Traditional Taekwondo

What is Taekwondo?

Taekwondo (/taekwndo/) is a precise and scientific Korean traditional martial art that teaches more than just physical fighting skills. It is a discipline that demonstrates how to train the body and mind to improve one’s spirit and life. Today, it is a global sport with a strong international reputation, and it is one of the Olympic Games’ official sports.

It is a kick-heavy Korean martial art developed by various Korean martial artists in the 1940s and 1950s as a fusion of native Korean fighting techniques such as taekkyeon, gwonbeop, and subak, as well as influences from foreign martial arts such as karate and Chinese martial arts.

What is the meaning of Taekwondo?

Let’s look at the definition of the words “Tae” “Kwon” “Do.” It is written in three syllables in English, although it is only one word in Korean. 

“Tae” refers to the “foot,” “leg,” or “to walk on,” 

“Kwon” refers to the “fist,” or “fight,” 

“Do” refers to the “method” or “discipline.” 

We can see two fundamental concepts behind “Tae Kwon Do” if we put these three parts together.

First, Taekwondo is the ‘way’ of using Tae and Kwon ‘fists and feet,’ or all the bodily parts represented by fists and feet. Second, it is a way to control or calm down fights and keep the peace. This concept is derived from the definition of Tae Kwon, which is ‘to control fists’ (or ‘to walk on fists’). As a result, Taekwondo signifies “the proper use of all parts of the body to stop fighting and contribute to the creation of a better and more peaceful world.”

What is the purpose or objective of Taekwondo?

The purpose or objective of Taekwondo is mental and physical development.