What is Taekwondo?

What is Taekwondo?

A Look at the Roots of Traditional Taekwondo

When most people hear the word Taekwondo, they think of Olympic matches, flashy kicks, and high-level athleticism. But Traditional Taekwondo is much deeper than a sport—it is a martial art rooted in discipline, respect, and personal growth, with a long and rich history that goes far beyond the competition mats.

The Meaning of Taekwondo

Taekwondo (태권도) is a Korean martial art whose name can be broken down into three parts:

• Tae (태) – to kick or strike with the foot

• Kwon (권) – to punch or strike with the hand or fist

• Do (도) – the way or path, representing a philosophy or way of life

Together, Taekwondo means “the way of the foot and fist,” but Traditional Taekwondo is more than just physical movements—it’s a lifelong journey toward self-control, humility, and inner strength.

The Roots of Traditional Taekwondo

Although modern Taekwondo was officially named in 1955, its roots stretch back centuries. Traditional Taekwondo draws inspiration from ancient Korean martial arts like:

• Taekkyon – a flowing, foot-focused fighting style

• Subak – hand techniques and strikes from Korea’s warrior history

• Hwa Rang Do – the martial code practiced by the Hwarang, an elite youth warrior class during the Silla Dynasty

These ancient arts combined with elements of Karate and Chinese martial arts after Japanese occupation in the early 20th century. In the 1940s and 50s, Korean martial artists who had trained abroad began unifying the different schools under the new banner of Taekwondo.

What Makes Traditional Taekwondo Different?

While sport Taekwondo focuses on point sparring and competition (like what you see in the Olympics), Traditional Taekwondo emphasizes:

• Real-world self-defense

• Mental discipline and character development

• Pattern practice (forms or poomsae) with deep martial meaning

• Philosophical teachings, such as courtesy, perseverance, and indomitable spirit

• Respect for lineage and tradition, including the legacy of the original kwans (schools)

In traditional practice, earning a belt isn’t just about kicking higher—it’s about proving growth in mind, body, and spirit.

A Path, Not a Game

At its core, Traditional Taekwondo isn’t about trophies—it’s about personal transformation. Through disciplined training, students learn to overcome challenges, stay calm under pressure, and carry themselves with honor in everyday life. That’s why traditional schools often refer to Taekwondo as a “way”—a path you walk, not just a skill you learn.

In Conclusion

So, what is Taekwondo?It’s more than a martial art. It’s a code. A culture. A journey.Traditional Taekwondo honors the ancient values of Korean warriors while training modern students to be respectful, resilient, and ready for life’s challenges—both on and off the mat.