Taekwondo

Have you ever heard a sharp, loud shout of 'Kihap.' that makes the whole room feel electric. Have you seen the crisp snap of a pure white uniform, called a dobok, as someone moves with lightning speed. Can you imagine the focused silence right before a powerful kick slices through the air. That feeling, that energy, is me. I am the rush of air, the perfect balance on one foot, and the spirit of respect shared between a student and a teacher. Before people even know my name, they can feel me. I am a special kind of conversation told not with words, but with hands and feet. I am a mix of power, grace, and a calm mind. I am Taekwondo.

My story begins in the beautiful, hilly country of Korea, a very long time ago. My oldest relatives were ancient ways of moving and defending oneself, with names like Taekkyeon and Subak. For centuries, they were practiced by warriors and ordinary people. But I, in my modern form, was born from a powerful idea in the 20th century. After a difficult period in their history, the people of Korea wanted to feel strong and proud again. A group of great martial arts masters, led by a smart and dedicated army general named Choi Hong Hi, decided to combine the best parts of their ancient arts into one new, unified style. On April 11th, 1955, they finally gave me my official name. They called me Tae, which means ‘foot’ or ‘to kick’. Then Kwon, which means ‘fist’ or ‘to punch’. And finally, Do, which means ‘the way of’ or ‘the art’. So, I am ‘The Way of the Foot and Fist’. I was created to be a powerful and beautiful symbol of the Korean spirit: strong, disciplined, and independent for the whole world to see.

Once I had my name, I was ready to see the world. General Choi and other dedicated masters traveled far from Korea to share my movements with people in other countries. They didn't just teach my kicks and punches. They also shared my heart, which is made of five important rules, or tenets: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit. As more people learned about me, I started to grow. An organization called the International Taekwon-Do Federation, or ITF, was formed on March 22nd, 1966, to help guide my journey. A few years later, on May 28th, 1973, another important organization was created, which is now called World Taekwondo, or WT. This group helped turn me into a popular and exciting sport. My biggest dream came true at the Summer Olympic Games in 1988, held in my home country in Seoul, South Korea. I was shown to the whole world. Then, on September 4th, 2000, I officially became a full Olympic sport. Now, athletes from every corner of the globe can compete under the bright lights, all connected by my spirit.

Today, I live inside millions of people all over the world. I am so much more than just high-flying kicks or the exciting crack of a board breaking. I am the personal journey a student takes to become stronger, not just in their muscles, but in their mind and heart, too. I teach children and adults how to stand tall with confidence, how to show respect to everyone, and most importantly, how to never, ever give up when things get tough. Every time you tie your belt, called a tti, and bow to your instructor and the flag, you become a part of my long and proud story. I am more than a sport or a hobby. I am a promise you make to yourself to always do your best. I connect people from different countries and cultures, reminding them all that the greatest strength comes from a disciplined mind and a courageous heart.