History Of Taekwondo

 

The word Taekwondo is formed by three Korean words:

 

 

 

 

 

 

The words together mean the way of foot and fist.

The history of Taekwondo can be traced back over 5000 years and has had many different names since the beginning of the Three Kingdoms. Taekwondo began as a defense martial art called “Subak” and was a way of training the body and mind of the warriors in the Ancient Kingdom of “Koguryo”. It was also known as “Taekkyon” and “sunbae” in the Shilla Dynasty. (668AD-935AD). Although Taekwondo developed over the long course of Korean history, the main influence came from Japanese Karate that was introduced into Korea during the Japanese occupation from 1910-1945. When the Japanese forces invaded and occupied Korea, they outlawed the practice of all military martial arts as a way of controlling the people. Many Koreans organized themselves into underground groups that continued to practice their art form in remote or abandoned places. Some followers left Korea to study in other countries including Japan and China. After WWII Korean martial artist started to adapt and change the Martial art form trying to make it more Korean and removing the strong Japanese influence from their sport  Martial art experts began opening their Taekwondo gymnasiums all over the country and after the end of Korean War (1950 - 1953)  as well as 2,000 Taekwondo masters traveling to more than 100 countries for foreigners' training. Taekwondo became a national martial art in 1971, with the Kukkiwon being founded in 1972. In 1973 World Taekwondo Federation began and now has over 108 member countries. Taekwondo was accepted in 1975 as an official sport by U.S Amateur Athlete union and the General Association of International sports Federation (GAISF). The World Taekwondo Federation was recognized by the International Olympic Committee in 1980, making Taekwondo an Olympic Sport. It was finally adopted into the Olympic Games in Sydney 2000.

 

How to Play

Taekwondo is a combative individual sport where 2 players face each other in a competition ring. Players are matched against opponents that are of the same belt classification, the same age group and weight class. A match consists of two one and a half minute rounds or three one-minute rounds. For seniors and black belts there are three, two-minute rounds of competition. The aim of Sports Taekwondo is to score against the opponent with kicking blows to the chest or head. For blows to the chest and flank with enough force — 1 point is awarded- This is the scoring system for competitors under 14 yrs of age (in Australia). 2 Points will be awarded for legal kicks to the head. A bonus point will also be awarded if a player is knocked down with a head kick or a standing eight count. No punching to the head or face is allowed. Points are awarded by three corner judges and a ring referee — electronic scoring requires two or more judges to award a hit on a key pad simultaneously for a point to register. In manual scoring- tally slips are given to the head referee who tallies and averages the hits recorded by each corner judge. Deductions for prohibited acts are taken into account at the end of the match.

 

Prohibited Acts
Warnings (Kyong-go) -1 Point for every 2 warnings

1. Falling down.
2. Turning the back to the opponent.
3. Grabbing, holding, or pushing the opponent. Pushing is allowed with the forefists without moving forward in order to create distance.
4. Pretending injury.
5. Butting or attacking with knee.
6. Attacking below the waist.
7. Hitting the opponent's face with hand or fist.
8. Avoiding the match.
9. Crossing the Boundary Line.
10. Uttering undesirable remarks.

Deductions (Gam-jeom) -1 Point

1. Throwing down the opponent by grabbing the opponent's attacking foot in the air with the arm or by pushing the opponent with the hand.
2. Intentionally attacking the fallen opponent after declaration of "Kal-yeo" (break).
3. Intentionally attacking the opponent's face with fist.
4. Interrupting the progress of the match on the part of a contestant or a coach.

5. Violent or extreme remarks or behavior on the part of a contestant or a coach.
Invalidation of Points

When the following are committed, the delivered technique will not be scored:

1. Intentionally falling, immediately after delivery of the legitimate technique.
2. Committing an illegal act after delivery of the legitimate technique.
3. Use of any of the prohibited actions.

Disqualification
1. Total of four minus points.
2. Competitor or coach intentionally disobeys the referee or the competition rules. Competitor has (1) minute to conform.
3. An intentional, illegal strike to an opponent, which results in rendering him or her unable to continue the match.
4. An excessive kick to a junior's head which results in abrasion or bleeding.

The winner is decided by which player has the most points at the end of the allotted rounds. If the match is tied at the end of the rounds — Golden Point rule will apply, where the first fighter to score in the extra round wins.

 

Equipment

All contestants are required to wear a chest protector, Head guard, shin guards, arm guard, groin protector, and mouth guard. No jewellery is to be worn and toenails and fingernails are to be cut short during tournament.

Chest Protectors and Head Guards are either red or blue. These colours help to identify each player from their opponent and their position on the competition draw. All participants in Taekwondo wear the traditional white Korean Dobok and their coloured belt of proficiency. Belts are awarded through grading and are ranked by colour.

· White                  Beginner (10th Gup)

· Yellow                9th, 8th & 7th Gup

· Blue                    6th, 5th & 4th Gup

· Red                     3rd, 2nd & 1st Gup

· Red/Black          Cho-Dan-Bo (Transition from Red to Black)

· Black                  Achieved full TKD status (1st to 9th Dan)

All black belts fight as equals despite the number of Dan’s or black belt levels they may have achieved. The inner contest area is 8m by 8m with a border (alert area) that gives a total floor area of 10m by 10m. Fighters must only make contact within the ring and leaving the ring will incur a warning or loss of points.

 

Who Plays?

Taekwondo as a sport and as a form of exercise is popular with both male and female players- there is no age limit to participating in Taekwondo from peewees (under 6) to veterans (over 45yrs). Taekwondo is not only a sport but also a way of life to many who follow this martial art. It is a union of mental and physical aspects of a player. Students study not only the art of kicking, but the spiritual patterns or techniques as they progress through their belt levels. Discipline and self-restraint are part of the core teaching of this sport and art form. The five basic tenets of Taekwondo are:

 

Courtesy

Integrity

Perseverance

Self Control

Indomitable Spirit