What is Taekwondo?
A classic Korean martial art, a scientific discipline, and a global Olympic sport with over 70 million practitioners worldwide.
TAE
Foot / Kick
To strike or break with the foot. It represents the powerful, dynamic kicks that Taekwondo is famous for worldwide.
KWON
Fist / Punch
To strike or break with the fist. It symbolizes strength, close-combat defense, and the control of one’s own power.
DO
The Way / Discipline
The art, the way, or the method. It is the mental discipline and the brain’s focus that connects the physical techniques.
The Master’s Presentation
Watch Master Hamed explain the true philosophy, safety, and benefits of modern Taekwondo.
The Two Pillars
As Master Hamed emphasizes, modern Taekwondo consists of two major parts that train both the body and the mind:
1. Kyorugi (Sparring): The ultimate test of strategy and speed. It is a fight between two competitors in a completely safe, controlled environment using protective equipment. Respect, discipline, and safety are the core of Kyorugi.
2. Poomsae (Forms): The mental battle. Specialized by instructors like Master Afarin, Poomsae consists of memorized patterns of defense and attack against imaginary opponents. It synchronizes the brain with the body’s movements.
A 5000-Year Legacy
Taekwondo has evolved alongside the 5000-year history of Korea. It began as an ancient defense martial art called “Subak” or “Taekkyon” in the Koguryo kingdom, later becoming the backbone of the Hwarangdo warriors in the Shilla period.
The modern era of Taekwondo officially began in the mid-1950s. The Korea Taekwondo Association was formed in 1961, and by 1973, the first World Taekwondo Championships were held in Seoul.
Today, Taekwondo is an internationally renowned sport. It was demonstrated at the 1988 Seoul and 1992 Barcelona Olympics before becoming an official Olympic sport at the 2000 Sydney Games. It implies a profound philosophy: “The proper technique of employing the body to put an end to battles and preserve peace.”