Taekwondo: Early Korea

TAEKWONDO
It is a Korean martial art, characterized by its emphasis on head-height kicks, jumping spinning
kicks, and fast kicking techniques. The name Taekwondo is derived from the Korean word "Tae"
meaning foot, "Kwon" meaning fist and "Do" meaning way of. So, literally Taekwondo means "the
way of the foot and fist". The name Taekwondo, however, has only been used since 1955 while the
arts' roots began 2,300 years ago in Korea. Known as a martial art and way of life, the evolution of
Taekwondo was a direct result of the happenings in Korea long ago, and knowledge of the history
is an important step in understanding Taekwondo.
Early Korea:
Korean history began when in 2333 B.C. the legendary national founder, Tangun, founded "Old
Korea" at Asadal. As in the histories of other nations, communal life was gradually transformed into
tribal communities, and then tribal leagues and finally took the form of a state. Although no written
history of the fighting systems of this time remains it is known that the people of this time were
hunters and had some means of protection as well as livelihood.
The Three Kingdoms:
During the 6th century A.D. what we now call the Korean peninsula was divided into three kingdoms;
Koguryo, Paekje and Silla.
Koguryo (37 B.C.- 668 A.D.)- Koguryo was the largest kingdom. It occupied the southern section
of Manchuria and the northern section of the Korean peninsula.
Paekje (18 B.C. - 600 A.D.)- Paekje was situated along the Han River and in southwestern Korea.
Silla (57 B.C.- 936 A.D.)- Silla was the last, and smallest of the kingdoms and located on the
southeastern tip of the Korean peninsula. Archeological findings during these times such as the
mural paintings on the royal tombs during the Koguryo period, stone sculptures at pagodas during
the Silla period and documents written in the Paekje period, show techniques and fighting stances
that were probably the first forms of Taekwondo.
The three kingdoms were at war with each other and constantly fought for new ground on the
peninsula. Silla, being the smallest and weakest militarily began to have a difficult time protecting
itself against the other kingdoms and so took an action which would turn out to be a key point in
Korean history.
HwaRang
The 24th king of Silla, Chin Heung, formed a group of warriors, which were called the HwaRang.
The HwaRang were trained in weapons such as the sword, spear and bow. They devoted their lives
to these martial skills in the hopes that they could save Silla. The HwaRang also studied an unarmed
form of combat called SooBak. SooBak was a primitive form of foot fighting, using some hand, but
mostly foot techniques. The HwaRang took SooBak and added things to it to create a more fighting
art. The techniques of SooBak were created to be used in fighting along with the other weapons of
the HwaRang to make the warriors able to defeat their enemies. But, Chin Heung needed something
more than just competent soldiers; he needed something to unify the HwaRang and create the
mental conditioning to lead the kingdom to victory. So, he asked Won Kang, a Buddhist monk and
scholar, to take charge of the HwaRang training. Won Kang did so and not only created fine warriors,
but actually a way of thought for the HwaRang. Won Kang came up with a code of ethics that the
HwaRang warriors followed. They were:
1. Be loyal to your king
2. Be obedient to your parents
3. Have honor and faith among friends
4. Have perseverance in battle
5. Justice never to take a life without cause
With a the code of ethics and with their skills in fighting the HwaRang became the HwaRangDo,
which meant "way of the flower of manhood." The HwaRangDo became known for their bravery and
fighting skill and soon supplied the leadership to defeat both the Paekje and Koguryo kingdoms and
unify Korea in to one country known then as Koryo.
Taekwondo today is just as exciting as ever. Taekwondo, under the leadership of the World
Taekwondo Federation, has grown into an international art and sport practiced in over 190
countries worldwide.
TAEKWONDO GEARS AND EQUIPMENT
• Taekwondo Uniform(Dobuk)
• Body Armor
• Head Gear
• Shin Guard
• Arm Guard
• Hand Gloves
• Foot Gloves
• Groin Guard
• Mouth Guard
➢ Do your own research about the tenets of taekwondo and the points and regulations of
taekwondo.

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