History of Taekwondo

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Taekwondo, a martial art originating from Korea, has a rich history that spans over two millennia. Its evolution can be divided into ancient origins, the development of modern styles, and its establishment as a global sport.

The roots of Taekwondo can be traced back over 2,000 years to the Three Kingdoms period in Korea, specifically during the rule of Silla, Goguryeo, and Baekje. During this time, martial arts were practiced for self-defense and military training. The earliest forms of combat involved unarmed techniques, which evolved into structured martial arts practices.The term "Taekwondo" itself translates to "the way of foot and fist," with "tae" meaning foot, "kwon" meaning fist, and "do" meaning way or art. This nomenclature reflects the emphasis on striking techniques, particularly kicks, which are a hallmark of the art.

The modern form of Taekwondo began to take shape after World War II, particularly in the late 1940s and 1950s. Following Korea's liberation from Japanese occupation, various martial arts schools, known as kwans, were established in South Korea. Key kwans included:

• Chung Do Kwan
• Moo Duk Kwan
• Yun Moo Kwan
• Chang Moo Kwan
• Oh Do Kwan

These schools initially incorporated elements from Japanese karate, especially Shotokan, and began to develop their unique styles. In 1955, the kwans unified under the name Tae Soo Do, which was later changed to Taekwondo in 1957, influenced by the traditional Korean martial art of Taekkyon.

In 1961, the Korean Taekwondo Union was formed, which later became the Korean Taekwondo Association (KTA). General Choi Hong-hi, a pivotal figure in Taekwondo's history, played a significant role in promoting the martial art internationally. In 1973, the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) was established to govern the sport globally, facilitating competitions and standardizing rules. In 2017, the organization was renamed World Taekwondo (WT) to avoid confusion with internet slang.

Taekwondo made its Olympic debut as a demonstration sport during the 1988 Seoul Olympics. It was officially recognized as a full medal sport at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, which significantly boosted its global popularity. The sport is now governed by World Taekwondo, which oversees international competitions, including the World Taekwondo Championships and the Grand Prix series.

Today, Taekwondo is practiced by over 70 million people in more than 200 countries. It is recognized not only as a traditional martial art but also as a competitive sport that emphasizes respect, discipline, and fair play. The Kukkiwon, located in Seoul, serves as the headquarters for Taekwondo education and certification, further solidifying the art's global presence and standardization.In summary, Taekwondo's journey from ancient martial practices to a modern Olympic sport reflects its adaptability and enduring appeal, making it a significant cultural and athletic phenomenon worldwide.

Virtual Taekwondo is a new esport discipline that combines the traditional martial art of Taekwondo with virtual reality technology. It was recently featured at the inaugural Olympic Esports Series 2023 in Singapore.

• Players wear a VR headset and sensors on their hands and feet to transform their body movements into gaming controls
• They engage in non-contact sparring against opponents, with their kicks and punches registered by the motion tracking system
• The game allows people of all ages, genders and physical abilities to compete on an even playing field

• Levels the playing field between Olympic champions and regular practitioners
• Allows retired athletes to stay connected to the sport they love
• Combines the athleticism and excitement of Taekwondo with the immersion of virtual reality

• The Olympic Esports Series featured a mix of Taekwondo legends and young local players
• Competitors faced off in a bracket-style tournament, with the final rounds held on the main stage
• Speed, accuracy and strategy are key to success in Virtual Taekwondo

Virtual Taekwondo represents an innovative fusion of traditional sport and cutting-edge technology. By making Taekwondo accessible to all, it has the potential to grow the sport's global popularity and inspire the next generation of athletes.