 |
| |
The History of Taekwondo
Well over two thousand years ago, when Kyoungju was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla, in what is now Korea, two giants were carved on the tower wall of a Buddhist temple. The giants are facing each other assuming a fighting stance as if they were practicing a martial art. These giants undoubtedly represent the early developments of the modern art of fighting known today as Taekwondo.
Records show that Taekwondo was practiced as early as about 50 BC. During this time, Korea was divided into three Kingdoms: Silla, Koguryo and Baekche. Paintings on the ceiling of the Muyong-chong, a royal tomb from the Koguryo dynasty, provide us with evidence of the practice of Taek Kyon, the earliest known form of Taekwondo. These as well as other paintings show unarmed combat using techniques that resemble those of modern Taekwondo, specifically the use of the knife hand, fist and classical fighting stances.
Although Taekwondo first appeared in the Koguryo kingdom, it is Silla's warrior nobility, the Hwarang, who are credited with the growth and spread of the art throughout Korea. Out of the three kingdoms, Silla was the first to be formed but it remained the smallest and less civilized. Silla's coastline was constantly under attack by Japanese pirates. King Gwahggaeto, the 19th monarch in the Koguryo dynasty line, sent armed forces to help his neighbouring kingdom fight the pirates. It was at this time that Taek Kyon was first introduced to Silla's warriors class, taught directly and in secret to a few Sillan warriors by early masters of the art.
These warriors trained in Taek Kyon became known as the Hwarang. They initially established a military academy for the young nobility of Silla. This later became a society called Hwarang-do or translated into English, "the way of the flowering manhood". This society adopted Taek Kyon as part of its basic training regimen. The students of Hwarang-do were all members of the young nobility. They were trained in several different disciplines: History, Confucian philosophy, ethics, Buddhist morality, riding, archery, sword play, military tactics and Taek Kyon. The guiding principles of this educational system, were based on the Five codes of Human Conduct, as established by the Buddhist scholar Wonkang.
These codes are:
Be loyal to your country
Be obedient to your parents
Be trustworthy to your friends
Never retreat in battle
Never make an unjust kill
These five codes of moral behaviour and conduct
are reflected in the so-called eleven commandments
of modern Taekwondo:
Loyalty to your country
Respect your parent
Faithfulness to your spouse
Respect your brothers and sisters
Loyalty your friends
Respect your elders
Respect your teachers
Never take life unjustly
Indomitable spirit
Loyalty to your school
Finish what you begin
The Hwarang traveled throughout the peninsula in order to learn more about the regions and people. These traveling warriors were responsible for the spread of Taek Kyon in Korea during the Silla dynasty which lasted from AD 668 to AD 935. During this period of time, Taek Kyon remained principally as a sport and recreational activity designed to improve physical fitness, although it was an excellent self-defense system. It was not until the Koryo dynasty (935-1392) that the focus of the art was changed. During this time, Taek Kyon became known as Subak and it changed from a fitness system to a fighting art.
The first widely available book on the art was written during the Yi dynasty (1397-1907) in order to promote the art among the general population. The popularisation of the Subak during this era was responsible for its survival. Unfortunately, during the second part of the Yi dynasty, the art began losing popularity due to changes in the political views of military activities. For this reason, Subak survived only in a few families throughout Korea which handed down the art from generation to generation. Subak during this period was maintained by the general population instead of the nobility.
In 1909 Korea was invaded by Japan and was occupied for 36 years. Japanese authorities banned complete the practice of any native Korean martial art but this only increased the interest and renewed the growth of Subak. The underground nature of martial arts in Korea changed when in 1943 other martial arts were introduced to the country. This caused an increase in the interest in martial arts.
After Korea was finally liberated in 1945 the first Kwan to teach a native Korean martial art was opened in Yong Chun, Seoul. This dojang was named The Chung Do Kwan. The same year the Moo Duk Kwan and the Yun Moo Kwan also opened in Seoul. The following year the Chang Moo Kwan and the Chi Do Kwan. Seven other schools opened between 1953 and the early 1960's. Although all these schools claimed to teach the traditional Korean martial art, each one emphasized a different aspect of Taek Kyon/Subak and several names emerged: Soo Bahk Do, Kwon Bop, Kong Soo Do, Tae Soo Do and Dang Soo Do, besides those who claimed to teach traditional Taek Kyon.
