Taekwondo (also known as Tae Kwon Do) is the art of self-defence that originated in Korea. It is recognised as one of the oldest forms of martial arts in the world, reaching back over 2000 years. The name was selected for its appropriate description of the art:
Tae (means to kick or smash with the feet), Kwon (means to punch or destroy with the hand), Do (means the way, method, or art)
One of the earliest clues of Taekwondo’s existence is a mural painted on the wall of a tomb that was built in the Korean kingdom of Koguryo, between 37BC and 66AD. The drawing shows two unarmed figures facing each other in a Taekwondo style stance. Additional drawings in the tomb show figures performing blocks and wearing uniforms similar to those used in modern day Taekwondo training.
In 1973, Korea hosted the first Taekwondo World Championships. In that same year, the World Taekwondo Federation was established as the international governing body for the sport aspects of Taekwondo. Today the WT (changed from WTF) counts 120 separate countries as its members, representing 20 million practitioners. These numbers earn Taekwondo the distinction of being the most practiced martial art in the world.
Taekwondo first gained acceptance as an Olympic sport when it appeared as a demonstration event in the 1998 Seoul Olympic Games.
Taekwondo became a full medal sport competition beginning in 2000 at the Sydney Olympics.