taps won't do; only well-executed strikes with kicks (using the part of the foot below the ankle) or punches (using the closed fist) count. Previously, humans judged the scores, but now, hi-tech electronic gear often tallies the points, leaving judges to focus on headshots. This tech-savvy shift aims to squash any disputes over scoring.
Kicks that used to be worth a single point in 2009 gained more value if they were performed with a dramatic spin, showcasing the fighter's agility and skill. Headshots scored even higher, especially if you landed them with a spinning kick! However, trying to punch your way to a victory on the head? That's a no-go in Tae Kwon Do.
Breaking the rules, like targeting off-limits areas, can cost you. Penalties add up quickly—two warnings, and your opponent gets a free point. And when a match ends in a draw, the excitement peaks with a "sudden death" round where one clean strike can clinch the win. If still no victor emerges, the panel of judges will have the final say.
The sport also has a mercy rule; if a fighter is ahead by 12 points by the second round, the match wraps up then and there, crowning them the winner. It's a dynamic mix of precision, power, and quick thinking, all wrapped up in the traditional martial art of Tae Kwon Do. Ready to step into the ring?