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{{Infobox martial art
<!--| logo = Taekwondo pictogram.svg -->
| logo = Taekwondo.svg
| logocaption =
| logosize = 50px
| image = WTF Taekwondo 1.jpg
| imagecaption = A ] taekwondo sparring match
| imagesize =
| name = Taekwondo
| aka = Taekwon-Do, Tae Kwon-Do, Tae Kwon Do
| focus = ] (]) (and punching )
| country = {{flag|Korea}}
| creator =
| parenthood = <!-- see the talk page-->
| olympic = Since 2000 (] regulations)
| website =
}}
{{Infobox Korean name|
hangul=태권도|
hanja=跆拳道|
mr=T'aekwŏndo|
rr=Taegwondo|
}}
'''Taekwondo''' (태권도; {{IPAEng|ˈteɪˈkwɒnˈdoʊ}}) is a ]n ] and the ] of ]. It is also regarded as the world's most popular martial art in terms of number of practitioners .<ref>{{cite book
| title = Tae Kwon Do: The Ultimate Reference Guide to the World's Most Popular Martial Art
| isbn = 978-0816038398
| author = Park Yeon Hee
| coauthors = Park Yeon Hwan, Jon Gerrard
| year = 1989
| publisher = Checkmark Books
}}</ref> ''Kyeorugi'', or sparring, is an official ] sporting event. In ], ''tae'' 태 跆 means "foot"; ''kwon'' 권 拳 means "fist"; and ''do'' 도 道 means "way"; so ''taekwondo'' is loosely translated as "the way of the fist and foot".

''Taekwondo'''s popularity has resulted in the varied ] of the martial art into several domains: as with many other arts, it combines combat techniques, ], ], exercise, meditation and ]. ''Taekwondo'' is also used by the South Korean military as part of its training.<ref>{{cite web
| title = What is the "World Taekwondo Federation"?
| author = Sung Il Oh
| url = http://militaryarts.kr/article5.php
| publisher = Korean Military Arts Federation
| quote = Taekwondo is the basis for the physical fitness program of the Korean army.
}}</ref>

Traditional ''taekwondo'' is typically not competition-oriented and tends to focus primarily on the traditional values of the art. Traditional Taekwondo is a military fighting art and is taught in an offensive manner. Modern Taekwondo instructors teach this offensive art with an emphasis on control and self-defense. Formally, there are two main styles of ''taekwondo''. One comes from the ], the source of the sparring system ''shihap kyeorugi'' which is now an event at the summer ] and which is governed by the ] (WTF), the other comes from the ] (ITF), which was founded by General ], sometimes called the father of ''taekwondo''.<ref>{{cite news
|title="General Choi Hong Hi obituary"
|date=2002-06-26
|accessdate=2008-07-18
|work=]
|publisher=Telegraph Media Group
|location=London
|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1398386/General-Choi-Hong-Hi.html
}}</ref>

Although there are ] and technical differences between the two main styles and among the various organizations, the art in general emphasizes kicks thrown from a mobile stance, employing the leg's greater reach and power (compared to the arm). ''Taekwondo'' training generally includes a system of blocks, kicks, punches, and open-handed strikes and may also include various take-downs or sweeps, throws, and joint locks.

