Taekwondo (태권도) is a Korean martial art that focuses on fast, high, and spinning kicks. It is famous for its dynamic movements, such as jumping and turning kicks. Today, Taekwondo is practiced by millions of people worldwide. It is also an Olympic sport recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
World Taekwondo (WT), formerly called the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF), was founded in Seoul, South Korea in 1973. It serves as the international governing body of the sport. WT organizes world championships, oversees the rules, and promotes Taekwondo as both a martial art and a global sport.
In Taekwondo, Kyorugi (겨루기) means sparring. It is the competitive, full-contact side of the art where two athletes face each other under strict rules. Electronic scoring systems, protective gear, and a referee ensure fairness and safety. Kyorugi is one of the two official Olympic disciplines of Taekwondo, the other being Poomsae (forms).
The word Taekwondo is made of three Korean parts:
1. “Tae” (태) – to kick with the foot
2. “Kwon” (권) – to strike with the fist
3. “Do” (도) – the way or path
So, Taekwondo literally means “the way of the foot and fist.”
Yes! Some BTS members have trained in Taekwondo. Jungkook is known to hold a black belt. Many Korean children grow up learning Taekwondo, and even global K-pop idols like BTS enjoy martial arts as part of their fitness.
Taekwondo can feel hard at the beginning. You need balance, flexibility, and focus. But with regular practice, it becomes easier. Like any martial art, it’s a journey—you grow stronger and more skilled over time.
It depends on your goal:
1. Taekwondo focuses on kicks, speed, and agility.
2. Karate emphasizes hand strikes, stances, and linear power.
Both are respected martial arts with rich traditions.
Taekwondo is famous worldwide because:
1. TKD is an Olympic sport.
2. It looks dynamic and powerful on stage or in competitions.
3. It teaches discipline, respect, and self-control.
4. It’s fun and accessible for kids and adults.
Absolutely! Many people start Taekwondo in their 20s, 30s, or even later. It improves fitness, flexibility, confidence, and self-defense skills. Age is not a barrier to starting.
South Korea is considered the strongest nation in Taekwondo since it is the birthplace of the martial art. Korean athletes dominate international competitions, including the Olympics and World Taekwondo Championships.
There are usually 10 belts before black. While belt colors can differ by school or federation, the common order is:
1. White
2. Yellow
3. Green
4. Blue
5. Red
6. Black
Some schools use extra stripes or levels in between.
The black belt is the hardest to earn. It requires years of training, testing, and discipline. In some schools, it may take 3–4 years or more of consistent practice.
The Taekwondo uniform is called a Dobok (도복). It is usually white and lightweight. The color of the belt (띠 – “Ti”) shows the rank of the practitioner.
There are over 30 main kicks in Taekwondo. Examples include:
1. Ap Chagi – Front Kick
2. Dollyo Chagi – Roundhouse Kick
3. Yop Chagi – Side Kick
4. Twio Chagi – Jumping Kick
5. Naeryo Chagi – Axe Kick
High and spinning kicks are especially popular.
It usually takes 3–4 years of dedicated training to reach black belt in Taekwondo. But it depends on your school, dedication, and progress. Some take longer, especially at higher Dan (degree) levels.
Taekwondo is more than just kicks—it brings many benefits:
1. Improves cardiovascular health
2. Builds strength and flexibility
3. Boosts endurance and coordination
4. Helps with stress relief
5. Encourages discipline, self-confidence, and focus.
Yes, Taekwondo can be effective for self-defense. It teaches kicks, punches, blocks, and strategies for real-life situations. However, like any martial art, the key is awareness and avoiding conflict when possible.
Taekwondo provides real skills that can help in a fight. Fast kicks, timing, and agility can give you an edge. But self-defense also depends on awareness, calmness, and decision-making in the moment.
Definitely! Training includes kicking drills, forms (Poomsae), sparring, and conditioning. It builds stamina, balance, and core strength. Many people enjoy it as a fun way to stay fit.
It depends on your goals. For progress, most people train 2–3 times a week. Competitive athletes may train daily. The key is consistency without overtraining.
Yes, Taekwondo is generally safe when guided by a qualified instructor and practiced with proper protective gear. Like all sports, there’s some risk, but following rules and respecting limits helps prevent injuries.
