Taekwondo, one of the most popular martial arts in the world today, has a rich history shaped by numerous influential figures and events. Its evolution from the five original Kwans to its present-day global presence is a testament to its cultural and martial significance. This article traces the history of Taekwondo from its earliest roots to its worldwide prominence, highlighting key events, figures, and controversies along the way.
Origins: The Five Kwans and Early Development
Taekwondo’s origins can be traced back to Korea, where it emerged from traditional Korean martial arts, most notably Taekkyeon, and influences from Chinese and Japanese martial arts. In the 1940s and 1950s, as Korea sought to rebuild itself after the Japanese occupation and the Korean War, the martial arts scene was fragmented. Various martial arts schools, known as kwans, began to form and each had its own unique approach to martial arts training. The five original Kwans were:
- Chung Do Kwan – Founded by Won Kuk Lee in 1944, this was one of the earliest and most influential Kwans, combining elements of Shotokan Karate with traditional Korean martial arts.
- Moo Duk Kwan – Founded by Hwang Kee in 1945, Moo Duk Kwan emphasized the importance of discipline and moral integrity, blending Chinese martial arts with Korean influences.
- Song Moo Kwan – Established by Yong, Chang Seok in the 1940s, it incorporated a hybrid of Shotokan Karate and Taekkyeon.
- Chang Moo Kwan – Founded by Han, Il Dong, it also focused on Karate and Korean martial arts.
- Oh Do Kwan – Founded by Lee, Nam Suk, this Kwan developed into a key institution in the formation of Taekwondo as we know it today.
Each of these Kwans contributed to the development of Taekwondo by emphasizing different aspects of the martial art, from fighting techniques to discipline and moral philosophy.
The Naming of the Art and General Choi Hong Hi’s Influence
In the early years, the martial arts practiced by the different Kwans were not unified under a single name. However, in 1955, General Choi Hong Hi, often regarded as the father of modern Taekwondo, proposed the name Taekwondo to consolidate the various systems under one banner. The term “Taekwondo” is derived from the Korean words “Tae” (foot), “Kwon” (hand), and “Do” (way or path), meaning “the way of the foot and fist.” This new name represented a departure from previous terms like “Tang Soo Do” (which had been used to describe Korean Karate) and reflected the distinct nature of the Korean martial art.
General Choi’s vision was not only to create a unified martial art but also to develop a comprehensive system that could be practiced globally. In addition to his leadership in the development of Taekwondo as a martial art, Choi was also instrumental in promoting Taekwondo as a sport.
General Choi’s Role in the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF)
In 1966, General Choi founded the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) in Seoul, South Korea. The ITF was established to promote Taekwondo internationally and to standardize the practice of Taekwondo globally. Under General Choi’s leadership, the ITF emphasized the development of both traditional and sport Taekwondo, incorporating patterns (or poomsae), sparring, and self-defense techniques into the training regimen.
Choi’s work also brought Taekwondo into the global spotlight. The ITF held its first World Championship in 1973, drawing participants from various countries. Over the next few decades, the ITF expanded Taekwondo into countries across the globe, significantly contributing to its worldwide popularity.
The Split: Formation of the World Taekwondo Federation (WT)
A significant turning point in the history of Taekwondo came in 1973 when a split occurred between the ITF and a new organization, the World Taekwondo Federation (WT). This split was due to a number of factors, including differences in philosophy, organizational structure, and the direction in which the two groups wanted to take Taekwondo.
In the early 1970s, the South Korean government, seeking to further solidify Taekwondo’s position as the national martial art, began supporting the development of Taekwondo as a sport for international competition. The World Taekwondo Federation (WT) was founded in 1973 to serve this purpose, and it became the primary body responsible for the sport aspect of Taekwondo, including Olympic recognition.
In 1980, the ITF’s leadership fell into controversy after General Choi, seeking greater support for his vision of Taekwondo, moved to North Korea. Choi’s relocation and his subsequent involvement with the North Korean government led to a significant decline in his relationship with the South Korean government and other Taekwondo organizations. Despite this, General Choi remained an influential figure in the ITF, though the organization was largely based outside of South Korea and maintained a presence in countries like Canada and North Korea.
Early Pioneers and Their Contributions
Several key figures played pivotal roles in the early development of Taekwondo. Aside from General Choi Hong Hi, notable early pioneers included:
- Kim, Bok Man: A prominent martial artist in the development of Taekwondo, he helped establish the original curriculum of Taekwondo and made significant contributions to the creation of the ITF’s technical guidelines.
- Ri, Ki Ha: Another important figure in the early years of Taekwondo, Ri helped popularize the sport, particularly in its early stages outside Korea. His role in creating standardized patterns and sparring techniques for the ITF was invaluable.
- Choi, Jung Hwa: The son of General Choi, he became an influential leader within the ITF, continuing his father’s legacy and spreading Taekwondo internationally.
These early pioneers helped refine the martial art’s techniques and philosophy, contributing to the global spread of Taekwondo.
The Creation of the Kukkiwon and the World Taekwondo Federation’s Rise
In 1972, the Kukkiwon was established in Seoul, South Korea, as the World Taekwondo Headquarters. The Kukkiwon became the center of Taekwondo education, responsible for the certification of black belts and the development of Taekwondo’s standards, including the patterns practiced worldwide.
In 1988, the World Taekwondo Federation (WT) made a significant leap forward when Taekwondo was included as a demonstration sport at the Seoul Summer Olympics. It was officially added as a full medal sport in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. The recognition of Taekwondo by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) solidified its global reach and appeal.
Controversies and Allegations of Corruption
As Taekwondo became more globally recognized, the expansion and governance of the sport also attracted scrutiny. One notable issue was the allegations of corruption that arose against the leadership of the World Taekwondo Federation (WT). These allegations primarily centered on financial mismanagement, questionable decisions surrounding the Olympic participation of Taekwondo, and the way the sport was being governed at an international level. Despite these controversies, the sport continued to thrive, with increasing numbers of countries establishing national Taekwondo federations.
The Expansion of Taekwondo Worldwide
Taekwondo’s expansion beyond Korea has been extraordinary. Today, Taekwondo is practiced in over 200 countries, with millions of practitioners worldwide. The sport has become a central part of many national sports programs, and Taekwondo’s inclusion in the Olympics has only heightened its popularity.
Various international organizations now oversee Taekwondo, including the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF – Multiple Organizations w/ this Name), the American TaeKwonDo Association, the World Taekwondo Federation (WT), the Global TaeKwonDo Federation (GTA), International Jung Tong TaeKwonDo Federation (IJTF), and the International World Taekwondo. Adding to this body are national organizations like the American TaeKwonDo Association, the TaeKwon-Do America, the United States Kido Federation, and many more. These organizations help maintain the integrity of the art while overseeing competitions, rule development, and international relations. Despite the split between the ITF and the WT, both organizations have played significant roles in the evolution of Taekwondo.
Conclusion
Taekwondo’s journey from the five Kwans in post-war Korea to a global sport and martial art has been marked by both collaboration and conflict. The leadership of figures like General Choi Hong Hi, and the contributions of early pioneers, laid the groundwork for the growth and international recognition of Taekwondo. Although controversies and splits have arisen along the way, the continued evolution of the art and its widespread appeal demonstrate the enduring legacy of Taekwondo in the world of martial arts.
