Taekwondo

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art, based on the old Korean martial arts and external fighting styles (karate and kung fu). The martial arts traditions in Korea date back thousands of years. It is considered that the roots of taekwondo are found in the traditional Korean martial arts taekkyon and subak. During the Japanese occupation, all aspects of Korean cultural life, including martial arts, were banned in an attempt to erase the Korean national heritage. Some Koreans were able to study abroad, having the opportunity to train other Asian martial arts. After the war ended, many martial arts schools were opened. With time, several schools were formed. These were unified by General Choi Hong Hi, who is considered the 'father' of modern taekwondo.

As with many Asian martial arts, taekwondo is focused towards a balance between the body and the soul and harmony between the physical and mental qualities of an individual. What makes taekwondo different is the great variety of kick techniques.

Currently taekwondo is practiced by 50 million people in 168 countries. Its popularity, as well as the extensive use of protective gear, made taekwondo one of the first martial arts to be included in the Olympics. The taekwondo competitions include sparring, forms and breaking. In the Olympics, however, only sparring is included. Breaking boards, tiles, bricks and other materials is used for demonstration, in competitions and training. The forms are a set of pre arranged techniques (both basic and advanced), performed against an imaginary opponent. The sparring rules of the World Taekwondo Federation, also the official Olympics rules, put both fighters in a ten meter square area. There are three two minute rounds, with a 30 second break in-between. Points are awarded only for powerful and accurately executed techniques. For a kick or punch in the body, one point is awarded, as for a kick in the head - two. Punches to the head are not allowed. The one with more points at the end of the match is pronounced the winner. If, during a match, there is a seven point lead, or one of the participants reaches twelve points, the match ends. If the match is tied, a fourth round is issued.