There are many people responsible for contributing to the founding of Taekwondo as a Korean Martial Art.
Won Kuk Lee was a senior ranking Black Belt under Sensei Funakoshi, and began teaching his own unique methods as early as 1942. Upon returning to Korea in 1944, College Professor Won Kuk Lee gained permission from the Japanese government to teach the Korean system of Tang Soo Do (based on Chinese Hand fighting of the Tang Dynasty) for the first time in Korea at the Yung Shin School Gymnasium in Sa De Mun, Ok Chun Dong district in Seoul. He incorporated his own unique methods of teaching one-on-one and called his school "Chung Do Kwan" (school of the Blue Wave), officially established in Korea in 1944, see related links below.
After World War II ended (1945) several new Kwans opened up under various names, many of which were formed by Black Belt graduates of the Chung Do Kwan. The original five Kwans were: 1. Chung Do Kwan, founded in 1944 by Lee, Won Kuk (Lee had been teaching since 1942, but the official Kwan was opened in 1944 by permission of the occupying government of Japan), 2. Song Moo Kwan, founded May 2, 1946 by Ro, Byung Jick (Ro had previously taught self defense at an Archery School between March to July of 1944, but the official Kwan did not open until after the occupation), 3. Mu Duk Kwan, founded by Hwang Kee in 1946, 4. Kwon Bop Bu / Chang Mu Kwan, founded by Byung In Yoon in 1946, 5. Yun Moo Kwan / Jidokwan, founded by Sang Sup Chun in 1946.
Much later, there were four more main Kwans: 6. Han Moo Kwan, founded by Kyo Yoon Lee in 1954, 7. Oh Do Kwan, founded by Hong Hi Choi in 1955, 8. Kang Duk Won, founded by Chul Hee Park in 1956, 9. Jung Do Kwan, founded by Yong Woo Lee in 1956.
Some key figures important in the organization and development of Taekwondo as a modern Korean Martial Art included the first generation graduates of the Chung Do Kwan:
Duk Sung Son (3rd Kwanjang of the Chung Do Kwan - Founder of World Taekwondo Association)
Suh Chong Kang (Founder of Kyu Mu Kwan - Co-founder and 1st President of ATA: American Taekwondo Association)
Woon Kyu Uhm (current Chung Do Kwan Kwanjang and Kukkiwon President)
Later Graduates of the Chung Do Kwan include:
Hae Man Park (Vice President, Taekwondo Chung Do Kwan)
Hyun Ok Shin (President, United Chung Do Kwan Association)
Tae Zee Park (President, Tae Park Taekwondo)
In Mook Kim (President, American ChungDoKwan Taekwondo Association)
Edward B. Sell (Founder, United States Chung Do Kwan Association in 1967)
Jhoon Rhee (First permanent Tae Kwon Do Instructor in America)
By the mid 1950's approximately 18 kwans had opened in Korea, each teaching a variety of Martial Art systems under various names. The original Kwan founders began an effort to unite all of the Kwans into one central organization, and create a name to encompass all of the systems as one Korean Martial Art.
By this time, a young Hong Hi Choi had worked his way up in the Korean army as a General. In 1955, General Choi spear-headed this effort to organize the many Kwans and create a single governing body. It was determined that the Korean Martial Art was drifting away from its long-time Japanese influence, and becoming a system unique to the Korean culture, philosophy, and regaining the ancient knowledge of Subak, Taekyon, and other skills that were nearly lost.
A new name needed to be chosen to represent the modern culmination of ancient skills with current influences while distancing the new organization from Japanese terms and influences. Chung Do Kwan founder, Grandmaster Won Kuk Lee stated that several of his students researched the matter, consulting a Korean language dictionary, and came up with the term "Taekwon-Do" to show a close connection to the kicking of the forerunner Korean art of Tae Kyon.
At a meeting of prominent Korean politicians, historians, and Kwan leaders on April 11, 1955, several ballots were voted upon, and the one containing the term "Taekwon," which was submitted by Chung Do Kwan student, General Hong Hi Choi, was selected. Thus, the term "Taekwon-Do" was born in April of 1955, but the art itself is a combination of technical knowledge, ancient warrior spirit, national culture and heritage dating back to the 1st century B.C.. Therefore, most Korean Taekwondo masters consider "Taekwondo" to be a new name for an ancient art. Even after this official vote, it took another decade to bring about a complete consensus among the various Kwans.
