The history of Taekwondo

The name Taekwondo comes from the Korean word "Tae" meaning foot, "Kwon" meaning fist or hand and "Do" meaning path or way of. So  Taekwondo means "the way of the foot and hand". The name Taekwondo, has only been used since 1955 even though this form of martial arts began over 2,000 years ago in Korea.

During the Japanese occupation of Korea (1910-1945) and then the Korean war, the practice of martial arts by Koreans was forbidden. Small groups continued to study and teach the art in secret. Taekwondo was introduced to the United in the 1950's. By this time the word "Karate" had become a generic term for the martial arts.

In 1980, Taekwondo was staged at the Olympics in Seoul in 1988 and in Barcelona in 1992 as demonstration sport and was adopted as an official program of Sydney 2000 Olympics. Now Taekwondo is one of the most popular martial arts in the world.

What are the benefits of Taekwondo?

For children, Taekwondo can help them:

• have the self-confidence and strength to better deal with bullies

• develop the self-discipline and self-control to not bully others

• combat childhood obesity

• learn to focus and improve school performance

• set and achieve short term and long term goals

• become role models and develop leadership qualities

For adults, the variety and individual challenge of Taekwondo can also help them:

• achieve and maintain a healthier lifestyle

• improve endurance, strength and overall fitness

• increase the likelihood that you will exercise regularly

• develop the skills to defend yourself

Besides being a lot of fun and a great form of self-defense, the exercise you get from Taekwondo (aerobic/cardio, strength training, flexibility) benefits every part of the body, including how you feel about yourself, the health of your heart, the strength of your muscles and the density of your bones.

When you exercise your body produces endorphins, which are chemicals that make you feel more peaceful and happier. Exercise can help some people sleep better and help with mild depression and self-esteem. Plus, exercise can give you a real sense of accomplishment from having achieved goals.

Exercising to maintain a healthy weight also decreases your risk of developing certain diseases, including type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, which used to be found mostly in adults but are becoming more common in teens. Exercise also helps prevent osteoporosis (weakening of the bones, making them more prone to breaking in later life especially among women).

Taekwondo encourages the development of positive character traits such as respect for others and self, self-control, patience, perseverance, self-confidence, a "can do" mindset, and a non-violent attitude.

Students learn to step up to challenges, overcome obstacles and become role models for others.

Almost any one can do it … children, teens and adults. You don't need to be in shape first. In fact, many beginner students have never exercised regularly before trying their first Taekwondo class. Of course, we encourage you to talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise program.

Taekwondo ... a great form of exercise and self-defense, plus a whole lot of fun!

What are you waiting for? Find a Taekwondo America school near you today!