QUICK NOTE … The history of Taekwondo dates back to the mid-20th century in Korea. After World War II, Korean martial arts schools began to consolidate, with various styles being combined to form new ones. The early forms of Taekwondo were heavily influenced by Karate, Chinese martial arts, and traditional Korean martial arts like Taekkyon.
In 1955, a group of Korean martial artists led by General Choi Hong Hi founded the Korea Taekwondo Association, which became the governing body for the new martial art. General Choi is credited with developing the modern style of Taekwondo, which emphasizes high kicks, fast footwork, and powerful strikes.
The International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) was founded in 1966 by General Choi Hong Hi. The ITF was created to promote and spread the practice of Taekwondo around the world, and to establish a standard curriculum and training methods.
The ITF initially focused on promoting Taekwondo in Korea, but it quickly spread to other countries, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. In 1972, the ITF held its first international championships in Canada, which were attended by athletes from 18 countries.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the ITF continued to expand, with new member countries joining and international competitions becoming more common. However, in the 1990s, the ITF experienced internal conflicts, which led to a split in the organization.
Today, there are several organizations that claim to represent the original ideals and teachings of the ITF, including the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) headed by Grandmaster Paul Weiler, the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) headed by Grandmaster Choi Jung Hwa, the son of General Choi Hong Hi, and the International TaeKwon-Do Federation – Headquarters Korea, headed by Oh Chang Jin. The ITF organizations continue to promote the practice of Taekwondo worldwide, with an emphasis on traditional training methods, self-defense, and the development of the individual.
Over the years, Taekwondo has continued to evolve, with new techniques and training methods being developed. In 1973, the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) was established, which standardized the rules and regulations of Taekwondo competition and helped to popularize the martial art around the world.
Today, Taekwondo is practiced by millions of people worldwide and is recognized as an Olympic sport. The martial art continues to evolve and adapt to new training methods, technologies, and cultural influences.
Want to learn more? Contact Omaha Blue Waves Martial Arts at (402) 215-6003.