Denis Diderot
The Florentine Camerata
Taekwondo can be defined as a Asian Martial Art or a sport. It comes from Korea, and was developed in post WWII as a culmination of older combative skills and philosophy which have some roots extending back to the original settling of the Korean Peninsula and development of the first three kingdoms (57BC - 100AD). However, Taekwondo as it is today did not take shape until the period of "Kwan" (school) development from 1944 (the opening of the Chung Do Kwan by Grandmaster Won Kuk Lee) to 1972 (the establishment of the Kukkiwon - World Taekwondo Headquarters in Seoul Korea). http://www.kukkiwon.or.kr/english/introduce/introduce03.jsp?div=03 Many Korean Masters were instrumental in the development of Taekwondo as a complete Martial Art, but there was also a desire to spread Korean Taekwondo world wide. To do this, Competitions were devised using rules unique to the Korean Martial Art. While Judo and Karate had already established games with rules that promoted their systems of combat as a sport, Taekwondo needed to revise the rules to enhance the aspect of kicking as a primary weapon of self defense. In 1963 the first National Taekwondo Competition was held in Seoul, Korea, and the first foreigner to compete in that tournament was an American Serviceman and Taekwondo Black Belt by the name of Edward Sell (currently 9th Degree Black Belt - Founder of the United States Chung Do Kwan Association: USCDKA). http://www.uscdka.com/about-uscdka.html As the Martial Art of Taekwondo spread world wide, so did the interest in tournaments. Early Taekwondo competitions were run similar to former Karate tournaments in what is often called "stop point" matches. This is where the two fighters attempt to strike valid scoring areas of the opponent's body with legal techniques, and the fight is stopped temporarily to vote on, and award points or penalties. Typically, in these type of tournaments, four judges are positioned, standing one in each corner of a ring (ring size varies depending on tournament size - usually about 15' x 15' or up to the 8 meter x 8 meter of the Olympic rings). Each corner judge holds a red flag in one hand and a white (or blue) flag in the other hand (or a single wooden stick with a red flag at one end and a white flag at the other). One fighter is designated as the red fighter (usually by a small, rectangular piece of red cloth looped through their belt in the back. A center referee starts and ends each round, and helps to manage the safety and enforce the rules by moving about the ring during the match. Upon the proper execution of a legitimate technique to a valid target, any one of the corner judges may yell "point," and the Center Referee would stop the match. The Ref would then call for judges score, and each judge would raise the color of flag, or indicate "no point" by waving their arms low, or "no see" by crossing their hands in front of their eyes to indicate they were not at a vantage point to see the impact. The Center Ref also has a single vote and may suspend the fight if he/she sees a point or a violation of the rules. As Taekwondo tournaments have progressed, many have moved away from the "stop-point" method, and adopted a "continuous match" system. This is the type that is used in the Olympic Taekwondo rules. Taekwondo, as a sport, made its Olympic debut as a demonstration sport at the 1988 games in Seoul, Korea. Taekwondo was accepted as a full medal Olympic sport in the 2000 games in Sydney, Australia. The continuous matches of Olympic Competition provides for three - 3 minute rounds, with a 1 minute rest between each round. The Center Referee gives commands in the Korean Language, and the corner judges are seated with either score sheets to record points as they see them, or electronic push buttons to record points by majority consensus within a brief time span. Under these rules, the center referee does not vote on points, but can invalidate a point due to a violation, and can penalize with "kyeong-go" (warning - two warnings = 1 deduction), or "Gemjeom" (Deduction = 1 minus point). The Center Ref also suspends the match for safety reasons, injuries, or to perform an "8 count" (in Korean language) after an extreme hit, to give the fighter a chance to recover. If not recovered by "Yeodeol" (eight), the ref will automatically count to 10, and the fighter looses by K.O. Some local tournaments, especially those run for fun and family participation, require no contact among lower ranks and children, and only light impact for high rank and Black Belt adults. "Light contact" or "no contact" does not mean that the techniques lack power, it just means that the full power is stopped at a point prior to impact. Olympic rules for children allow medium contact to the body when a chest protector is worn, but no contact to the head. Adult Olympic rules allow "full contact" to body and head which is typically self-monitored to mean a knock-out is possible, but not attempting to kill an opponent - - which full contact Taekwondo can do, even when padding is worn. Olympic rules require the use of some safety equipment (chest protector, headgear, shin pads, forearm guards, mouthguard, and groin protector), but rules change from time to time. Foot and fist pads might be required, especially as the punching to the face in Olympic rules is being considered. Some Taekwondo tournaments allow punching to the face, while others only allow kicks to the face, with punching and kicking to the body. Oddly enough, more injuries occur from a wild punch to the face, then a controlled kick. Also, Taekwondo rules are designed to promote the kicking skills, and not allow the matches to convert into a boxing bout, or Karate type of fight. Usually, fighters are not allowed to strike below the waist (top of the hip bones), or to the spine in the center of the back. The back of the head is NOT a legal target, thus kicks there should not be scored. A punch or kick to the body must cause a "trembling shock" to displace the person in order to show sufficient power. "No contact" tournaments will score when the technique comes within a 3 - 6 inch proximity of the target if it is well executed and controlled. In Taekwondo matches, there are typically no foot sweeps, flips, throws, grabbing, holding, or pushing allowed. For Olympic competition rules (forms or sparring), the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) was created in 1973, and currently serves as a sport governing body with member nations around the world. http://www.wtf.org/wtf_eng/site/about_wtf/history.html You can not become a Member of the WTF as it is only open to National Governing Bodies (NGB) for sports. You can join the NGB in your native country to be eligible for Olympic and Jr. Olympic competition. You can also join independently run organizations (some authorized with proper credentials and some are not). The US Chung Do Kwan descended from the first Taekwondo Kwan in Korea; the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) descended from General Choi Hong Hi's Oh Do Kwan, The American Taekwondo Association (ATA), or a large list of other organizations who often hold their own tournaments with rule variations. One should note that the "sport" of Taekwondo is played by rules which involves a portion of the Taekwondo curriculum. Sport Taekwondo is not the same thing as the complete Martial Art of Taekwondo which is for self defense, fitness, character development, and a philosophical way of life to enhance the body, mind, and spirit of the student.
