Federation: WT
First Played: 600s AD, Korea
Team Members: 1
Equipment: Taekwondo Uniform, Groin Protector, Chest Protector
Field: Indoor
Olympic Participation: 2000
Description:
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art and sport characterized by its emphasis on head-height kicks, jumping and spinning kicks, and fast kicking techniques. It originated around the 600s AD, combining two separate systems known as the "Foot System" and the "Fist Method." The word Taekwondo is derived from the Korean words Tae (kick), Kwon (fist), and Do (the way). Tae means "kick" or "strike with the foot"; Kwon refers to "fist" or "strike with the hand"; and Do signifies "the way to goodness, righteousness, and virtue."
History:
Taekwondo is the national sport of Korea, having developed and spread worldwide from its origins in this country. Its roots go back to 13 centuries ago when the people living in Korea developed a defense system solely based on foot techniques to protect themselves from nature, wild animals, and bandits. During the 600s, the Korean Peninsula was divided into three kingdoms, and the smallest of these, the Silla Kingdom, emphasized the development of hand and foot techniques alongside various weapons to enhance the strength of its young nobles and warriors against their enemies. These techniques were systematized over time and named Taek-Kyon, which laid the foundation for Taekwondo. By the 20th century, Taekwondo evolved into its current form and was recognized as a competitive sport in 1905. The International Taekwondo Federation was established in 1966, and today, 208 countries are members, making Taekwondo a sport practiced by millions around the world.
Field Dimensions:
The competition area must meet a metric system measurement of 10x10 meters and should not have any distracting reflections (color confusion) on the surface. The competition area will be covered with an elastic material (mat). It may be raised 0.5 to 0.6 meters above the ground if necessary. The area outside the boundary line should have a slope of less than 30 degrees for the safety of the competitors. The competition area should be 10x10 meters, with an outer area of 1-2 meters in width for safety. Therefore, a competition area may measure 12x12 meters or 14x14 meters. The color arrangement on the competition mat surface should not create distracting reflections or strain the vision of competitors or spectators. Additionally, the color arrangement should be compatible with the competitors' equipment, clothing, and the competition surface.
