A Brief History of Taekwondo

From the earliest times in Korean history, martial arts have impacted every facet of Korean life. Martial arts in Korea have remained fluid and ever changing as a result of movement and connections of other cultures and countries throughout Asia. It is difficult for us as Americans to understand just how significant of an impact martial arts had on everyday life during this time in Korean history; however, we can look into multiple key relationships to attain a better understanding of just how much that influence had throughout the Korean peninsula. The history of Korean martial arts is rooted in their deep connection to Korean government, culture, and religion.

Many years later, my parents finally agreed to send me to a Taekwondo class. I could eventually wear my Taekwondo suits, and tie the belt that is the symbol of the levels; I could sweat and try my best to challenge my limits both physically and mentally.

“Techniques, forms, and self-defense” Once he said this I felt as if all the black belts eyes fell upon me. I gulped nervously to myself after trying to figure out how to successfully defend myself from three of the daunting, large black belts who could easily pummel me. I tried to remain calm and collected but, my right leg kept shaking vigorously which I got control of eventually. We began the techniques portion, all three of us went at the same time doing all of the same techniques. After successfully completing the first three, I felt more confident that I could easily get through

Studies from, “A Dictionary of Martial Arts, by Louis Frederic” Publisher Charles E. Tuttle, Company Inc. 1988.

Korea was once a colony of Japan but the many years of Koreans suffering through the colonial rule ended after the defeat of Japan by Russia and the US. They each took a part of Korea, the Soviet Union occupied the

Receiving a well-earned Black Belt in Tang Soo Do is one of the hardest achievements anyone can do in life. It begins with determination, dedication, perseverance, belief, and faith, understanding of this long journey with strength of mind to overcome obstacles that may discourage or stand in the way. It is a motivating goal to accomplish and once attained, reinforces the confidence that you are able to accomplish anything if you set your mind to it. Black Belt is a continuous commitment to the pursuit of excellence and striving to be the best.

"Well, the already existing martial arts didn't qualify enough" could be made, to go on the joking way. But, this one is true. Norris created the Martial Art called Chun Kuk Do (which means 'Universal Way'), which is heavily influenced by Tang Soo Do, the art he learned while in South Korea. Chun Kuk Do has a code of honor and rules to live by. The arts have been successful, and the official site of Norris lists celebrity clients of the likes of Steve McQueen, whom he taught Karate, Bob Barker and Donny Osmond among the others. In fact, when Norris taught Steve McQueen, McQueen in turn advised him to turn to acting. The two were very close to Bruce Lee, and attended his funeral

First Tae KwonDo Perth & WA Dojangs First Tae Kwon Do ALBANY WA Venue: Senior Citizens' Centre (Hall), 122 Grey Street, Albany Training: Monday & Wednesday First Tae Kwon Do ARMADALE WA Venue: Armadale District Hall, 90 Jull St Armadale, WA (Corner of Jull and Church St) Training: Monday & Saturday First Tae KwonDo BASSENDEAN WA Venue: Bassendean Snr Citizens Hall, 50 Old Perth Rd, Bassendean WA Training: Monday & Wednesday First Tae Kwon Do BAYSWATER WA Venue : Hampton Scouts Hall, Cnr Mickleham Rd & Hampton Sq, Bayswater WA

The film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, encompasses the importance and prevalence of martial arts as a cultural sport. Martial art is a sport that was popular during ancient times in Asia.

I hail from Kerala, a beautiful southern state in India, often known as ‘God’s own Country’. During my schooling, unlike other girls of my age, I found a passion in Taekwondo and was involved actively in it since the age of eleven. I joined medical school and soon realized the similarities between Taekwondo and medicine. Mastery of both requires passion, dedication and perseverance. I was the only student in my batch who completed the Taekwondo course and attained a black belt.

Some ancient African styles or forms of fighting maybe evident, with records dating back thousands of years; while other martial styles are Mystical and Esoteric, therefore the lessons are for spiritual (Mental) development and identification. The FOA practitioner’s spoke about and exemplified many strange and imaginable styles that they believed had been lost or forgotten through time but to them were the basis of a true martial art by mere thought (Knowledge). The FOA brothers referred to these styles as the-

First of all, boxing gloves were introduced into boxing not for safety reasons, but to increase hits to the head and dramatic knockouts. Second, an official boxing match between a bear and a man was held in 1949, and the bear won. Third, there is a growing sport in Berlin and London, which is called Chess Boxing. Players alternate between a round of chess and a round of boxing until one is declared winner either by checkmate, knockout, or technical stoppage. Another fact is that approximately 500 boxers have died in the ring or as a result of boxing since 1884. Like boxing, there are also some fascinating facts about wrestling. In fact, wrestling was referenced in the Bible. Surprisingly, wrestling is believed to build perseverance, diligence and determination. There is oil wrestling in Turkey. Wrestlers cover themselves in olive oil. This wrestling match could go on for many days originally, but in 1975 the time was limited to 40 minutes. Here are some facts about taekwondo that is not known well. There is belt system in taekwondo. There are six colors of belts: white, yellow, green, blue, red, and black. Taekwondo is used by the South Korean military as part of its training. Taekwondo is more than just kicks and punches. It relies on concentration, combat philosophy, self-defense, and physical

Mixed martial arts go all the way back to the first Olympic games of 776 b.c. (“What is Pankration”). This sport combined boxing and wrestling and was used by the Spartans and Thracians (“What is Pankration”). Back in those days these contests were to the death, but today are modernized for society and to allow fighters to fight again after a loss. This is not the only instance of the first mixed martial arts events, but there was Vale Turo in Brazil and most recently the Ultimate

The next nation that will be discussed is South Korea, whose legal tradition finds its origins from Japan, but is now becoming more American in nature due to increased globalization. Korea’s legal tradition was first established 4,300 ago when the Gojoseon dynasty created its own statutory law, heavily influenced by Confucianism and China’s legal system (SpringerLink and Yŏn 'guwŏn 2). (note that during the retelling of South Korea’s history, the nation will be referred to as Korea until the point at which it became separated into Northern and Southern territories). Korea maintained this particular legal tradition, and aspects of a uniquely Korean brand of Confucianism, until the 19th century. In 1894, the internally induced Kabo Reforms aimed to modernize the whole of Korea in terms of legal and administrative systems, culture, economy, and more (“Emergence of a Modern Society”). The Kabo Reforms resulted in a legal system that closely resembled Japan’s system, which followed a civil legal tradition that was heavily influenced by Germany. Korea’s transformation towards a Japanese civil law system was further intensified and completed when it became a colony of Japan in 1910. Following the defeat of Japan during World War Two, Korea gained its independence in 1945, only for the southern half of the nation to fall under American occupation until 1948, while the northern half was occupied by Soviet Russia (SpringerLink and Yŏn 'guwŏn 5). Now dubbed as South Korea, the

The Tae Kwon Do style of fighting is different than many other styles of martial arts fighting. Tae kwon do could best be