In which country did tae kwon do begin?

Answer 1

"Taekwondo" ("Tae Kwon Do" or "Taekwon-Do") began in Korea. The Korean art is a combination of thousands of years of culture, history, warrior spirit, and combat skills that were unique to the people of the Chosen peninsula (early Korea). During the 1st Century B.C. and into the 1st Century A.D. three distinct and separate kingdoms were forming. It was during this time that native fighting skills were developed and used under such names as subak and taekyon. Most of these skill were likely influenced by warriors of China, Mongolia and surrounding areas where the early Koreans had migrated from, and continued to exchange cultures with. Japan also had a small amount of influence on the early pioneers of Korea, but it was the formation of the Hwarang Youth Group in the 6th Century that established a well-documented school of education for young warriors who combined philosophy of life, poetry, appreciation of art, and various warrior combat skills. From their code of conduct, much of the modern day Korean Martial Art is based. During the WWII occupation of Korea by Japan (1910-1945) the Korean culture, language and combat arts were banned, thus anyone studying Martial Art skills were limited mostly to Japanese influences. However, ancient skills of Subak and Taekyon were still taught in secret to a select few. As WWII came to a close, one school of Martial Art was authorized to be open under the direction of a Korean college professor, Won Kuk Lee. He called his school "Chung Do Kwan" (school of the Great Blue Wave). From this, many Korean students became Black Belts, and opened their own post-war Kwans (schools). By 1955, it was decided that the kwans needed to be organized under one leadership, and a new name would be chosen to replace many of the Japanese terms forced upon them during the occupation. General Hong Hi Choi, a former student of Taekyon, Shotokan Karate, and of the Chung Do Kwan, suggested the term "Taekwon-Do" and it was chosen. Over the next several decades, Taekwondo would prove itself to be a unique Martial Art of Korean design and philosophy that set itself apart from any other country's Martial Art. The term Taekwondo would come to represent many things, including some limited viewpoints of those interested only in sports, those who focus on family fitness and children's classes, and those who are not properly trained or certified to offer Taekwondo. The term "Taekwon-Do" as offered by General Choi would also become known as another name for his own brand of teaching which was reflected in his "Oh Do Kwan" ("Gym of My Way"). As for national Martial Art of Korea, Taekwondo has become one of the most popular Martial Art world wide, one of the most well-rounded and effective systems of combat training used by the feared ROK Army during the Korean War and Vietnam War. Taekwondo has also been represented as an international sport which was introduced to the Olympics as a demonstration in 1988, and a full medal sport as of the 2000 Summer Games. Some people confuse the Sport of Taekwondo with the self defense combat skills of traditional Taekwondo, and feel that Taekwondo is changing to become softer, and more sport oriented. However, it is a fact that many "old school" masters, Korean as well as other nationalities, are keeping both aspects of Taekwondo alive. Taekwondo began in Korea, but now it is shared by the world.