== History ==
{{See also|Korean martial arts}}
The history of ''taekwondo'' has been a matter of contention. ''Taekwondo'' organizations officially state that ''taekwondo'' was derived from earlier Korean martial arts.<ref name="Kukkiwon"/><ref name="WTF">{{cite web
| url = http://www.wtf.org/site/about_taekwondo/history/ancient.htm
| title = About Tae Kwon Do
| publisher = The World Taekwondo Federation
}}</ref><ref name="KTA">{{cite web
| url = http://www.koreataekwondo.org/KTA_ENG/html/ency/intro01_4.asp
| title = Historical Background of Taekwondo
| publisher = The Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA)
}}</ref><ref name="Encarta">{{cite web
| url = http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761585873/Tae_Kwon_Do.html
| title = Tae Kwon Do
| year = 2008
| publisher = Microsoft Corporation
| work = Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia
}}</ref><ref name="Britannica">{{cite web
| url = http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/580146/tae-kwon-do
| title = Tae Kwon Do
| year = 2008
| publisher = Encyclopædia Britannica
| work = Encyclopædia Britannica Online
}}</ref><ref name="Compare">{{cite web
| url = http://www.taekwondobible.com/discussion/compare/style-compae.html
| title = Comparing Styles of Taekwondo, Taekkyon and Karate(Video)
| publisher = TaekwondoBible.com
}}</ref> Others state that ''taekwondo'' is derived from native Korean martial arts with influences from neighboring countries<ref name="Lawler">{{cite book
| last = Lawler
| first = Jennifer
| title = The Secrets of Tae Kwon Do
| year = 1999
| publisher = Masters Press
| location = Chicago
| isbn = 1-57028-202-1
| chapter = The History of Tae Kwon Do
| quote = Tae Kwon Do itself developed in Korea from Chinese origins.
}}</ref><ref name="Heo">{{cite journal
| author = 허인욱 (In Uk Heo)
| year = 2004
| month = January
| title = 형성과정으로 본 태권도의 정체성에 관하여 (A Study on Shaping of the Taekwondo)
| journal = 체육사학회지 (Korean Journal of History for Physical Education)
| volume = 14
| issue = 1
| pages = pp. 79-87
| url = http://www.reportnet.co.kr/detail/997/996990.html
| language = Korean with English abstract
| accessdate = 2008-06-27
| quote =
}}</ref><ref name="Glen"/><ref name="Zukeran">{{cite web
| author = Patrick Zukeran
| url = http://www.probe.org/content/view/1121/65/
| title = The Origins and Popularity of the Martial Arts
| publisher = Probe Ministries
| year = 2003
}}</ref><ref name="Henning2">{{cite journal
| last = Henning
| first = Stanley E.
| year = 1981
| month = December
| title = The Chinese Martial Arts in Historical Perspective
| journal = Military Affairs
| volume = 45
| issue = 4
| pages = pp. 173-179
| publisher = Society for Military History
| issn = 0899-3718
| quote = The Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-220 A.D.) was a period during which conscript armies, trained in the martial arts, expanded the Chinese empire to Turkestan in the west and Korea in the northeast, where commanderies were established. It is possible that Chinese ''shoubo'' was transmitted to Korea at this time, and that it was the antecedent to Korean Taekwondo. According to one recent Korean source, "Taekwondo is known to have had its beginning in the period 209-427 A.D. ..."
}}</ref> or that it was primarily derived from ] learned by Koreans during the ].<ref name="Capener2">{{cite journal
| last = Capener
| first = Steven D.
| year = 1995
| month = Winter
| title = Problems in the Identity and Philosophy of T'aegwondo and Their Historical Causes
| journal = Korea Journal
| volume =
| issue =
| pages =
| publisher = Korean National Commission for UNESCO
| issn = 0023-3900
| quote = ...''t'aegwondo'' was first brought into Korea from Japan in the form of Japanese ''karate'' around the time of the liberation of Korea from Japanese colonial rule...
}}</ref><ref name="Madis">{{cite book
| last = Madis
| first = Eric
| editor = Green, Thomas A. and Joseph R. Svinth
| title = Martial Arts in the Modern World
| year = 2003
| publisher = Praeger Publishers
| isbn = 0275981533
| chapter = The Evolution of Taekwondo from Japanese Karate
| quote = The following essay links the origins of taekwondo to twentieth-century Shotokan, Shudokan, and Shito-ryu karate and shows how the revised history was developed to support South Korean nationalism.
}}</ref><ref>]''TKD was transformed from karate(China origin).''</ref>

The oldest Korean martial art was an amalgamation of unarmed combat styles developed by the three rival Korean kingdoms of ], ] and ].<ref name="SPIRIT">{{cite book
| last = Capener
| first = Steven D.
| coauthors = H. Edward Kim (ed.)
| title = Taekwondo: The Spirit of Korea (portions of)
| publisher = Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Republic of Korea
| year = 2000
| location =
| pages =
| url = http://www.martialartsresource.com/anonftp/pub/the_dojang/digests/spirit.html
| isbn =
}}</ref> Young men were trained in unarmed combat techniques to develop strength, speed, and survival skills. The most popular of these techniques was '']'', with '']'' being the most popular of the segments of ''subak''.

