How does Tae Kwon Do relate to Korean history?

Answer 1

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art, created by Koreans in Korea, and based on the philosophies, culture, language, and ancient fighting systems of Korea. It was named in 1955 with specific consideration for the similarity in the sound of the name of the earlier Korean art of kicking called "Tae Kkyeon" and structured on the tactic that favored kicking as the primary weapon.

In some versions of Taekwondo, the patterns are named after historical figures in Korean history. In many dojang (schools), students are required to know the history of each form or pattern that is practiced, as well as the development of Korea as its warrior class and villagers fought to establish three independent Kingdoms beginning in the 1st century BC.

In the 7th century AD, the Hwarang Knights were Korean youth that were trained in many skills that led to social and political positions, and military leadership. Part of the training of the Hwarang was the ancient Martial Art skills of Subak, and Tae Kkyeon, as well as Archery, and horseback riding. The Hwarang Knights followed a specific code of moral and ethical conduct, which was transformed into the modern tenets of Taekwondo. It was the Hwarang youth group that is credited in Korean history for uniting the three Kingdoms into the first Dynasty, and one unified nation.

Many Korean Taekwondo Masters view the entire history of Korean struggles to unite the three kingdoms, fend off invasions from China and Japan, and the indomitable spirit of the Korean people as they suffered a horrific and brutal occupation of the Japanese government during World War II to be one long cultural and historical growth that led to modern Taekwondo. Therefore, the roots of Taekwondo go back the very beginning of the three Kingdoms period, and Korean history is integral to understanding the nature, purpose, and spirit of modern Taekwondo.