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Tae-kwon do is two-thousand years old. It originated in Korea in 57bc. At first it was known as Tae kyon and used as a defense against animals. Later it was used as military training for soldiers. |
| Later on Korea was split into three kingdoms and they fought between themselves. Tae-kwon do was useful to help fight in the constant wars. When Korea finally split into the countries we now know as North and South Korea, tae-kwon do was practiced mostly in North Korea. |  |
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Tae-kwon do is practiced all over the United States today. There are five main qualities that an honorable student should possess. They are: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit. These qualities help a student succeed. Tae-kwon dos’ uniforms are light-weight jackets and pants with a colored belt to show your rank. |
| Most of the kicks and punches of tae-kwon do are the same as karate. Their sparing, however, is unique. Each of the different fighters each wears a different colored dot on a vest to represent opposing fighters. They also spar without the vests. Another difference is that tae-kwon dos’ kicks are mostly spinning. That is when you turn around to your other shoulder and kick using your front leg. |  |
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There are also many jumping kicks practiced in tae-kwon do. Some jumping kicks are jumping reverse hook kick, jumping back kick, and jumping reverse side kick. These kicks must be perfectly balanced so that the fighter can target for the dot on the opposing fighters’ vest. |
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As you can see, tae-kwon dos’ special force is a great loved American pass-time. Its’ origins in Korea have been a big influence on the moves of today. |
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