]
Those who demonstrated strong natural aptitude were selected as trainees in the new special warrior corps, called the ]. It was believed that young men with a talent for the liberal arts may have the grace to become competent warriors. These warriors were instructed in academics as well as martial arts, learning philosophy, history, a code of ethics, and equestrian sports. Their military training included an extensive weapons program involving swordsmanship and archery, both on horseback and on foot, as well as lessons in military tactics and unarmed combat using '']''. Although ''subak'' was a leg-oriented art in ], ]'s influence added hand techniques to the practice of ''subak''.

During this time a few select Sillan warriors were given training in Taek Kyon by the early masters from ]. The Taek Kyon trained warriors then became known as the ]. The Hwarang set up a military academy for the sons of royalty in Silla called ], which means "The way of flowering manhood." The Hwarang studied Taek Kyon, history, ] Philosophy, ethics, ] Morality, and military tactics. The guiding principles of the ] warriors were loyalty, filial duty, trustworthiness, valor, and justice. The makeup of the Hwarang-do education was based on the Five Codes of Human Conduct written by a Buddhist scholar, fundamental education, Taek Kyon and social skills. Taek Kyon was spread throughout Korea because the Hwarang traveled all around the peninsula to learn about the other regions and people.

In spite of Korea's rich history of ancient and traditional martial arts, Korean martial arts faded into obscurity during the ]. Korean society became highly centralized under ] and martial arts were poorly regarded in a society whose ideals were epitomized by its scholar-kings.<ref>{{cite book
| last = Cummings
| first = B.
| title = Korea's Place in the Sun
| publisher = W.W. Norton
| date = 2005
| location = New York, NY
| pages =
| isbn =
}}</ref> Formal practices of traditional martial arts such as '']'' and '']'' were reserved for sanctioned military uses. However folk practice of taekkyeon as a kicking game still persisted into the 19th century.<ref name="SPIRIT"/>

== Development ==
The ] formally began in 1910. As it continued, and especially as ] approached, many aspects of Korean culture were more and more tightly controlled. For example, Koreans were forced to take Japanese names and to worship at ] shrines; Korean-language newspapers and magazines were banned; and during the war, hundreds of thousands of Koreans were forced into service to support Japanese war efforts.<ref name="HanWooKeun">{{cite book
| last = Han
| first = Woo-Keun
| title = The History of Korea
| publisher = The Eul-Yoo Publishing Company
| location = Korea
| year = 1970
| isbn = 978-8932450827
}}</ref> Martial arts such as ''taekkyeon'' (or ''subak'') were also prohibited during this time;<ref name="Kim">{{cite paper
| author = Kyungji Kim
| title = Taekwondo: a brief history
| version =
| publisher = ]
| year = 1986
| url =
| format =
| accessdate = 2007-11-16
}}</ref> however, some believe that ''taekkyeon'' survived through underground teaching and folk custom.<ref name="Kukkiwon">{{cite web
| url = http://www.kukkiwon.or.kr/english/information/information01.jsp?div=01
| title = Kukkiwon: Taekwondo History
| accessdate = 2008-06-27
}}</ref><ref> {{ko}}</ref><ref>{{cite DVD
| first = Lee
| last = Yong-bok
| publisher = Korea Taekkyon Association
| title = Taekkyon: Traditional Korean Martial Art (2005)
}} ''Taekkyon is a native Korean martial art that was nearly lost forever during the early 1900s. Preserved by Grandmaster Song Duk-ki until his death, it is considered a Cultural Asset by the Korean government''</ref><ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.escapeartist.com/efam/93/art_Korea_Martial_Art.html
| title = Korean Taekkyon: Tradition Martial Art Dance Form
| publisher = Escape from America magazine
| author = Antonio Graceffo
}}</ref>
During the occupation some Koreans studied in Japan and were exposed to Japanese martial arts, in some cases receiving black belts in these arts<ref name="Park">Park, S. W. (1993): About the author. In H. H. Choi: ''Taekwon-Do: The Korean art of self-defence'', 3rd ed. (Vol. 1, pp. 241–274). Mississauga: International Taekwon-Do Federation.</ref>, while others were exposed to martial arts in China. Some may also have been familiar with native Korean martial arts.<ref>{{cite book
| first = Doug
| last = Cook
| publisher = YMAA Publication Center
| location = Boston
| year = 2006
| title = Traditional Taekwondo: Core Techniques, History and Philosophy
| isbn = 978-1594390661
| pages = p. 19
| chapter = Chapter 3: The Formative Years of Taekwondo
}}</ref><ref name="Heo" /><ref name="Glen">{{cite web
| url = http://www.worldtaekwondo.com/history.htm
| title = The History of Taekwondo
| author = Glen R. Morris
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.itf-information.com/information02.htm
| title = interviews with General Choi.
| publisher = The Condensed Encyclopedia Fifth Edition
| author = ]
| year = 1999
| Copyright = 1988, 1991, 1992, 1995, 1999 General Choi, Hong Hi.
}} ''Young Choi’s father sent him to study calligraphy under one of the most famous teachers in Korea, Mr. Han II Dong. Han, in addition to his skills as a calligrapher, was also a master of Taek Kyon, the ancient Korean art of foot fighting. The teacher, concerned over the frail condition of his new student, began teaching him the rigorous exercises of Taek Kyon to help build up his body.'' </ref>

