Origin and History
Country of Origin: Korea
Founded: 1940s-1950s
Founders: Choi Hong Hi, various Korean masters
Historical Development
Taekwondo emerged in Korea after World War II, combining traditional Korean martial arts (Taekkyeon, Subak) with influences from Japanese Karate. Korean martial artists who trained in Japan during occupation returned home and established various kwans (schools). In 1955, General Choi Hong Hi unified these schools under the name "Taekwondo."
What Makes Taekwondo Unique
- Dynamic Kicking: Emphasis on high, fast, spinning kicks
- Olympic Sport: Official Olympic sport since 2000
- Patterns (Poomsae): Choreographed forms for training
- Breaking (Gyeokpa): Demonstrating power through board breaking
- Sport Sparring: Point-based competition with electronic scoring
Fundamental Techniques
Kicks (Chagi)
- Ap Chagi (Front Kick): Snap kick to front
- Dollyo Chagi (Roundhouse Kick): Circular kick
- Yeop Chagi (Side Kick): Powerful side thrust
- Dwi Chagi (Back Kick): Rear thrust kick
- Naeryo Chagi (Axe Kick): Downward striking kick
- Twio Chagi (Jumping Kicks): Aerial kicking techniques
- Tornado Kick: 360-degree spinning kick
Hand Strikes
- Jireugi (Punch): Straight punching techniques
- Chigi (Strike): Various hand strikes
- Makgi (Block): Defensive blocking techniques
Training Methods
- Poomsae (Forms): Patterns demonstrating techniques
- Kyorugi (Sparring): Competition-style sparring
- Gyeokpa (Breaking): Breaking boards and materials
- Hosinsul (Self-Defense): Practical self-defense applications
Belt System
- White Belt (10th Gup)
- Yellow Belt (8th Gup)
- Green Belt (6th Gup)
- Blue Belt (4th Gup)
- Red Belt (2nd Gup)
- Black Belt (1st Dan and above)
Competition
Taekwondo competition features electronic scoring systems, with points awarded for kicks to the body and head. Olympic-style sparring emphasizes speed and accuracy.
Notable Champions
- Choi Hong Hi: Founder of ITF Taekwondo
- Hadi Saei: 2-time Olympic gold medalist
- Steven Lopez: 2-time Olympic gold medalist
Training at Dragons MMA
We incorporate Taekwondo's dynamic kicking techniques into our striking curriculum, emphasizing flexibility, speed, and precision.