TAEKWONDO
History
Taekwondo is a modern compilation of an ancient Korean art called subakhi, which means hand strike game; su meaning hand, bak meaning strike, and hi meaning play or game. This art was originally created to be a martial art as well as a competitive sport. Subakhi suffered during the Choson dynasty (1392-1910), because of the heavy stress from the ruling class on literary activities over physical. And yet, life goes on, and the art of subakhi kept right on developing. In fact, it developed so much that the drastically changed techniques were put under a new name: takkyon. This name did not hold though, as soon later, it changed to taekkyon. In the following excerpt of a book by Choi Yong Nyon, emphasis is laid on the very difficult kicking techniques of taekkyon.
"There was a fighting skill in which the players would try to knock each other down using the feet. The lowest skill level was kicking the opponents' leg, the next highest was to kick the shoulder, and the highest recognition was given to the one who could kick the opponent's topknot."
Subakhi and several other Korean martial arts, including an art called Soo Bakh Do, which had been used as a military training method in the Koryon dynasty, merged under the name Tae Soo Do in 1955. In 1957, 2 years later, the name of the art was changed to Taekwondo for its similarity to the name Tae Kyon, which was a very popular martial art at the time. Taekwondo was used as a military training method, just like Soo Bakh Do. Not only did the military have to learn it though, but the air force and police force had to as well.
Taekwondo is a modern compilation of an ancient Korean art called subakhi, which means hand strike game; su meaning hand, bak meaning strike, and hi meaning play or game. This art was originally created to be a martial art as well as a competitive sport. Subakhi suffered during the Choson dynasty (1392-1910), because of the heavy stress from the ruling class on literary activities over physical. And yet, life goes on, and the art of subakhi kept right on developing. In fact, it developed so much that the drastically changed techniques were put under a new name: takkyon. This name did not hold though, as soon later, it changed to taekkyon. In the following excerpt of a book by Choi Yong Nyon, emphasis is laid on the very difficult kicking techniques of taekkyon.
"There was a fighting skill in which the players would try to knock each other down using the feet. The lowest skill level was kicking the opponents' leg, the next highest was to kick the shoulder, and the highest recognition was given to the one who could kick the opponent's topknot."
Subakhi and several other Korean martial arts, including an art called Soo Bakh Do, which had been used as a military training method in the Koryon dynasty, merged under the name Tae Soo Do in 1955. In 1957, 2 years later, the name of the art was changed to Taekwondo for its similarity to the name Tae Kyon, which was a very popular martial art at the time. Taekwondo was used as a military training method, just like Soo Bakh Do. Not only did the military have to learn it though, but the air force and police force had to as well.
Ranking
Guiding principles/tenets
Taekwondo oath:
I shall observe the tenets of taekwondo.
I shall respect the instructor and seniors.
I shall never misuse taekwondo.
I shall be a champion of freedom and justice.
I shall build a more peaceful world.
- Courtesy (being polite, bowing as you enter the dojang (practice area), listening when the instructor talks)
- Integrity (doing the right thing, doing what you say you are going to do)
- Perseverance (never give up, always keep trying, ("if at first you fail,try again")
- Self-control (learn to control the powerful moves you learn in taekwondo)
- Indomitable spirit (always have spirit, even when facing the toughest of times)
Taekwondo oath:
I shall observe the tenets of taekwondo.
I shall respect the instructor and seniors.
I shall never misuse taekwondo.
I shall be a champion of freedom and justice.
I shall build a more peaceful world.
Equipment
Belt-see ranking section
- A white v-neck jacket
- White pants with elasticized waist
For 1st degree black belt and above:
- Black lining on the neck of the jacket
- Black stripe vertically down the outer side of each pant leg
Chest protectors are worn in sparring competitions
Etiquette
Bowing
Step 1
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your hands behind your back
Step 2
Bring your hands to the sides of your body, and bring your feet together-your hands should be open
Step 3
Bow your upper body about 30 degrees down then raise it, looking forward the entire time
Bowing
Step 1
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your hands behind your back
Step 2
Bring your hands to the sides of your body, and bring your feet together-your hands should be open
Step 3
Bow your upper body about 30 degrees down then raise it, looking forward the entire time
Technique
One example is given from each type of technique
One example is given from each type of technique
Forefist:
The left foot is brought forward and the left knee bent and the front foot facing forward, rotating the hips at a 45 degree angle. The back leg should be straight out behind the body with the foot facing out and forwards at a 45 degree angle. The chamber hand (the right hand) is pulled back to the ribs near the shoulder at the same time as the fist and feet move, with the elbow pointed backwards and the fingers facing up. At the same time, the front hand (left hand) is rested next to the ribs under the left shoulder in a fist, fingers up. It is then extended rapidly towards the target, and the moment before impact, it is turned so that the fingers are facing down. The target is struck using the knuckles of the index and middle fingers closest to the palm. This strike can then be repeated switching left for right and vice-versa.
Front Snap Kick:
The right leg is brought horizontally to waist height with the shin bent down vertically at a 90 degree angle to the upper leg. the foot should be horizontal. The toes are then pulled back and the knee swung rapidly so that the ball of the foot strikes the target.
This kick can then be repeated switching right for left and vice versa
This kick can then be repeated switching right for left and vice versa
Single forearm block:
The left leg is in front of the body, bent at an angle so that the toes cannot be seen. The back leg is out straight behind the body with the foot bent at a 45 degree angle forward and out. The right fist is rested on the left shoulder with the back of the hand facing forward. It is then slid down across the body to rest just above the right knee in a sweeping motion. At the same time, the left fist is pulled back to chamber next to the ribs below the shoulder, fingers facing up. This block can then be repeated switching left for right and vice-versa.
Videos
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