ABOUT TAEKWONDO​

History of Taekwondo

Taekwondo is considered to be one of the oldest of all Martial Arts concepts. Recorded evidence of Korean Martial Arts dates back thousands of years. Ancient wall murals in Korea depict men in typical martial art stances. Royal tomb drawings from the Korguyo historical era (beginning in 37 BC) are numerous enough to indicate that Taekwondo was a popular activity among Korean people. Temple drawings from the Silla historical era (beginning in 57 BC) depict men with highly developed musculature performing martial arts techniques. In 1706 Yongjo, the 21st King of the Yi Dynasty ordered the publication of an illustrated book on hand-to-hand combat. The book contained a substantial section on Taekwondo techniques.

At the close of World War 2, then the Korean War, the Korean people began the task of mending 50 years of damage to their economic, national, and cultural heritage. Traditional martial arts again began to be practiced, but because of the strong Japanese presence for nearly half a century, the techniques were altered by “Karate” influence and there still was no universally recognized, specific name for the Korean style.
In 1955, a committee was asked to select one name to call the Korean martial art of hand and foot techniques. The term “Taekwondo” which means the “way” or method of hand and foot techniques toward physical development, was officially accepted. Over the next decade, a series of new forms were created using techniques that were then in current use. Their creation was an important step in re-establishing the spirit of the ancient Korean martial art as a way of defense and personal improvement.
Master Maurice Orange played a significant role in the creation of a new series of Forms that form an integral part in the expansion and extension of this re-establishment…, that spirit that makes (SIDEKICKS) our art, truly Korean, and uniquely Western born out of his great experience and remarkable creativity.
…it’s for you!