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| Although its roots can be somewhat traced back to ancient Korea, it is a historic fact that Taekwon-Do as an organized art is relatively modern. In fact, the only documented history begins in the mid 1900's.
The actual beginnings of TaeKwon-Do are obscured by time, yet many historians believe it originated from a Korean martial arts form know as t'aekyon practiced over 1300 years ago. In the early 1900's the art evolved with the inroduction of Chinese and Japanese techniques, a practice whcih concerned some because these influences did not demonstarate the incredbible kicking power of the art, nor its traditional values or philosphy. The actual name (and art) of TaeKwon-Do wasn't official until 1955. At that time Korean General Hong Hi Choi organized a movement to unify Korea's various martial arts styles (called kwans) and presented the name "TaeKwon-Do" to a committee specially formed to select a name for the new art. On Aprill 11, 1955, TaeKwon-Do was recognized as the name for the newly unified, officially recognized Korean martial art. As an interesting side note, the word TaeKwon-Do itself is made up of three Chinese/Korean words: Tae, maning to kick or jump; Kwon, meaning fist or hand; and Do, which means "the way". Loosely (if not literally), it can be thought of as "the way of the Hand and Foot". In the 1960's TaeKwon-Do began to spread internationally and evolved throughout the late 1900's (along with most martial arts) into primarily a combat sport, although self defense, fitness and the philosophy of the practice (including self-discipline and self-knowledge) are still crucial elements of Songahm TaeKwon-Do, the style of Taekwon-Do developed and supported by the ATA. TaeKwon-Do is currently the most popular martial art in Korea, and ranks among America's and the world's most popular martial arts. |
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