Volume 04 Issue 07-2024
113
American Journal Of Social Sciences And Humanity Research
(ISSN
–
2771-2141)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
07
P
AGES
:
113-118
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
ABSTRACT
Taekwondo is a martial art from Korea that has grown into a popular sport worldwide. This article looks at how
taekwondo started and spread globally. We explore important historical events, cultural influences, and the role of
international groups. The study shows how taekwondo combines tradition and modernity and its impact on global
sports and culture.
KEYWORDS
Taekwondo, martial arts, Korean history, global sports, cultural heritage, World Taekwondo Federation (WTF),
Olympic Games.
INTRODUCTION
Taekwondo is an ancient Korean martial art known for
its kicks and fast moves. This article examines how
taekwondo started and became a popular sport
worldwide. By looking at its history and cultural
importance, we can understand its role in international
sports and cultural exchange. This article aims to
explain the history of taekwondo, how it developed,
and how it spread around the world, highlighting its
importance in culture and sports.
Main Part.
Taekwondo’s roots go back to ancient
Korean martial arts like Taekkyon and Subak.
Taekkyon, from the Goguryeo Dynasty (37 BCE
–
668
CE), focused on smooth and rhythmic foot techniques.
Subak, from the Joseon Dynasty (1392
–
1910), was more
Research Article
THE GENESIS OF TAEKWONDO AROUND THE WORLD
Submission Date:
July 21, 2024,
Accepted Date:
July 26, 2024,
Published Date:
July 31, 2024
Crossref doi:
https://doi.org/10.37547/ajsshr/Volume04Issue07-18
Asadbek Bozorov
Student of Cuyahoga Community College, Ohio, USA
Journal
Website:
https://theusajournals.
com/index.php/ajsshr
Copyright:
Original
content from this work
may be used under the
terms of the creative
commons
attributes
4.0 licence.
Volume 04 Issue 07-2024
114
American Journal Of Social Sciences And Humanity Research
(ISSN
–
2771-2141)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
07
P
AGES
:
113-118
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
about combat with hand strikes and defense. These
early arts were the foundation of taekwondo.
During Japan’s
occupation of Korea (1910
–
1945),
Korean martial arts were suppressed, and Japanese
martial arts, like karate, influenced Korean practices.
After Korea’s liberation in 1945, traditional martial arts
regained interest, leading to the development of
taekwondo.
In the 1950s, General Choi Hong Hi was crucial in
developing taekwondo. He combined Taekkyon,
Subak, and karate elements to create a structured
system of moves and forms, naming it “taekwondo” in
1955. “The name “taekwondo” means “foot,” “fist,”
and “way,” showing a balance of physical and mental
training. Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that’s well
known among the general population worldwide. The
word “Taekwondo” consists of three parts: “tae”,
meaning foot, “kwon”, meaning fist or hand, and “do”,
mea
ning way.” [1]
The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) was founded
in 1973 to promote and regulate taekwondo globally.
The WTF set standard rules, helping taekwondo
become part of international competitions. This was a
big step in making taekwondo a global sp
ort. “The first
time that Taekwondo became a demonstration sport
was on September 17, 1988, at Seoul Olympics, the
catalyst that promoted the sport globally. On
September 4, 1994, Taekwondo became an official
Olympic sport at the 103rd IOC Assembly in Paris. Six
years later, at the Summer Olympics in Sydney,
Taekwondo became a full medal sport. Interestingly
enough, the rules of Taekwondo are regulated by
World Taekwondo Federation and not by an external
organization like most other Olympic sports.” [3]
Tae
kwondo’s inclusion in the Olympic Games was a
major achievement. It was a demonstration sport at
the 1988 Seoul Olympics and became an official sport
in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. This raised taekwondo’s
profile and attracted practitioners and fans worldwide.
Taekwondo uses a belt system to show a practitioner’s
level. Beginners start with a white belt, and as they
improve, they move up to yellow, green, blue, red, and
black belts. Black belts have multiple degrees,
indicating higher skill levels.
