A Brief History of Modern Taekwondo

In order to move taekwondo forward, it’s necessary to understand the recent history of our modern martial art.

Post-War Emergence

Following the end of World War II in 1945 and Korea's liberation from Japanese occupation, there was renewed interest in Korean martial arts. During the occupation (1910-1945), the practice of all traditional Korean martial arts had been suppressed by the Japanese colonial government. This suppression aimed to promote Japanese nationalism and diminish Korean cultural identity. However, even under these restrictive conditions, some Koreans continued to practice martial arts in secret, preserving their traditions and techniques.  

In the post-war period, new martial arts schools, known as kwans (training halls), were established across Korea. These kwans were founded by Korean martial artists who had varying backgrounds in Japanese and Chinese martial arts, leading to the development of distinct styles with different focuses and techniques.  

The kwans

The kwans drew inspiration from various sources, reflecting the diverse experiences of their founders. Some kwans, like the Chung Do Kwan, incorporated elements of Shotokan Karate, a Japanese martial art that had gained popularity in Korea during the occupation. Others, like the Moo Duk Kwan, explored older Korean martial arts traditions, such as Tang Soo Do and Taekkyon.  

Some of the most prominent early kwans included:

  • Song Moo Kwan: Founded by Ro Byung Jik in 1944, this kwan had a strong Shotokan Karate influence.

  • Chung Do Kwan: Founded by Lee Won Kuk in 1944, the “blue wave” emphasized strong basic techniques.

  • Moo Duk Kwan: Founded by Hwang Kee in 1945, the “school of martial virtue” focused on preserving traditional Korean martial arts, including Tang Soo Do and Taekkyon.  

  • Chang Moo Kwan: Founded by Yoon Byung-in in 1946, this kwan incorporated elements of Chinese martial arts, such as Kung Fu, adding a unique flavor to its style.  

  • Ji Do Kwan: Founded by Chun Sang Sup in 1946.

Early unification efforts

In the 1950s, a movement to unify the different kwans and create a distinctly Korean martial art gained momentum. This movement was driven by a desire to establish a national martial art that could represent Korea's cultural identity and foster national unity in the post-war era. South Korean President Syngman Rhee, recognizing the potential for a national martial art to promote national pride and international recognition, actively encouraged the standardization of techniques and training methods.  

This drive for unification was not solely motivated by cultural considerations. It also reflected the political climate of the time, with the South Korean government seeking to establish a national identity distinct from that of North Korea. By promoting Taekwondo as a uniquely Korean martial art, the government aimed to strengthen national unity and project an image of strength and resilience on the international stage.  

A series of meetings and discussions among kwan leaders took place, with the goal of creating a unified system that incorporated the strengths of the different kwans. This led to the adoption of the name "Taekwondo" in 1955, a term that encapsulated the core elements of the art, emphasizing kicking and striking techniques.  

General Choi and the ITF

General Choi Hong Hi played a key role in the unification efforts and the promotion of Taekwondo internationally. He was instrumental in the creation of the original forms and the establishment of the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) in 1966.  

Political differences arose within the Taekwondo community, particularly regarding Choi's association with North Korea and his views on the unification of the Korean Peninsula. This led to a split between the ITF and the South Korean government-backed organizations. The ITF, under Choi's leadership, continued to develop its own distinct style and philosophy, with a greater emphasis on self-defense and practical applications. In contrast, the South Korean government focused on promoting Taekwondo as a sport and a tool for international diplomacy.

The Kukkiwon and the World Taekwondo Federation

The Kukkiwon, established in 1972 by the South Korean government, became the central institution for the promotion and standardization of Taekwondo. It developed a standardized curriculum, oversaw the certification of instructors, and hosted international competitions. The World Taekwondo Federation, working in conjunction with the Kukkiwon, focused on the global dissemination of Taekwondo and its development as a competitive sport.  

The World Taekwondo's efforts led to the recognition of Taekwondo as an official Olympic sport in 2000, further solidifying its international presence. This recognition marked a significant milestone in the development of Taekwondo, bringing it to a global audience and contributing to its widespread popularity.

In 2017, the World Taekwondo Federation officially changed its name to World Taekwondo.

Global Popularity

Taekwondo's global spread has been remarkable, with millions of practitioners worldwide, making it one of the most popular martial arts. This internationalization has been facilitated by various factors, including the efforts of Korean instructors who traveled abroad to teach, the establishment of Taekwondo schools and organizations in different countries, and the increasing popularity of martial arts in general.  

The Korean diaspora, particularly in the aftermath of the Korean War (1950-1953), played a significant role in the dissemination of Taekwondo. Korean martial arts instructors who emigrated to different countries established schools and introduced Taekwondo to new audiences. The US military also played a role in the spread of Taekwondo, with soldiers stationed in Korea during and after the war bringing the martial art back to their home countries.  

Taekwondo has also had a significant cultural impact, promoting values such as discipline, respect, and self-control. It has been integrated into educational and community programs, contributing to personal development and fostering a sense of community. In Korea, Taekwondo serves as a symbol of national identity and cultural heritage, embodying the values of perseverance, resilience, and ethical conduct.