Who invented taekwondo

The highest form of the ancient art was achieved in the kingdom of Silla. This tiny kingdom constantly faced attacks and opposition from larger and stronger areas. The Hwarang consisted of the sons of nobles within the kingdom. They were carefully selected and formally trained in all aspects of military skills including unarmed combat, which at the time was known as Tae Kyon.

It is significant that the Hwarang were taught not only the importance of developing their bodies, but their minds and spirits as well. In addition to fighting techniques, the young warriors were instructed in history, poetry, and philosophy. The entire body of study was known as Hwarang Do. The Hwarang gained skills not only for battle, but for daily life. In Kyoto, he met a fellow Korean with the surname Kim, who was a karate instructor and taught Choi this martial art.

Choi also learned Shotokan karate under Funakoshi Gichin. Choi attained the rank of 1st dan in karate in , and then 2nd dan soon after. On his return to Korea in , he hid to avoid conscription into the Japanese Army, but was eventually caught, and in October began his basic training.

He was soon arrested during an attempt to escape and join the underground Korean Liberation Army. Sent to Pyung Yang prison for treason, he was due to have been executed on August 18 , three days after Korea was liberated. In , Choi enrolled in the Koreans Military Academy, later to be commissioned to the rank of second lieutenant in By , he had been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and was a Taekyon instructor for the military troops of the R.

On the outbreak of the Korean War in , Choi hurried back to Korea, where he was ordered to set up an officer training academy. In he was appointed chief of staff of the First Corps, and soon found himself briefing General Douglas MacArthur, the Supreme Commander of the United Nations troops, on the situation at the front line.

In Choi was promoted to the rank of Major General. From to , Choi received promotions to first lieutenant, captain, major, lieutenant colonel, colonel, and then brigadier general. Taekwondo allows a woman to emphasize many of her natural physical strengths, such as power in the legs, while learning a method of self-defense efficient against a much larger opponent.

This does not come naturally for many people, but self-confidence can be developed over a period of time. Through Taekwondo as you accomplish new goals, your confidence level increases. Taekwondo instills a sense of discipline and self-confidence that can carry over to all aspects of your life. We would love to invite you to visit one of our conveniently located Dojangs.

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