When the occupation ended in 1945, Korean martial arts schools (]) began to open in Korea. The teaching of martial arts in these schools was influenced by the backgrounds of the instructors.<ref name="Heo" /><ref name="Glen"/><ref name="Comparative">{{cite web
| url = http://www.dbpia.co.kr/view/ar_view.asp?arid=830797
| title = Comparative Study of the Techniques of Taekwondo and Taekkyon
| author = Choi Young-Ryul, Jeon Jeong-Woo
| year = 2006
| pages = 197~206
| publisher = Institution of physical exercise, Korea
| type of publication = Academic Journal
}}</ref>
There are differing views on the origins of the arts taught in these schools. Some believe that they taught martial arts that were based primarily upon the traditional Korean martial arts ] and ]<ref name="Kukkiwon"/><ref name="WTF"/><ref name="KTA"/><ref name="Encarta"/><ref name="Britannica"/><ref name="Compare"/><ref name="Comparative"/><ref>{{cite web
| url = http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=LB&p_theme=lb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=10ADF88FD5D15A6B&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM
| title = Brief History of Taekwondo
| publisher = Long Beach Press-Telegram
| year = 2005
}}</ref>, or upon a variety of martial arts such as taekkyon, ] and ].<ref name="Heo" /><ref name="Glen"/><ref name="Zukeran"/><ref name="Analysis">{{cite web
| url = http://dbpia.co.kr/view/ar_view.asp?start_page=1&end_page=10&view_flag=1&code1=&code2=&code2name=&code3=&code3name=&code4=&code4name=&code5=&code5name=&code7=&code7name=&code8=&issn=&isbn=&date=&uciYN=&order_field=weight&order_flag=DESC&max_cnt=10&case_fld=1&field_r=&rquery=&field=v_F0&query=%ED%83%9C%EA%B6%8C%EB%8F%84+%EC%97%AD%EC%82%AC&search_cnt=1&totalcnt=2&arid=975562
| title = An Analysis on the various views of Taekwondo History
| author = Jung Kun-Pyo, Lee Kang-Koo
| year = 2007
| pages = 3~12(10 pages)
| publisher = Institution of Physical science, Korea
| type of publication = Academic Journal
}}</ref> Others believe that these schools taught arts that were almost entirely based upon karate.<ref name="Capener">{{cite paper
| author = Capener, Steven D.
| title = Problems in the Identity and Philosophy of T'aegwondo and Their Historical Causes
| version =
| publisher = ]
| date = Winter 1995
| url = http://www.ekoreajournal.net/archive/detail.jsp?BACKFLAG=Y&VOLUMENO=35&BOOKNUM=4&PAPERNUM=6&SEASON=Winter&YEAR=1995
| format =
| accessdate = 2008-01-14
}}</ref><ref name="Dohrenwend">
{{cite paper
| author = Dohrenwend, Robert
| title = The Truth about Taekwondo (Parts 1 and 2)
| version = volumes 22, 23
| publisher = Dragon Times Magazine: The Voice of Traditional ] in America
| date =
| url = http://www.dragon-tsunami.org/Dtimes/Pages/backissues.htm
| format =
| accessdate =
}}</ref><ref name="Burdick">
{{cite paper
| author = Burdick, Dakin
| title = People and Events of Taekwondo's Formative Years
| version = volume 6, issue 1
| publisher = ]
| year = 1997
| url = http://journalofasianmartialarts.com/
| format =
| accessdate =
}}</ref><ref name="Henning">{{cite paper
| author = Henning, Stanley
| title = Traditional Korean Martial Arts
| version = volume 9, issue 1
| publisher = ]
| year = 2000
| url = http://journalofasianmartialarts.com/
| format =
| accessdate = 2008-01-17 }}</ref><ref name="Mitchell">{{cite book
| last = Mitchell
| first = David
| coauthors =
| title = The Overlook Martial Arts Handbook ()
| publisher = Overlook Press
| year = 1988
| location = Woodstock, NY
| pages = 161
| isbn =
}}</ref>

