History of Taekwon-Do |
Although the origins of the Martial Arts are shrouded in mystery, it is an undeniable fact that from time to time immemorial there has been physical actions involving the use of hands and feet for the purpose of self-protection. If these actions were defined as ‘TaeKwon-Do’, any country might claim credit for inventing TaeKwon-Do. There is however, little resemblance between TaeKwon-Do as practised today and the crude forms of unarmed combat of the past. Modern TaeKwon-Do differs greatly from other Martial Arts. No other Martial Art is so advanced with regard to the sophistication and effectiveness of its technique or the overall physical fitness it imparts to its practitioners.
Since the theories, terminology, techniques, systems, methods, rules, practice suit and spiritual foundation were scientifically developed, systemised and named by General Choi; it is an error to think of any physical action using the hand and feet for self-defence as TaeKwon-Do. Nor is any other Martial Arts system to call itself TaeKwon-Do. Only those who practice the techniques based on General Choi’s theories, principles and philosophies are considered students of genuine TaeKwon-Do.
Origins of Martial Arts |
Hunting, fishing, farming, science, trading and language are said to have been taught during the reigns of three mythical emperors, Bok Hi, Sin Nong and Hwang Je in China about 3500 BC. On the other hand, the paintings and inscriptions in the Egyptian tombs proved that there was a form of open hand fighting in Egypt as early as 3000 BC. There are also reports of open hand fighting practised by the warriors of Mesopotamia and Sumer around 3000-2000 BC. It is easy to imagine that primitive human beings had to depend on their hands and feet to overcome enemies, animals and other obstacles in order to survive. As human knowledge and wisdom progressed, these crude fighting methods were improved eventually becoming martial arts. By the time of the Greek cities (700 BC), boxing, wrestling and other combat sports were regular events in the Olympiads.
Historical Figures & Events |
Each pattern of TaeKwon-do has a meaning. This meaning refers to a historical event or person in Korean history.
Chon-Ji
The name Chonji literally means ‘heavenly pond’. Heaven Lake, which lies on the border between China and North Korea, is the world’s highest Crater Lake and sits atop the volcanic Baekdu Mountain. From mid-October to mid-June it is covered with ice.
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Pride In International Linked TaeKwon-Do “Good follow good, bad follow bad”. |
