The ancient martial art now designated Tae Kwon Do continues to grapple with the modern imagination, gripping a reputed 30 million practitioners in upwards of 150 countries. Not known as Tae Kwon Do in ancient times, this combat system drew influences from a myriad of martial art forms from Korean Tae Kwon and Taek Kyon, or Subak, to Chinese kung-fu to Japanese karate.
Defining Tae Kwon Do
"Comprehensive Asian Fighting Arts" by Donn F. Draeger and Robert W. Smith pinpoints Tae Kwon Do as "the technique of unarmed combat for self-defense that involves ... punching, jumping kicks, blocks, dodges, [and] parrying actions with hands and feet."
More than a simple fighting system, however, Tae Kwon Do has significant philosophical underpinnings that buttress discipline and moral character. Further, expert Tae Kwon Do practitioners are also masters of breathing techniques.
Origins
Although there is some disagreement, Tae Kyon, or Subak, is thought by many martial arts historians to be the chief progenitor of Tae Kwon Do. According to "Tae Kwon Do: The Ultimate Reference Guide to the World's Most Popular Martial Art," records dating to approximately 50 B.C. indicate the earliest form of Tae Kwon Do practice. Around that time, the Korean Peninsula was divided into three kingdoms. These kingdoms, which warred within as well as with neighbor Japan, contributed to the development of what is now called Tae Kwon Do.
A backbone of Tae Kwon Do dubbed the Five Codes of Human Conduct, which included perseverance and loyalty to country and ruler, originated during ancient times and has carried over into today's so-called Eleven Commandments.
Evolution
As Tae Kwon Do evolved through successive refinements and influences from other martial arts systems from Japan and China, it became less a de rigueur military requirement and more of a sporting activity, notably during the Silla dynasty from A.D. 668 to A.D. 935 A.D. And then, during the successive Koryo dynasty, A.D. 935 to A.D. 1392, it became focused on fighting once again.
It was not until the Yi dynasty, A.D. 1397 to 1907, that Tae Kwon Do began to slide into unpopularity. Ironically, during the same period, what is thought of as the first publication of Tae Kwon Do techniques was widely circulated.
Draeger and Smith also trace the birth of the term "Tae Kwon" to this period; heretofore, what today is known as Tae Kwon Do was frequently referred to as "kwonpup," an alternate designation of Subak.
Tae Kwon Do in the 20th and 21st Centuries
From 1909 through 1945, Korea was occupied by Japanese invaders, and martial systems like Taekwon/Tae Kwon were suppressed along with what were deemed any vestiges of Korean patriotism. Taekwon effectively dove underground and flourished thanks to several dedicated teachers such as Song Duk Ki and Han Il Dong. Smith and Draeger affirm that "it was not until the independence of Korea in 1945 that, restyled as tae kwon do, [this empty-hand martial art] reached its present level of development."
The world's first Tae Kwon Do school, called a "kwan," also opened in Seoul, Korea, in 1945. (Reference 1) On the wings of that auspicious start, this martial arts system has soared into the Olympic Games as an official event--since a 1988 debut in Seoul as a demonstration event. (Reference 1)
Despite the collision of philosophies between modern Tae Kwon Do practitioners who advocate either traditional Tae Kwon Do or sport Tae Kwon Do, this artful sport will continue to kick its influence up a few more notches, perhaps culminating with its debut as an optional sport at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. (See References 5, 6)
References
- Glen R. Morris: The History of Taekwondo
- North American Tae Kwon Do: History: Tae Kwon Do in Ancient Times
- Donn F. Draeger and Robert W. Smith: "Comprehensive Asian Fighting Arts"
- North American Tae Kwon Do: History: Tae Kwon Do in the 20th Century
- Bob Williams: "The Telegraph," Taekwondo Set to Join 2018 Commonwealth Games After 'Category Two' Classification
- TKD Tutor: Sport Versus Traditional
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