In 1952, at the height of the ], there was a martial arts exhibition in which the ''kwan''s displayed their skills. In one demonstration, Nam Tae Hi smashed thirteen roof tiles with a forefist punch. Following the demonstration, ]n President ] instructed ] to introduce the martial arts to the ].<ref name="Oh Do Kwan">
{{cite web
| last = Oh Do Kwan
| first =
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Taekwon-Do Pioneers
| work = TaeKwon History
| publisher = Oh Do Kwan
| date = 2006
| url = http://www.ohdokwan.ca/namtaehi.html
| accessdate = 2008-03-25
}}</ref>

By the mid-1950s, nine ''kwan''s had emerged. Syngman Rhee ordered that the various schools unify under a single system. The name "taekwondo" was submitted by ] and was accepted on ] ].<ref name="Sik">
{{cite book
| last = Sik
| first = Kang Won
| coauthors = Lee Kyong Myung
| title = A Modern History of Taekwondo
| publisher = Pogyŏng Munhwasa
| location = Seoul
| year = 1999
| isbn = 978-8935801244
}}</ref> The Korean Taekwondo Association (KTA) was formed in 1961 to facilitate the unification.<ref name="KTA">
{{cite web
| title = History
| work = Korea Taekwondo Association
| publisher = www.koreataekwondo.org
| date = 2003
| url = http://www.koreataekwondo.org/english/html/kta/kta_index.html
| accessdate = 2007-08-11
}}</ref> Shortly thereafter, ''taekwondo'' made its début worldwide. Standardization efforts in South Korea stalled, as the ''kwan''s continued to teach differing styles. Another request from the Korean government for unification resulted in the formation of the Korea ] Association, which changed its name back to the Korean Taekwondo Association in 1965 following a change of leadership.

Following the decades-long Japanese occupation, there was a natural desire to distance Korea from Japan as much as possible, and this certainly had an impact on the development of ''taekwondo''. There was also a desire to create a national competitive sport that was uniquely Korean.<ref name="Dohrenwend"/>
<ref name="Burdick"/> That effort has been successful, given the popularity of ''taekwondo'' throughout Korea and worldwide. ''Taekwondo'' is practiced in 123 countries with over 30 million practitioners and 3 million individuals with black belts throughout the world. <ref>
''Today Taekwondo is the most recognized Korean Martial Art. Taekwondo's popularity is not only here in the U.S., but internationally as well. Its evolution and development as an international amateur sport have grown quickly. Taekwondo is practiced in 123 countries with over 30 million practitioners and 3 million individuals with black belts throughout the world.'' </ref> It is now one of only two Asian martial arts that are included in the ]; it became a demonstration event starting with the 1988 games in Seoul, and became an official medal event starting with the 2000 games in Sydney.

