Tae Kwon Do

The Korean National Flag is called "T'aegukki." The name came from the taeguk circle in the center. The circle is divided equally and in perfect balance. The red upper section represents the yang and the blue lower section represents the yin. The two symbolize the great cosmic forces, which oppose each other but achieve perfect harmony and balance. The circle stands for the eternal principle that everything in the universe is created and continues by interaction of yin and yahg. There are four trigrams surrounding the circle. They represent heaven at the upper left, earth at the lower right, moon at the upper right, and sun at the lower left. The white background of the flag symbolizes the purity and peace.

Tae Kwon Do is a complete exercise of the mind and body. "Tae" means "to kick", "kwon" means "to punch", and "do" translates to "way". It is, therefore, the art of fighting with the hands and feet. Though the name emphasizes the physical, there is much to be gained from the mental training. A person concentrating on the physical aspects will gain strength and technique, but the mental benefits are courage, confidence, and self-respect. Self-control is the fighters greatest weapon in the ring, on the street, and in life. A true "martial artist" will never be a bully, but will have a quiet strength. This is often the best deterrent to a conflict.

1. Tae Kwon Do was developed more than 2,000 years ago.
   
2. Tae Kyon is the ancient name for Tae Kwon Do.
3. Dynasties
   • Koguryo
     The origin of tae kwon do in Korea can be traced back to this dynasty founded in 37 BC. Evidenced by mural paintings in royal tombs (Muyong-Chong and Kak Chu-Chong in the province of Manchuria). The tombs are believed to have been erected between 3 and 427 AD.
   • Silla
     Silla was a dynasty founded some 20 years before Koguryo. In Kyong Ju, the ancient capital of Silla, there are two Buddist images inscribed on the Keum Kang Giant Tower facing each other in a tae kwon do stance.
   • Koryo
     This dynasty was founded in 918 AD. Here tae kwo do became popular among the common people. During this dynasty, tae kwon do (then called Su Bak Do) was practiced as a martial art as well as a sporting activity.
   • Yi
     In 1790, King Jung Zo ordered Duk Moo Kee to comprise a book making a tae kwon do form to train the military personnel. This is the only form that is strictly Korean. All our forms derived from Japanese Karate. In the 1900's, Korea was occupied by Japan, temporarily restricting martial arts practice.
4. In April 1955, a special board was formed to organize and coordinate the many styles of Tae Kyon and to give it a name. Tae Kwon Do was chosen because they felt it best illustrated the spirit of the art and it sounded very similar to the original name Tae Kyon.
5. In 1966, General Choi formed the International Tae Kwon Do Federation.
6. In 1973, Korea established the World Tae Kwon Do Federation.
7. On May 25, 1973, the first World Tae Kwon Do Championships were held.

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