Taekwondo

 The word teakwondo translates to “the art of kicking and punching”.  Taekwondo is also South Korea’s national sport.  More people practice taekwondo than any other form of martial arts.

The first record of taekwondo was in approximately 50 BC.  The earliest form of taekwondo was called taek kyon and was started in the Koguryo kingdom.  Although this art started in the kingdom of Koguryo, the Sillan’s Hwarang fighters are the ones responsible for the spread and growth of taekwondo in Korea.  From 668 to 935 Taek Kyon was used as a recreational activity and a sport.  Some time between 1147 and 1170 king Uijong  used this style of martial arts for fighting instead of sport.

Currently there are eleven commandments of Teakwondo.  The first of the commandments is loyalty to your country, followed by loyalty to friends, faithfulness to your spouse, respect your elders, respect your teacher, loyalty to your school, never take life unjustly, finish what you begin, respect your brothers and sisters, indomitable spirit, and finally, respect your parents.

Today taekwondo is practiced nation wide.  It is now used primarily as a sport.  There are many martial arts competitons that take place and taekwondo is very popular among these competitions.  There are four disciplines of modern day taekwondo, patterns, break test, self defense, and sparring.  Modern teakwondo is primarily and art of kicking.  There are several styles of taekwondo are available for practice all across the United States and many other countries as well.