== Features ==
] is an important aspect of taekwondo training.]]
{{See also|List of Taekwondo techniques|Kick}}

''Taekwondo'' is known for its emphasis on kicking techniques, which distinguishes it from martial arts such as ] or southern styles of ]. The rationale is that the leg is the longest and strongest weapon a martial artist has, and kicks thus have the greatest potential to execute powerful strikes without successful retaliation. One defining kick of ''taekwondo'' is the back kick.

''Taekwondo'' as a sport and exercise is popular with people of both sexes and of many ages. Physically, ''taekwondo'' develops strength, speed, balance, flexibility, and stamina. An example of the union of mental and physical discipline is the ] of boards, which requires both physical mastery of the technique and the concentration to focus one's strength.

A ''taekwondo'' student typically wears a uniform (''dobok'' 도복), often white but sometimes black or other colors, with a belt (''tti'' 띠) tied around the waist. The belt indicates the student's rank. The school or place where instruction is given is called the ''dojang'' 도장.

Although each ''taekwondo'' club or school will be different, a ''taekwondo'' student can typically expect to take part in most or all of the following:

* Learning the techniques and curriculum of ''taekwondo''
* Both anaerobic and aerobic workout, including stretching
* Self-defense techniques (''hosinsul'' 호신술)
* ] (also called forms, ''pumsae'' 품새, ''teul'' 틀, ''hyeong'' 형)
* ] (called ''kyeorugi'' 겨루기, or ''matseogi'' 맞서기 in the ITF), which may include 3-, 2- and 1-step sparring, free-style sparring, arranged sparring, point sparring, and other types
* Relaxation and meditation exercises
* Throwing and/or falling techniques (''dunjigi'' 던지기 and ''torojigi'' 떨어지기)
* ] (''gyeokpa'' 격파 or ''weerok''), using techniques to break boards for testing, training and martial arts demonstrations. Demonstrations often also incorporate bricks, tiles, blocks of ice or other materials. Can be separated into two types:
** Power breaking - using straightforward techniques to break as many boards as possible.
** Special techniques - breaking fewer boards but using jumping or flying techniques to attain greater heights, distances, or to clear obstacles.
* Exams to progress to the next rank
* A focus on mental and ethical discipline, justice, etiquette, respect, and self-confidence

Some ''taekwondo'' instructors also incorporate the use of pressure points, known as ''ji ap sul'', as well as grabbing self-defense techniques borrowed from other martial arts, such as ] and ].

== Organizations ==
The two different systems of ''taekwondo'' are named after their respective organizations, the International Tae Kwon Do Federation (ITF) and the World Tae Kwon Do Federation (WTF). The ITF was founded in 1966 by General ]. After his death in 2002, a number of succession disputes splintered the ITF into three different groups, all claiming to be the original.The three ITF organizations are private, Two of the three are located in Austria, with the third in Canada. The unofficial training headquarters of the International Taekwondo Federation is located at the Taekwondo Palace in ], ] and was founded in the mid-1990s.
] techniques are often practiced in taekwondo.]]

The Korea Taekwondo Association Central Dojang was opened in South Korea in 1972. A few months later, the name was changed to the Kukkiwon. The following year, the World Taekwondo Federation was formed. The ] recognized the WTF and ''taekwondo'' sparring in ].

Although the terms "WTF" and "Kukkiwon" are often mistakenly used interchangeably, the Kukkiwon is a completely different organization which trains and certifies instructors and issues official '']'' and ''pum'' certificates worldwide. The Kukkiwon has its own unique physical building that contains the administrative offices of Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquarters) in Seoul, South Korea and is the system of ''taekwondo''. The WTF is just a tournament committee and is not a style or a system.