Poomsae are patterns of movements that taekwondo
practitioners perform. Each form consists of a series of
techniques, including kicks, punches, and blocks,
performed in a set sequence. Practicing poomsae helps
students develop their skills and understand the
principles of taekwondo.
Kyorugi is the sport aspect of taekwondo where
practitioners spar with each other. Matches are usually
three rounds, and points are scored by landing kicks
and punches on the opponent’s torso and head.
Protective gear is worn to prevent injuries.
Volume 04 Issue 07-2024
115
American Journal Of Social Sciences And Humanity Research
(ISSN
–
2771-2141)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
07
P
AGES
:
113-118
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
Taekwondo rules have evolved to ensure fair and safe
competition. The WTF set the standard rules for
poomsae and sparring, including the scoring system
and protective gear requirements. These rules are
regularly updated to improve the sport.
Many taekwondo athletes have gained international
fame. Some of the most notable include, Hadi Saei
from Iran, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, Steven
Lopez from the United States, a two-time Olympic gold
medalist, Jade Jones from the United Kingdom, a two-
time Olympic gold medalist, Nikita Glasnovic from
Croatia, an Olympic medalist and many others
Taekwondo is popular globally because of its dynamic
techniques, focus on discipline, and cultural appeal.
Many countries have included taekwondo in schools,
military
training,
and
community
programs.
Taekwondo also helps with cultural diplomacy,
promoting international cooperation through events
and exchanges.
In the U.S., taekwondo became popular in the 1960s
and 1970s, thanks to Korean masters who opened
schools nationwide. The United States Taekwondo
Association (USTA), founded in 1971, helped
standardize and promote the sport in the country.
In Europe, taekwondo spread quickly in the 1970s and
1980s. Countries like Germany, France, and the UK set
up national federations and hosted international
events. European practitioners have excelled in
taekwondo, helping its growth and popularity.
In Uzbekistan, taekwondo started to develop in 1989.
During the Soviet era, the ITF Taekwondo Club
“PATRIOT” was founded on Novem
ber 25, 1989, led by
A. Shubsky and L. S. Khasanov. After Uzbekistan gained
independence in 1991, the club "Lotus" officially
became the National Association of Taekwondo (ITF)
of the Republic of Uzbekistan. By 1991, about 3,000
athletes were practicing taekwondo in Uzbekistan,
with around 30 sections across the country. Early
international class sports masters included E. Li, P. A.
Usmanov, N. Tolipov, I. Hegai, and E. Kan, while
international judges comprised A. O. Shubsky, Y. Li, L.
S. Khasanov, Halilov, M. Mirzakhonov, Y. Li, U.
Mukkarramov, and R. E. Ergasheva. Taekwondo is a
versatile sport and self-defense method with deep
historical roots and few contraindications. It enhances
individual capabilities, perceptive and motor systems,
attention, and physical health, improving oxygen
exchange in the lungs and heart, and developing
coordination essential for any sport or physical work.