Differences between the many Kwans prevented the formation of a regulation board for 10 years. However, these fighting methods found strong acceptance in the military, and in 1952 President Syngman Rhee watched a half-hour demonstration by Korean martial arts masters. Rhee was so impressed that he ordered training in the martial arts to be adopted as part of regular military training.
On April 11, 1955 a meeting was convened to unify the various kwans under a common name. At first, the name of Tae Soo Do was accepted by most kwan masters. However two years later the name was changed to the familiar Taekwondo. This name was chosen for two main reasons. The first, because it accurately describes the nature of the art (both hand and foot techniques); and second, because in closely resembles the art's early name Taek Kyon. On September 14, 1964, the Korean Taekwondo Association was created. During the 1960s thousands of Taekwondo demonstrators performed around the world before fascinated government officials who followed up to invite Korean instructors to teach in their countries. By the 1970s Taekwondo had a well established reputation worldwide.
On May 28, 1973 a new worldwide organization was formed: The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF). Since then, the WTF has regulated Taekwondo internationally. In May 1973 the first biennial WTF Championships were held in Seoul as a prelude to the inauguration of the WTF. World championships since then have been held in countries all over the world.
Under the auspices of the General Association of International Sports Federation (GAISF) Taekwondo was introduced to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in July, 1980. The crowning achievement of Taekwondo as a sport came in 1982 when the IOC designated it an official Demonstration Sport for the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, Korea.
Taekwondo today is practiced officially in 120 countries and its membership is well over 20 million people, making it the most popular martial art in the world.
Taekwondo Philosophy and Etiquette
Although the literal translation of Taekwondo is "the art of kicking and punching", (Tae means "to kick", Kwon means "to punch" and Do means "art") this is no more than a superficial translation. Do in Korean implies the philosophical approach to a way of life, a pathway to achieve enlightenment. The students of Taekwondo, through rigorous physical training, attempt to improve themselves physically as well as mentally and spiritually.
The true Taekwondo practitioner extends the scope of his art to all aspects of life, in order to achieve harmony with nature and thus a stable and peaceful existence. Taekwondo is not only an excellent method of self defence, but a way of life. These qualities can be traced back to the influence of Buddhism, and its aim of the "Mastery of Self". Through the philosophy of Taekwondo, a student can rid him or herself of the ego, and live in harmony with the universe.
At the center of this philosophy, is the concept of interaction between opposing forces in nature (Yin vs. Yan). Equilibrium is only achieved when contrary forces are distributed in equal amounts, resulting in balance and harmony. When only one force dominates, however, the result is unbalance, which could mean discord or failure.
In today's society, there are relatively fewer chances to encounter a life-threatening situation than when Taekwondo was first developed. To spend several years of one's life would seem a high price to pay for the chance to defend yourself in the not-so-likely event of a fatal attack. Therefore, it is the more spiritual part of Taekwondo which should motivate you to become a practitioner. For some people, the motives may be simply fitness or the desire to train and excel in a sport. Taekwondo will fill the needs of these people very well. However, a true practitioner of the art should never forget the importance of the philosophical and spiritual parts of Taekwondo as well the physical ones. Anyone making this mistake will not experience all the benefits that the art can provide.
Taekwondo also teaches the importance of responsibility and honesty as the means to achieve harmony with society. The true Taekwondo student knows how to behave in any place and at any time. It is very important to stress the need that our world has of trustworthy and sincere people. These are the kind of people with whom Taekwondo is most positively associated. Trustworthiness should be the insignia of any true Taekwondo practitioner.
'Respect can never be over-stressed, because it is respect that maintains the master-student relationship'
Respect, humility and a high sense of morality are also important teachings that all of those who practice Taekwondo should learn. Respect can never be over-stressed, because it is respect that maintains the master-student relationship. If the student does not respect his/her master, he/she will never become worthy of the master's trust, and therefore his/her presence in the Dojang will not be welcomed. Respect is an important subject in Taekwondo and it is expected from all students toward their parents, their nation, their master and fellow students, and in general toward all human beings.
Humility is a quality that all serious Taekwondo students should posses. Although it is true that practicing the art of Taekwondo boosts your self-confidence, this should not convey a false sense of superiority. On the contrary, the good student should be humble and considerate. In short, Taekwondo should be, for its true practitioners, a way to improve all aspects of their lives and the lives of those around them.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
