Taekwondo

Taekwondo (태권도) was formed in Korea in the 1940s and 1950s, when the founders of several kwan (schools) combined karate-based training with Korean traditions. The name was adopted in 1955. Two organisations shape the art today: the ITF (founded 1966) with its own patterns and sparring rules, and World Taekwondo (founded 1973), whose sparring format has been Olympic since Sydney 2000.

Character

• Kicks first: Roundhouse, side, back and spinning kicks, often to the head – the legs are the main weapons.
• Poomsae / tul: Set forms, judged in competition.
• Sparring: Olympic-style uses body armour and electronic scoring; ITF-style scores lighter contact with hands and feet.
• Breaking: Board and tile breaking test power and precision.

Who is it for?

Anyone who wants flexibility, speed and a clear sporting path – taekwondo is among the most accessible arts for children and adults. A dobok and, for sparring, a mouthguard and shin/foot guards are enough to begin.