The earliest known traces of Taekwondo originated in Asia, called Soo Bak. The Koguryo soldiers passed it along to the legendary Hwarang of Silla. While Taekwondo developed from these early training, the basic principles of Soo Bak have survived. In addition to fighting skills, Taekwondo develops confidence and self-discipline.

In September 1961, the Korea Taekwondo Association was formed. It was a body devoted to developing standards and bringing Taekwondo to the world. Its leader was General Choi. General Choi dispatched masters from Korea to teach Taekwondo in other countries, laying the foundations for what would become the International Taekwondo Federation. General Choi later moved to Toronto, Canada, and founded the ITF.

As mentioned before, Taekwondo began as a martial art in South Korea. Before the Japanese occupied the country, it was called Subak Do, and fighters used their feet as the primary weapons. Subak Do spread throughout Asia and China in B.C. and later declined during the Japanese occupation of the country. The Koreans were taught other martial arts during this period, including Karate and Judo.

When looking for a Taekwondo program, there are several things you should look for. In addition to the program’s instructor and facilities, you should consider its curriculum. Taekwondo is a martial art that requires concentration, so it is essential to find a school that emphasizes this skill. In addition, the taelwondo programs should teach students how to effectively manage their stress and develop effective techniques for coping with everyday life and stressful situations.

Regardless of the organization you choose, you’ll want a reputable school. Black belt ranks are essential, and students should respect those in their dojo. Check out the instructor’s black belt rank. If there are a lot of black belts, the program probably doesn’t have high standards and genuine associations. It should also have a friendly environment with positive students.

Taekwondo is the oldest martial art in the world. Although sparring is a popular feature, it is only one component of a well-rounded training program. A good program will also include other aspects of training like stretching and educative games. Unlike other martial arts, kicking techniques and flexibility are essential to achieving mastery in Taekwondo. However, if the taelwondo programs only focus on sparring, it is not good.

The speed of the student’s strikes should be matched to his opponent’s momentum. While training in different sets of strikes and kicks, training your reflexes and coordination is essential. These skills can help you control your opponents’ attacks and protect yourself simultaneously. It would help if you also noted the federation’s weapons training policies. While it is not a formal part of the curriculum of the sport, some individual schools may incorporate weapons training into their curriculum.

A traditional Taekwondo school uses a white uniform as its uniform. This is because it symbolizes purity and perfection of character. Schools that lack this understanding may opt for colorful uniforms. Also, while learning self-defense, it is essential to be physically fit. Therefore, some schools use limited contact sparring, or they may even forgo competitions altogether. If this is not possible, you may want to choose another school.

A quality Taekwondo program should emphasize a long-term plan. It should underline discipline and a strong body. It should also emphasize moral development and develop respect. You should set specific goals and measure your progress toward those goals. Make sure these goals are SMART goals, or Specific, Measureable, Achievable, and Realistic. It should help you achieve these goals and give you a clear sense of achievement.

A taekwondo program will also teach the art of Hyeong (forms). These are prearranged movements and skills used in Taekwondo training. These exercises can be performed with or without a weapon and include a wide range of movements. This is a rigorous physical exercise. However, it can also offer a competitive experience depending on the school.