Korean History and Culture Seminar for American Educators Handbook 2017 NKS Seminar-Handbook-Final with Daniel | Page 115

An Introduction to Taekwondo
Lecturer: Sung Woo Kahng, DK Taekwondo Demo Team, Master
Origins:
A mural in a royal tomb from the Koguryo (B.C. 37 A.D. – 668) depicts two men engaging in
sparring. The fact that these images are found in royal tombs reveals the importance of this
martial art at the time. It has been identified as subakhi or the Korean form of wrestling, ssirum.
This form of martial art evolved into taekkyon, or the predecessor to modern tae kwon do. The
cultural and historical influences that culminated in the modern martial sport of taekwondo have
their roots in ancient Korea.
The Philosophical/Spiritual Influence of Taekwondo:
The philosophical/spiritual philosophies of Daoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism have
influenced taekwondo.
1) Daoism. In Daoism is found the concept of life according to the Dao (Do in Korean) or
the Way (pursuing a way of life in harmony with nature).
2) Buddhism. Buddhist thought has given taekwondo and other Asian martial arts concepts
such as the unchanging mind to be attained in order to achieve the goals of technical and
self-perfection.
3) Confucianism. Confucianism’s emphasis on living in a virtuous and sincere way is found
in taekwondo’s emphasis on ritual, etiquette, correct attitudes, good behavior, and respect
for others.
The Technical Philosophy of Taekwondo:
Modern taekwondo includes a number of different training methods, each emphasizing a
separate aspect of the art. Students train in fundamental stances, self defense blocks, and attack
punches, kicks, and strikes. Method of training in taekwondo can vary greatly. Poomse was a
way for large number of military officers to practice in union. “Forms training,” called poomse
in Korean, uses an extensive regiment of movements and emphasizes balance, strength, distance
control, power control, and attack techniques.
The “tae” refers to foot techniques, “kwon” refers to hand and arm techniques, and “do” refers to
training in mental righteousness. The physical body is trained to move efficiently, gracefully, and
powerfully. The mind is trained to be patient and brave during strenuous sparring, while
demonstrating respect for the opponent.
Taekwondo is the only martial arts sport that can be practiced regardless of age, gender, ethnicity,
and even the mentally challenged. The physical and mental benefits of taekwondo can vary
greatly depending on one’s area of improvement. Some will thrive on gaining confidence,
bravery, self-respect and concentration, while others will gain patience, respect for others, self-
control and inner-peace.
Results of Taekwondo Training: Physical, mental, and philosophical strength through training
to gain patience, discipline, self defense, positive stamina, and respect for self and others.
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