Taekwondo training fosters sensitivity, quick thinking,
and self-discipline, providing support for the insecure,
defenseless, and physically weak while instilling a spirit
of cooperation and mutual respect. Currently, around
60,000
athletes
practice
taekwondo
across
Uzbekistan. [4]
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116
American Journal Of Social Sciences And Humanity Research
(ISSN
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2771-2141)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
07
P
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:
113-118
OCLC
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1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
World Taekwondo (WT) is the International Federation
(IF) that governs the sport of Taekwondo and is a
member of the Association of Summer Olympic
International
Federations
(ASOIF)
and
the
International Paralympic Committee (IPC). WT
oversees the most inclusive and accessible combat
sport, blending the values of ancient Asian heritage
with those of a global elite sport. Taekwondo is built on
a foundation that mixes traditional and modern
elements, with values recognized by practitioners and
partners
such
as
pleasure,
self-surpassing,
perseverance, moral and physical strength, and
respect for others. The vision of WT is "Taekwondo For
All," and its mission is to develop and grow Taekwondo
worldwide, from grassroots to elite levels, providing
opportunities for everyone to play, watch, and enjoy
the sport regardless of age, gender, religion, ethnicity,
or ability. The values of WT include inclusiveness,
leadership, respect, tolerance, excellence, and
integrity. WT is responsible for the development,
growth, and administration of Taekwondo globally,
with strategic priorities outlined in its Sustainability
Strategy to guide annual planning and activities for its
headquarters and stakeholders. [2]
Scientific Researches of Taekwondo
. The impact of
taekwondo on various aspects of physical and
psychological health has been the subject of extensive
research. He Xianzhu (2015) explored how taekwondo
influences the comprehensive development of health
school girls in Beihai City, highlighting its benefits in
physical education and overall well-being. [5] Cingoz et
al. (2018) examined the relationship between hand
preference and success in taekwondo and karate,
noting significant gender differences in. [6] Xia et al.
(2020) conducted a case study on the psychological
impact of taekwondo training on handicapped
athletes, finding that it significantly improved their
mental health and social integration. [7]
Falco et al. (2012) analyzed matches in a university
taekwondo championship, providing insights into the
tactical and technical aspects of the sport at the
collegiate level. [8] Rabiei et al. (2017) investigated the
effects of functional training on taekwondo players
with
mechanical
low
back
pain,
showing
improvements in pain management, function. [9]
Finally, Julvanichpong et al. (2022) evaluated the effect
of a psychological skills training package on the mental
readiness of taekwondo athletes, demonstrating its
effectiveness in enhancing mental preparedness and
competitive performance. [10]
These studies collectively underscore the multifaceted
benefits of taekwondo training, ranging from physical
health improvements to psychological and social
enhancements, highlighting the sport's value across
diverse populations and settings.
RESULTS
Volume 04 Issue 07-2024
117
American Journal Of Social Sciences And Humanity Research
(ISSN
–
2771-2141)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
07
P
AGES
:
113-118
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
This study shows taekwondo’s unique ability to adapt
and grow in different contexts.
Taekwondo started from old Korean martial arts like
Taekkyon and Subak. It mixed with Japanese martial
arts during Korea’s occupation by Japan. In the 1950s,
General Choi Hong Hi created modern taekwondo by
blending these styles. This shows how taekwondo has
kept its tra ditions but also adapted and changed over
time.
Taekwondo has helped people from different
countries understand and cooperate with each other.
Demonstrations and competitions around the world
have introduced taekwondo and Korean culture to
many people. Schools and community programs in
various countries now include taekwondo, promoting
cultural exchange and respect.
These points show how taekwondo has kept its
traditional roots while becoming a modern, global
sport. It helps promote cultural exchange and
international cooperation.
CONCLUSION
Taekwondo’s journey from ancient Korea to a global
phenomenon shows how martial arts can cross cultural
and geographical boundaries. By keeping its traditional
roots and embracing modernity, taekwondo has
become a symbol of cultural heritage and international
unity. As taekwondo continues to grow, it will play an
important role in global sports and cultural exchange.
REFERENCES
1.
Brief History of Taekwondo. Global Martial Arts
University,
17
Aug.
2023,
https://globalmartialarts.university/2023/08/17/a-
brief-history-of-taekwondo/.
2.
About
WT.
World
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https://m.worldtaekwondo.org/about-
wt/about.html.
3.
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Hello
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4.
Taekwon-Do Uzbekistan, https://www.taekwon-
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He, Xianzhu. “The Influences of Taekwondo of
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7.
Xia, Ziyi, HongJi
an He, and Jianzhong Wu. “Return
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of Taekwondo Training on the Handicapped
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American Journal Of Social Sciences And Humanity Research
(ISSN
–
2771-2141)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
07
P
AGES
:
113-118
OCLC
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1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
Athlete”. Open Journal of Social Sciences, vol. 8,
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