History of Tae Kwon Do

Tae Kwon Do originated in Korea more than 2,000 years ago and was known by other names such as TaeKyon or Subak. Tae Kwon Do began as a way for Koreans to defend themselves from both the Mongols and Tartars, among other peoples. The most influential period of development was during the 7th century when famous warriors called Hwarang were trained for espionage and combat.

Photo by Tae Kwon Do Times, March 1995, p.54

Slowly developing over the next hundreds of years, in 1910, Tae Kwon Do was influenced by other forces, such as Japanese styles of combat. As young Koreans were exposed to Japanese versions of jujitsu, kendo, judo, karate, and sumo, Korean martial arts changed to fit these other forms. After Japan was defeated in World War II, there was an effort among Korean Tae Kwon Do masters to develop a uniquely Korean martial art again.

Tae Kwon Do was officially formed on April 11, 1955 when Korean martial arts masters came together to form Tae Soo Do, the first name for Tae Kwon Do. The World Tae Kwon Do Federation (WTF) was formed in Korea in 1973 by General Choi Hong Hi and is the only international governing body for Tae Kwon Do affiliated with the International Olympic Committee. The WTF is the governing body for more than 120 countries and millions of members.