William Shakespeare's theatre company built the Globe to perform plays in. He was one of the owners/founders.
An educated answer to this question is not a simple "yes" or "no." What "should" you do implies a desired outcome. What that outcome is for you might be different than others. Studying multiple systems tends to broaden your awareness and experience, but typically does not create greater skill in the long run. Compare it to a construction company spending time and money to building several foundations with no walls instead of one large solid foundation and then proceed to construct walls and ceilings to form the growing levels. If you keep changing contractors, architects, and floor plans, you waste time starting over, and repeating steps before you have even completed the first, most important step. It should first be understood that there is no such thing as "WTF Taekwondo." Taekwondo is the national Martial Art of South Korea, and is also their national sport. There is a difference between the knowledge and skills that have been solidified in an official curriculum as approved by the Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquarters in Seoul, Korea), and the sport of Taekwondo, which is a game based on some skills contained within the art of self defense. Rules for competition will vary from one tournament to the next, and between major associations who host their own tournaments. Each of these associations can trace their roots back to one of the original 5 Kwans (schools) of post WWII Korea, and they have their own curriculum which might differ in some specific details. Conversely, the WTF is not a teaching organization, and has no curriculum of its own. The WTF is a sport governing body, and while many people still incorrectly call their system "WTF Taekwondo," this is a misnomer. Regardless of what your Taekwondo school or association teaches in regards to Taekwondo self defense, where you compete, and what rules are enforced is a separate issue. If you are studying any from any legitimate school of Taekwondo, it is not necessary to switch to a different association provided you are getting quality instruction from a qualified Master. There are inherently Hapkido techniques and grappling (Yudo) within the Taekwondo curriculum, so unless your instruction comes from a source that focused on sports, or was lacking, the Hapki techniques should be there. However, "Hapkido" is a stand-alone art that resembles the same content of Taekwondo with less emphasis on kicks as the primary weapon. One does not need to study both, unless those elements are missing. Then it might be more advantageous to find a school that already contains everything in one coherent curriculum. Learning too many systems can be confusing to the mind and reflexes, and most various systems have a strategic approach to self defense that does not agree with, or compliment the others. Therefore, time spent training in a new system might be a complete disconnect from most of what is taught in the initial system learned. The phrase "A jack of all trades, and Master of none" applies here. If that is what you want, then studying a variety of systems might please you. If you are seeking to be highly skilled and proficient, then the expert advice is to Master one system that is in itself well-rounded. Later in your career, you will know better what additional training (if any) would benefit you, what would just be a repeat, and what would actually be counter-productive to a goal of being a highly skilled Martial Artist.
When Taekwondo Strikes was created in 1973.
I don`t know, but I know a taekwondo place in edmond. Its called Poos taekwondo. Poos taekwondo is a awesome taekwondo school and its worth the drive.
If by "flips" you mean back flips, then that would be gymnastics and some Taekwondo practitioners have incorporated those moves into what is commonly called "extreme Taekwondo." If by "flips" you mean throws such as are done in judo and jujutsu, then yes, we do use those as part of Taekwondo's curriculum. Keep in mind that when Taekwondo was formed as a complete Martial Art in the 1950's, many of the Kwan (school) founders had backgrounds in yudo/judo, hapkido/Aikido, and other influences that combined to make Taekwondo a complete system of self defense. We do not put an emphasis on flips and throws like is done in Judo, but they are a viable option that is supposed to be included in a complete Taekwondo curriculum.
The duration of When Taekwondo Strikes is 1.52 hours.
Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.Yes, Taekwondo is considered to be soft style. The reason why it is called the soft style is because Taekwondo is often linear with the forms and is performed with crisp movements.
Liu Xiaobo - taekwondo - was born in 1984.
Óscar Salazar - taekwondo - was born in 1977.
Aaron Cook - taekwondo - was born in 1991.
Korea Taekwondo Association was created in 1959.
James Dwyer - taekwondo - was born in 1982.
European Taekwondo Championships was created in 1976.
Turkey Taekwondo Federation was created in 1981.