Taekwondo
was practiced as far back as 2000 years ago. During the long & embattled
history of Korea. Taekwondo - orginally called Subak
and Takyon - evolved from a survival fighting system into a
complete Martial Art. It became the ethical, mental and physical
foundation of the Hwarang, the legendary Warrior-Knights of
the Silla Dynasty.
Through the
centuries the Korean Peninsula was often attacked and invaded by
neighbouring countries, however the fierce spirit of the Korean people
was never crushed and the art of Taekwondo was preserved as part
of the cultural and martial heritage of the nation. It was handed down
from one generation to the next, refined and strengthened in the
process.
When its practice
was outlawed by invaders, it was kept alive secretly, often in secluded
monastries. Finally, in the early 1950's many associations were formed
to revitalise, organise and promote the ancient Martial Art of Korea.
In 1965, the Korean
Taekwondo Association was recognised by the government as the
organisation to bring together the different schools (Kwan) and styles
into one. Since then Taekwondo has achieved great popularity, becoming
the first national sport of Korea. It is now included in the school
curriculm from first grade to college and it is required practice for
the police and military.
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Today Taekwondo
is a Traditional Martial Art, a scientific Self-Defense system and a
modern sport practiced by over 20 million people in 165
countries.
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Taekwondo was
introduced as a demonstration sport at the 1988 and 1992 Summer Olympics.
It is the only form of Martial Art that is recognised as a Sport and
Traditional Art. Taekwondo was a medal sport during the 2000 Sydney
Olympics. Australia winning a Gold
medal with Lauren Burns, and a silver medal with Daniel Trenton
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