Taekwondo is more than just a martial art—it is a discipline rich in history, culture, and tradition. Its journey from suppressed Korean martial arts to a globally recognized Olympic sport is a testament to resilience, dedication, and national pride.
Post-War Emergence: A Martial Art Reborn
Following Korea’s liberation from Japanese occupation in 1945, there was a renewed interest in Korean martial arts. During the occupation (1910-1945), traditional Korean martial arts were suppressed as part of an effort to diminish Korean cultural identity. Despite this, some practitioners secretly preserved their techniques, keeping their martial heritage alive.
After the war, martial artists began opening training halls, known as kwans, to rebuild and expand their craft. These kwans blended various influences, including Japanese and Chinese martial arts, leading to distinct styles that would eventually shape modern Taekwondo.
The Rise of the Kwans
Each kwan had its own philosophy and approach, influenced by its founder’s background:
- Song Moo Kwan (1944) – Founded by Ro Byung Jik, this kwan incorporated elements of Shotokan Karate.
- Chung Do Kwan (1944) – Founded by Lee Won Kuk, this “Blue Wave” kwan emphasized strong, fundamental techniques.
- Moo Duk Kwan (1945) – Founded by Hwang Kee, it preserved traditional Korean martial arts, including Tang Soo Do and Taekkyon.
- Chang Moo Kwan (1946) – Founded by Yoon Byung-in, it integrated Chinese martial arts like Kung Fu.
- Ji Do Kwan (1946) – Founded by Chun Sang Sup, it played a significant role in Taekwondo’s development.
These kwans laid the foundation for the unification of Taekwondo, each contributing valuable techniques and principles.
Unifying Taekwondo: A National Martial Art
By the 1950s, efforts were underway to unify these diverse kwans into a single, distinctly Korean martial art. South Korean President Syngman Rhee saw the potential of a national martial art to inspire unity and strengthen Korea’s global identity. The government pushed for standardization, leading to the adoption of the name "Taekwondo" in 1955.
This move was not just about martial arts—it was a political and cultural statement. By establishing Taekwondo as Korea’s national martial art, the country sought to differentiate itself from North Korea and project strength on the world stage.
General Choi and the ITF Split
A key figure in Taekwondo’s early development was General Choi Hong Hi, who played a pivotal role in unifying the kwans and spreading Taekwondo internationally. In 1966, he founded the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF), focusing on self-defense and practical applications.
However, political tensions arose, particularly regarding Choi’s connections with North Korea. This led to a division between the ITF and South Korea’s government-backed organizations, which emphasized Taekwondo as a sport rather than self-defense.
The Kukkiwon and World Taekwondo
To further develop Taekwondo as a global sport, the Kukkiwon was established in 1972 as the official headquarters for Taekwondo. It oversaw instructor certification, competition rules, and curriculum standardization. Alongside it, the World Taekwondo Federation (now World Taekwondo) worked to promote Taekwondo internationally.
Their efforts led to Taekwondo being recognized as an official Olympic sport in 2000, bringing it to a global stage and making it one of the most practiced martial arts in the world. In 2017, the World Taekwondo Federation rebranded as World Taekwondo to modernize its image.
A Legacy of Strength and Discipline
From its post-war revival to its Olympic success, Taekwondo continues to inspire practitioners worldwide. It is not just about kicks and punches—it embodies discipline, perseverance, and the spirit of Korea’s martial arts heritage.
At Taecole, we honor this legacy by instilling these values in our students, helping them build confidence, strength, and discipline through the art of Taekwondo.