There are many other private organizations like the American Taekwondo Federation (ATF), the ] (ATA), the ] (ITA), the Action International Martial Arts Association (AIMAA), the Amateur Athletic Union Taekwondo (AAU), the International Taekwondo Association (ITA), the Global Taekwon-Do Federation (GTF) and so on several more organizations. Events and competitions held by private organizations are mostly closed to other ''taekwondo'' students. However, the WTF-sanctioned events allow any person, regardless of school affiliation or martial arts style, to compete in WTF events as long as he or she is a member of the WTF Member National Association in his or her nation, which is open to anyone to join, and holds a Dan certificate issued by Kukkiwon. The major technical differences among these many organizations revolve around the ], called ''hyeong'' 형, ''pumsae'' 품새, or ''teul'' 틀, sets of prescribed formal sequences of movements that demonstrate mastery of posture, positioning, and technique, sparring rules for competition, and philosophy.

In addition to these private organizations, the original schools ('']'') that formed the organization that would eventually become the Kukkiwon continue to exist as independent fraternal membership organizations that support the WTF and the Kukkiwon. The official curriculum of the ''kwans'' is that of the Kukkiwon. The ''kwans'' also function as a channel for the issuing of Kukkiwon ''dan'' and ''pum'' certification (black belt ranks) for their members.

== Ranks, belts and promotion ==
''Taekwondo'' ranks are separated into "junior" and "senior" or "student" and "instructor" sections. The junior section typically consists of ten ranks indicated by the Korean word ''geup'' 급 (also Romanized as ''gup'' or ''kup''). The junior ranks are usually identified by belts of various colors, depending on the school, so these ranks are sometimes called "color belts". ''Geup'' rank may be indicated by stripes on belts rather than by colored belts. Students begin at tenth ''geup'' (usually indicated by a white belt) and advance toward first ''geup'' (usually indicated by a red belt with a black stripe).

The senior section is made up of nine full ranks of black belt. These ranks are called ''dan'' 단, also referred to as "black belts" and "degrees" (as in "third ''dan''" or "third-degree black belt"). Black belts begin at first degree and advance to second, third, and so on. The degree is often indicated on the belt itself with stripes, Roman numerals, or other methods; but sometimes black belts are plain and unadorned regardless of rank.

To advance from one rank to the next, students typically complete promotion tests in which they demonstrate their proficiency in the various aspects of the art before a panel of judges. Promotion tests vary from school to school, but may include such elements as the execution of patterns, which combine various techniques in specific sequences; the breaking of boards, to demonstrate the ability to use techniques with both power and control; sparring and self-defense, to demonstrate the practical application and control of techniques; and answering questions on terminology, concepts, history, and so on, to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the art. For higher dan tests, students are sometimes required to take a written test or to submit a research paper in addition to taking the practical test.

Promotion from one ''geup'' to the next can proceed fairly rapidly, since schools often allow ''geup'' promotions every two, three, or four months. Students of ''geup'' rank learn the most basic techniques first, then move on to more advanced techniques as they approach first ''dan''. <!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: ] -->

In contrast, promotion from one ''dan'' to the next can take years. The general rule is that a black belt may advance from one rank to the next only after the number of years equivalent to the rank. For example, a newly-promoted third-degree black belt may not be allowed to promote to fourth-degree until three years have passed. Some organizations also have age requirements related to ''dan'' promotions, and may grant younger students ''pum'' 품 (junior black belt) ranks rather than ''dan'' ranks until they reach a certain age. Black belt ranks usually have titles associated with them, such as "master" and "instructor". ''Taekwondo'' organizations have their own rules and standards when it comes to ranks and the titles that go with them.

==Philosophy==

Since ''taekwondo'' developed in several different ''kwan''s, there are several different expressions of ''taekwondo'' philosophy. For example, the tenets of Oh Do Kwan and the ITF are: courtesy (''ye-ui'' 예의), integrity (''yom-chi'' 염치), perseverance (''in-nae'' 인내), self-control (''geuk-gi'' 극기), and indomitable spirit (''baek-jeol-bul-gul'' 백절불굴). Some organizations also recognize one or two additional tenets beyond these five original tenets: community service (''sa-hui-bong-sa'' 사회봉사) and love (''sa-rang'' 사랑). The Jidokwan manners are: view, feel, think, speak, order, contribute, have ability, and conduct rightly.

More details are available in the articles for the ] and ].