Finding the right Taekwondo dojang (school) takes some research. Visit a few schools, meet the instructors (Sabum or Master), and watch a class. Look for:
1. Qualified teachers with experience and proper certification from World Taekwondo (WT) or International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF)
2. Clean and safe training areas
3. A positive and respectful learning culture
Taekwondo helps girls build confidence, strength, and self-defense skills. It teaches respect, discipline, and resilience. Many parents choose Taekwondo for their daughters because it provides a safe environment for learning and empowerment.
Yes! Many kids start Taekwondo at ages 4–6. Children’s classes focus on fun, discipline, and simple movements. Organizations like Kukkiwon (the World Taekwondo Headquarters in Seoul) and the Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA) support youth development programs worldwide.
Absolutely. Taekwondo can be adapted for kids, teens, adults, and even seniors. Each age group trains differently, but the art always encourages fitness, flexibility, and focus. Always check with your doctor before starting.
The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF), now called World Taekwondo (WT), is the official international governing body. Founded in 1973 in Seoul, South Korea, it oversees Olympic Taekwondo, world rankings, and international competitions.
Taekwondo is unique because of its fast, high, and spinning kicks. Other martial arts focus on different things:
1. Karate emphasizes hand strikes and strong stances.
2. Kung Fu highlights fluid motions and animal-style techniques.
3. Judo focuses on throws and grappling.
Students wear a dobok (uniform), made of a jacket, pants, and a belt (Ti) that shows rank. Higher ranks may have uniforms with black trim.
You advance by testing. Students demonstrate Poomsae (patterns/forms), sparring, breaking, and self-defense. Passing tests leads to new kup (color belts) and eventually dan (black belt ranks).
There are 10 black belt degrees (Dan ranks). A 1st Dan is a beginner black belt. Higher Dans, like 9th or 10th Dan, are reserved for Grandmasters with decades of training and teaching experience.
The patterns are called Poomsae (품새) in World Taekwondo and Tul (틀) in ITF Taekwondo. These sequences of movements simulate combat with imaginary opponents and develop technique, balance, and rhythm.
It depends on the style:
1. ITF: 24 Tuls (patterns), each with symbolic meaning.
2. WT: 17 official Poomsae, recognized by Kukkiwon.
Sparring is called Kyorugi (겨루기). It’s a form of controlled, full-contact practice that develops timing, reflexes, and strategy. In competitions, athletes wear protective gear, and points are scored with electronic sensors.
Yes, kicking is the signature feature of Taekwondo. Some famous kicks are:
1. Ap Chagi (front kick)
2. Dollyo Chagi (roundhouse kick)
3. Yop Chagi (side kick)
4. Naeryo Chagi (axe kick)
5. Twio Chagi (jumping kick)
Taekwondo also uses punches, blocks, and stances, but kicks make it stand out.
Here are 10 helpful Taekwondo resources:
1. World Taekwondo (WT)
2. International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF)
3. Kukkiwon
4. Taekwondo Network
5. Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA)
6. Taekwondo Wik
7. Taekwondo World Magazine
8. TKD World News
9. TaekwondoKing
10. Taekwondo Life Magazine
They are called a Taekwondo practitioner, student, or athlete. In Korean, a student is called a Haksaeng (학생).
The ITF World Rankings track athlete performance in ITF competitions. Rankings are updated often and used for tournament seeding and recognition of top fighters.
Yes. Taekwondo became an official Olympic sport in the 2000 Sydney Games, after appearing as a demonstration in the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Olympic Taekwondo focuses on Kyorugi (sparring), and since 2018, Poomsae has also been added in world competitions.
Work on:
1. Flexibility: Dynamic stretching and yoga
2. Strength: Squats, lunges, push-ups, and core training
3. Endurance: Running, skipping rope, or cycling
4. Agility: Footwork drills and plyometrics
Also, eat well, hydrate, and get enough rest.
Join a reputable dojang, train regularly, and learn the basics: stances, kicks, Poomsae, and sparring. Compete in local tournaments, then move up to national and international events if you want to become a competitive athlete.
To reach the top:
1. Train daily with a focus on fundamentals
2. Work on strength, speed, and stamina
3. Study tactics and fight strategies
4. Train with experienced coaches
5. Enter competitions to gain real experience
6. Stay mentally strong and always keep learning.