Taekwondo is a potpourri of many martial arts styles

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that is now practiced as a sport in many parts of the world. In Korean, the term Taekwondo translates thus: Tae is to kick or destroy with the foot, kwon means to strike with the hand, chiefly the fist and Do means the way. Add all this up and what you get is a martial art form that calls itself the way of kicks and punches.

This most popular of Korean art forms, based on Karate, is more than just kicks and punches. It is a combination of offensive as well as defensive techniques, philosophy and, as with most martial arts in their present form, entertainment as well.

There are several types of Taekwondo styles, each different in their doctrine and technical construct. Yet, all styles have a common emphasis: that on kicks thrown from a distance, using the leg's greater reach and power. This disables the opponent from a distance. The other techniques used are jumps, spins, skips and side-kicks. They are used alone or in combination with other moves. Taekwondo also includes a comprehensive system of hand strikes and blocks, but generally does not emphasize grappling.

To understand Taekwondo one must delve deep into Korean history. As early as 668 AD, Chinese Chuan Fa techniques were used to train the Korean warriors. With time these techniques evolved into the empty-hand art of Subak. This art form split into the Taekyon (striking art) and the Yusul (a grappling art).

Yusul never gained popularity and became extinct while Taekyon remained thanks to the secret practice of certain Korean families and street gangs. Now, when the Japanese moved into Korea, Karate was absorbed into the martial art forms like Taekyon along with influences from Manchuria and China.

Even when Korea was liberated in 1945, the art form called Taekwondo did not exist ; the nomenclature most definitely did not. In fact General Choi Hong Hi who is considered to be the father of modern Taekwondo taught a combination of Karate and Taekyon to his soldiers. In 1955, when the government called for a single name that could unify these disparate art forms, General Choi's submission Taekwondo , which incorporated several native Korean styles into a linear form, won the day.

Physically, Taekwondo develops strength, speed, balance and stamina. But it emphasizes on the development of five qualities in the practitioner: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit. The art form is therefore a mental discipline as well and one that leads to heightened awareness, focus and concentration.

Besides Judo, it is the only other Asian martial arts that finds a place in international sports. It also enjoys the honor of being Korea's national sport.

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