== Competition ==

''Taekwondo'' competition typically involves ], ], ], and self-defense (''hosinsul''). However, in Olympic ''taekwondo'' competition, only sparring is contested; and in Olympic sparring WTF competition rules are used.<ref name="WTF-rules">{{cite web
| last = World Taekwondo Federation
| first =
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Kyorugi rules
| work = Rules
| publisher = www.wtf.org
| date = 2004
| url = http://www.wtf.org/site/rules/competition.htm
| accessdate = 2007-08-11
}}</ref>

]
]

===WTF===
Under WTF (World Tae Kwon Do Federation) and Olympic rules, sparring is a full-contact event and takes place between two competitors in an area measuring 10 meters square. Each match or bout consists of three non-stop rounds of contact with rest between rounds. 14-17 black belt fighters fight in 2-minute rounds with a 30-second break,senior fighters also fight in 2-minute rounds with 30-second breaks. Points are awarded for permitted, accurate, and powerful techniques to the legal scoring areas; light contact to a scoring area does not score any points. A kick or punch that makes contact with the opponent's '']'' (a trunk protector that functions as a scoring target) scores one point; a kick to the head scores two points. Punches to the head are not allowed. If a competitor is knocked down by a scoring technique and the referee counts, then an additional point is awarded to the opponent.

At the end of three rounds, the competitor with the most points wins the match. If, during the match, one competitor gains a 7-point lead over the other, or if one competitor reaches a total of 12 points, then that competitor is immediately declared the winner and the match ends. In the event of a tie at the end of three rounds, a fourth "sudden death" overtime round will be held to determine the winner, after a 30-second rest period.

===Known olympic Taekwondo athletes===
There are many known Taekwondo athletes who serve as role models to the Taekwondo community, including ], ], ], ], ], ], ], Elaine Teoh, Che Chew Chuan from Malaysia, Logan Campbell from New Zealand and among others.

===ITF===
The ITF sparring rules are similar, but differ from the WTF rules in several respects. Hand attacks to the head are allowed; flying techniques score more points than grounded techniques; the competition area is slightly smaller (9 meters square instead of 10 meters); and competitors do not wear the ''hogu'' used in Olympic-style sparring (although they are required to wear approved foot and hand protection equipment). A continuous point system is utilized in ITF competition, where the fighters are allowed to continue after scoring a technique. A the end of 2 minutes (or specified time) the competitor with the most scoring techniques wins. The ITF competition rules and regulations are available at the ITF information website.<ref name="ITF-rules">{{cite web
| last = International Taekwondo Federation
| first =
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Competition Rules and Regulations
| work = Rules
| publisher = www.itf-information.com
| date = 2000
| url = http://www.itf-information.com/information10.htm
| accessdate = 2007-09-06
}}</ref>
]

ITF competitions also feature performances of patterns, ] and "special techniques", a category where competitors perform prescribed board breaks at great heights.

AAU competitions are very similar, except that different styles of pads and gear are allowed. Any gear that has the Olympic symbol and not the WTF logo on it is approved.
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]

== Korean commands ==
]
In ''taekwondo'', ] commands are often used. For words used in counting, see ].

{| class="wikitable"
!Word !! Hangeul !! Meaning
|-
| ''Charyeot'' || 차렷 || Attention
|-
| ''Gyeongnye'' || 경례 || Bow
|-
| ''Baro'' || 바로 || Return
|-
| ''Swieo'' || 쉬어 || At ease, relax
|-
| ''Kihap'' || 기합 || Spirit Yell
|-
| ''Junbi'' || 준비 || Ready
|-
| ''Sijak '' || 시작 || Begin
|-
| ''Kalyo'' || 갈려 || Break (separate)
|-
| ''Gyesok'' || 계속 || Continue
|-
| ''Geuman'' || 그만 || Finish (stop)
|-
| ''Dwiro dora''|| 뒤로 돌아 || Turn around (about turn)
|-
| ''Haesan'' || 해산 || Dismiss
|}


{{Commonscat|Taekwondo}}
{{wiktionary}}

== References ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
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{{Martial arts}}

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Revision as of 10:00, 19 August 2008