The History of Taekwondo

The origin of Taekwondo traces back to the three kingdoms of Koguryo (37 BC-668AD), Paekche (18 BC-600 AD), and Silla (57 BC-936 AD). Archaeological findings, such as mural paintings on the royal tombs of the Koguryo dynasty, the stone sculptures of pagadas of temples of the Silla period, and documents written in the Paekche dynasty, showed fighting stances, skills, and formalized movements similar to today's Tae Kwon Do styles and forms.

The modern period of Taekwondo began with the liberation of Korea in 1945 after World War II. Korea wanted to eliminate Japanese influences (in martial arts) and began to unite the various martial arts schools (Kwans) and styles into a single style and national sport. In 1965, the name Tae Kwon Do was chosen to represent this unified style of Korean martial arts.

Chronological Achievements of Tae Kwon Do

• 1972 - Construction of Kukkiwon was completed.
• 1973 - World Taekwondo Federation created.
• 1973 - The first World Taekwondo Championships were held (biannual event).
• 1974 - The first Asian Taekwondo Championships were held (biannual event).
• 1975 - General Association of International Sports Federations recognises the WTF.
• 1976 - Taekwondo accepted as a Conseil International du Sport Militaire sport.
• 1980 - The World Taekwondo Federation was granted recognition by the International Olympic Committe (IOC) at its 83rd General Session in Moscow.
• 1981 - Taekwondo was one of the primary events in the World Games (non-Olympic events) held in Santa Clara, California.
• 1983 - Taekwondo accepted as a Pan American Games and All Africa Games sport
• 1985 - Taekwondo was adopted as a demonstration sport for the 1988 Olympic Games.
• 1986 - Taekwondo accepted as a Federation International du Sport Universitaire sport (world university level sport organisation).
• 1986 - The First World Cup Taekwondo Championship was held in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
• 1986 - The 10th Asian Games Taekwondo Tournament was held in Seoul with 17 participating nations.
• 1986 - First World University Taekwondo Championships were held.
• 1987 - Taekwondo was included in the 10th Pan-American Games held in Indianapolis, Indiana.
• 1987 - The first Women's World Taekwondo Championships were held in Barcelona, Spain.
• 1988 - A Demonstration Sport of the 24th Olympiad, 192 players from 25 nations (male) and 16 nations (female).
• 1991 - Taekwondo was included in the 11th Pan-American Games held in Havana, Cuba.
• 1992 - Taekwondo is an Olympic demonstration sport in Barcelona, Spain.
• 1994 - Taekwondo selected as a full Olympic sport for the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia.