The Origin of Taekwondo

Taekwondo was born from a blend of various ancient martial arts.

At the beginning of the Christian era, Korea was divided into three rival kingdoms: Koguryo (= Taekyon), Sylla (= Hwarang-do), and Paekche.
Each developed its own form of combat, thus forming the roots of modern Taekwondo.

In the Kingdom of Koguryo, the largest of the three, practitioners developed mainly hand and foot strikes, as well as throws, holds, and joint locks, known as Tangsudo.
In the Kingdom of Sylla, the smallest of the three, the focus was on hand techniques, called Subakdo.

In the Kingdom of Paekche, the martial art was known as Taekwonpup, also centered around hand techniques.

These martial practices evolved over the centuries until the Japanese occupation of Korea in 1911.
During this period, the Japanese banned all Korean martial arts, replacing them with Karate.
Taekwondo nearly disappeared, but some Korean masters continued to train secretly, preserving the ancestral heritage.

After the liberation of Korea following World War II, several schools (dojangs) were opened by different masters.
In 1955, under the influence of General Choi Hong-Hee, the Korean government decided to unify these different schools, officially recognizing the discipline under the name “Taekwondo.”

It then became the official national sport of the Republic of Korea and was adopted by the Korean armed forces.
Gradually, Taekwondo spread to other countries and appeared in Belgium in the early 1970s.

In 1972, the World Taekwondo Headquarters (Kukkiwon) was built in Seoul, and the first World Championships were organized the following year.
Taekwondo became first a demonstration sport and later an Olympic sport at the Olympic Games.

Today, Taekwondo remains one of the most popular sports in Korea, taught to police officers, soldiers, and students alike.

There are three main Taekwondo organizations in the world:

• Global Taekwondo Federation (GTF)
• International Taekwondo Federation (ITF)
• World Taekwondo Federation (WT)

There is a symbolic meaning within the Taekwondo ranking system.

Regarding the Dan grades, 9 is considered the highest rank, as it is not only the greatest single-digit number, but also the result of multiplying the number 3 (which symbolizes perfection).

If you multiply 9 by any number and then add the digits of the result, the sum is always equal to 9.

Example:

9 x 1 = 9

9 x 2 = 18 → 1 + 8 = 9

9 x 3 = 27 → 2 + 7 = 9

9 x 9 = 81 → 8 + 1 = 9

Since 9 is the only number with this property, it represents the most positive omen and the symbol of ultimate mastery.

The Three Classes of Degrees

The degrees are traditionally divided into three distinct classes:

1st to 3rd Dan: The first steps of the student on the path to black belt. At this stage, practitioners are still considered beginners compared to higher levels.

4th Dan: Marks entry into the class of experts.

7th to 9th Dan: Represent the Masters of Taekwondo, those who fully understand all physical and mental aspects of the art.

The Oriental Numbering Tradition

Although it might seem more logical to count from 1 upward, the Eastern tradition follows a descending system from 10 to 1, then ascending again from 1 to 9.

The number 10 is the smallest two-digit number, and therefore a beginner starts with this grade rather than 11 or 12, which are greater.

Poomsae (Forms) and Keup System

Poomsae means a set of movements representing an imaginary combat.

Our grading system follows the structure of the official Taekwondo federations.
For each Keup (grade), students must pass an exam by performing the Poomsae corresponding to their level.

A beginner’s level is white belt, corresponding to the 10th Keup.
At our academy, children under 8 years old begin at the 15th Keup, since their progression toward black belt takes longer.

The five additional Keup levels (15th to 11th) correspond to the five Ki-Tcho, which are introductory forms preparing for the first official Poomsae.
The gradual memorization and motor coordination required by the five Ki-Tcho are adapted to the child’s age, ensuring a progressive and coherent development toward their future level.

Taekwondo is a martial art originating from Korea, the “Land of the Morning Calm,” more than 20 centuries ago.
It translates as “The Way of the Foot and the Fist.”
Its goal is to develop and perfect all the spiritual and physical abilities of the human being.
It is often considered the martial art of wisdom.

Today, Taekwondo is internationally recognized for its spectacular kicking techniques.

We distinguish two main aspects of Taekwondo: the Martial Art and the Sport.

The Martial Art

Taekwondo is, above all, a martial art that requires not only technical knowledge, but also mental discipline to progress along the path — the true spirit of Taekwondo.
This journey is a lifelong personal development, a continuous effort toward mastery of body and mind.

The Sport

Taekwondo is also a sporting discipline, where performance and precision prevail within a regulated framework to score points.
It does not reflect real combat situations but focuses on competition and technique.
It was first introduced as a demonstration sport at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, and later became an official Olympic discipline in 2000 in Sydney.

In both forms, Taekwondo training requires and develops:

• flexibility
• agility
• endurance
• vitality
• precision
• determination
• and technical mastery.

Master Kim’s Vision

The growing gap between traditional martial practice and the modern evolution of Taekwondo as a sport is an undeniable reality.
These differences deeply influence the training of Taekwondo practitioners, their skills, and their understanding of what the martial art truly represents.

Conditioning in Taekwondo: Martial Art vs. Competitive Sport

Traditional Martial Art

In traditional practice, conditioning focuses primarily on real combat situations and the ability to react effectively in self-defense.
Techniques are taught with real intent — every movement must be executed with power, precision, and determination to neutralize a threat.

Training emphasizes body strengthening (flexibility, resistance, explosiveness), distance management, strike control, and adaptability to unpredictable situations.

It also includes elements that go beyond combat, such as meditation, fear and stress management, and the study of vital points.

Modern Competitive Sport

In the modern sport version, conditioning is oriented toward performance within a regulated framework, where the main goal is to score points.
This involves specialization in techniques that maximize scores (mainly high or spinning kicks).

Strikes are often not delivered with full power, as the goal is to touch the electronic sensor, not to cause real impact.
This creates a habit of light contact, which can be problematic in a real-life situation.

The use of electronic chest protectors (hogu) with sensors has reinforced this tendency, making some effective strikes obsolete if they don’t trigger the scoring system.
As a result, practitioners can become conditioned in a way that diverges from real combat effectiveness.

The Distortion Between Sport and Martial Reality

Sport as a Game

Competitive Taekwondo, with its strict rules, can be seen as a game of “touch without being touched.”
This system encourages athletes to develop point-scoring strategies that do not reflect real combat, where a strike delivered without power might leave the opponent unharmed.

The Illusion of Technology

Modern equipment, such as electronic scoring vests, amplifies this distortion.
It rewards light or imprecise strikes that would be ineffective in a real confrontation.
Furthermore, the lack of significant hand strikes in the scoring system limits technical versatility — a major flaw in real self-defense situations.

Disconnection from Reality

In a real situation, every strike counts.
A weak or misplaced blow makes no difference against an aggressor.
In real life, there are no weight categories or belt distinctions.
Traditional martial arts teach practitioners to strike with intention and decisiveness, to protect oneself or others — an aspect often missing from modern sport conditioning.

The Martial Way: A Different Philosophy

Traditional martial art practice goes far beyond physical effectiveness.
It embodies a philosophy of life rooted in respect, humility, and self-control.
This dimension is often missing in purely competitive environments, where victory and performance become central goals.

By losing this essence, modern Taekwondo risks becoming a superficial practice, stripped of its deep spiritual and educational content.

To go even further: see the continuation of this article.

Breaking (Kyokpa)

Breaking is a mandatory test for the black belt examination.
It is an excellent way to develop concentration, strength, speed, precision, and self-overcoming.

It also helps practitioners realize that their body can become a powerful weapon, encouraging them to train with discipline and caution.

Poomsae (Forms)

Poom = form / Se = identity

Poomsae (also called forms or katas) are imaginary, individual combat sequences against multiple opponents.
There are even Poomsae championships, often referred to as technical competitions, where precision, balance, and rhythm are judged.

Sparring (Competition Fights)

In competition, protective gear is mandatory — including chest protector (hogu), helmet, groin guard, mouthguard, shin guards, and forearm protectors.

A match consists of three rounds of three minutes each, with 30 seconds of rest between rounds.
The fight is supervised by a center referee and three corner judges.

Authorized Strikes

• All strikes must be delivered while standing and above the belt.
• Kicks are allowed to the head and chest protector.
• Punches are allowed only to the chest protector.

Scoring

• Kick to the chest protector → 1 point
• Kick to the head → 2 or 3 points, depending on the technique
• Punch to the chest protector → varies depending on impact

Weight Categories

Under 48 kg, 48–52 kg, 52–56 kg, 56–60 kg, 60–64 kg, 64–68 kg,  68–73 kg, 73–78 kg, 78–84 kg, meer dan 84 kg

 Note: Regulations and categories may change depending on official updates.

Training Objective

The goal of training is the improvement of the potential of both mind and body.

Training Principles

• Sincerity is fundamental.
• Effort is mandatory.
• Respect the regular training schedule.
• When the master, instructor, or higher ranks (from black belt upward) give an instruction, students must comply without objection.
• Do not be impatient.
• Pay conscientious attention to every aspect of training.
• Take interest in the rules of training.
• Show interest in new forms and techniques with a view to progress.
• Strive to overcome complacency.
• Cleanliness is imperative before and after training.

Taekwondo Practitioner’s Oath

I, as a member of the Taekwondo world, will use these techniques—guided by my heart and my mind—only in the pursuit of justice and peace, in respect of my identity and that of my Master.

During Training: Rules to Observe

The 10 Commandments

Spirit

Respect

Demeanor

Courtesy

Loyalty

Perseverance

Self-control

Fighting spirit

Cleanliness

Sacrifice

For the safety of practitioners, this equipment is an integral part of the discipline.
It is specifically designed for Taekwondo practitioners, although it is not mandatory.

Equipment list:

• Foot protectors
• Hand protectors (gloves)
• Groin guard
• Shin guards
• Forearm guards
• Chest protector (hogu)
• Helmet

Official Kukkiwon Courses

Since September 2015, the Kukkiwon has organized several training sessions and exams across Europe (notably in Italy and Austria) for:
Skip Dan / Instructor / Examiner certifications.

These events were open to all European practitioners holding a black belt or an official Kukkiwon world certification, depending on the seminar type.

Skip Dan (open to all black belts)

This course allows you to regularize or update your Kukkiwon-recognized rank, based on your:

years of experience,

age,

or equivalent qualifications, etc.

You may obtain recognition up to two grades above your current rank, with a maximum of 7th Dan.
For 8th and 9th Dan, examinations must be taken exclusively at the Kukkiwon in Korea.

Instructor (available from 4th Dan)

This program consists of three levels and provides access to additional qualifications such as:

Official refereeing

Exam board participation

Access to the Taekwondowon (World Taekwondo Center, Korea)

Holders of this diploma are official Kukkiwon-certified instructors, ensuring globally recognized teaching standards within the official Taekwondo network.

 Examiner / Judge

(available from 4th Dan with an Instructor diploma)
This qualification also includes three levels.

=> More information coming soon.