TAEKWONDO

TAEKWONDO

TKD Australia Inc' is the only Australian Taekwondo organization recognized by the Australian Government, South Korean Government, Korea Taekwondo Kukkiwon and the Australian Martial Arts Industry Association. Dan recognition with the Korea Taekwondo Kukkiwon is restricted in Australia to members of the TKD Australia Inc'. Always ensure that your Instructor is accredited with the Martial Arts Industry Association or the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme (NCAS) which is organized through the Australian Sports Commission.

Note, Video Link used to go to Korea Kukkiwon for videos. They have since cancelled this service. You can go to this link

to register with the Korea Taekwondo Kukkiwon to log onto their educational centre which displays the patterns in great detail. (you will need to click "English" at the top of their page).

TAEKWONDO GENERAL INFORMATION

Loosely translated, Taekwondo means "Foot, fist art." It was originally used by the Korean people as a military styled exercise for physical and mental development. These principals are still in place.

It is a very good tool for self development and self control. In a self defence sense, its explosive kicks and key blocking techniques prove very useful in a confrontation. Although any age can practice Taekwondo, it is especially practical for children's growth especially motor skill development, balance, fitness, self control and discipline.

Student ages can range from 4 years upward. Currently the eldest student in Australia is 6th dan Master who turns 79 in 2005. The class formats may differ from class to class but all revolve around a syllabus for Grading promotion to the next belt. Generally there is a 3 month waiting period between Gradings. However, from 1st dan to 2nd dan there is a 1 year probationary period. From 2nd dan to 3rd dan this moves to 2 years and so on. Minimum examiner grade is 4th dan can promote colour belts ONLY. 5th dan can promote to 2nd dan and so on.

Taekwondo today has transformed into more of an international sport than a martial art as such. The major component of the sport is "Kyureugi" or full contact sparring. Although there are other divisions of competition such as "Poomse" or pattern performance, patterns to music, free style patterns, tile breaking (power demonstration), specialized kicking/ timber breaking and demonstration performances. Major international competition is generally restricted to free sparring.

Throughout the world there are many individual Taekwondo groups. They have evolved mainly through individual instructors creating their own school name. Internationally however, the main office or dojan is the Korea Taekwondo Kukkiwon and is recognised by the South Korean Government as such. The Kukkiwon is responsible for the general rules and international register for all black belts. Each black belt receives their individual registration number. At the beginning of 2005, the register was up to 5 224 439. There is also the World Taekwondo Federation which conducts/ organizes competition and initiates the progress of the international competition rules.

HISTORY OF TAEKWONDO

The history of Taekwondo in Korea goes back to the Koguryo dynasty, founded 37B.C. Taekwondo was also practiced during the Silla dynasty. Hwarangdo, a military and educational organisation and noble youths of the Silla dynasty also had a great influence. The code of honor on which the Hwarang was based was loyalty to the nation, respect and obedience to one's 'parents, faithfulness, courage in battle and avoidance of unnecessary violence.

Koryo and YI Dynasties

In the history of Koryo, Taekwondo was called "Subak" and practiced not only as a skill to improve health but as a sport. Subak is believed to have gained its highest popularity during the reign of King Uijong, between 1,147 and 1,170 A.D. This is the same time as the Chinese Song and Ming dynasties, during which the Chinese "Kungfu" became widely popular.

Taekwondo in the 20th century

Japan occupied Korea between WW1 and WW2. In this time only Japanese martial arts were allowed to be practiced, mainly Karate and Judo. However privately the Korean people would continue to practice the traditional arts to pass onto their children as a chance to maintain the historical Korean culture.

1945-1970s

On August 15, 1945, the Japanese occupation of Korea ended. Korean arts began to flourish again. The counties of South Korea were unified and Taekwondo was noted as the National Martial Art. On September 16, 1961, the Korea Taekwondo Association was established. On October 9, 1963, Taekwondo became an official event for the first time in the 44th National Athletic Meet when competition rules and protective equipment evolved.

Korean instructors began going abroad to teach Taekwondo in the 1960s. In May 1973, the 1st World Taekwondo Championships held in Seoul with 19 countries participating. On May 28, 1973, representatives of those countries established the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF).

1980-1996

By 1996, the WTF included 144 countries and it was estimated that 30 million people were practicing Taekwondo. In the IOC’s 83rd General Session in 1980S, the IOC recognised Taekwondo. It participated as a demonstration sport of the 24th Seoul Olympics in 1988 and the 25th Barcelona Olympics in 1992.

Taekwondo was recognised as an official sport of 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. It has since been featured in most major international competitions

AUSTRALIAN TAEKWONDO HISTORY

Although no official documentation could be found, Taekwondo began in Australia in the late 1960's. Many claim to be the first instructors in Australia and therefore it is very difficult to appoint this honor to any one individual.

The Australian Taekwondo Association was formed in 1974 by 6 dan masters lead by Sung Soo Lee. This was was soon recognised by the Australian Government as the official Taekwondo body for Australia. It's vision was to hold tournaments to collect monies to fund further development in Taekwondo. As a democratic society, the senior instructors had equal voting rights. Unfortunately the vision was not being adhered to and monies were not managed effectively. Therefore in mid 1980's, the Australian Taekwondo Union was formed by again, the leading masters in Australia and again lead by Sung Soo Lee. By 1990 the Union was clearly the most populated Taekwondo organisation in Australia with over 800 competitors in the Australian Titles of that year.

When the IOC formally announced that Taekwondo was to be introduced as official competition in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, the Australian Olympic Committee began steps to organise the event. At this time, the Australian Taekwondo Association was still recognised by the Australian Government. But the main population of competitors were linked to the Australian Taekwondo Union.

Thus, the "TKD Australia Inc" was formed to unite the two bodies. This new body was then recognised by the Australian Government, the Australian Olympic Committee and the Korea Taekwondo Kukkiwon as the the only official body of Taekwondo in Australia.