Taekwondo and its Influences
Colin Rhoney
Taekwondo has evolved greatly from its origins thousands of years ago. Through many different factors it has flourished and grown into what it is today. From its earliest beginnings to its modern day form, Taekwondo has always been a prevalent part of the Korean way of life. During the evolution of Taekwondo there have been many factors that have swayed history, culture, and religion that have eventually influenced things such as health benefits today. The many influences of Taekwondo from the beginning have formed a backbone and structure from which it has been able to grow and develop on. Through its long history, Taekwondo has grown into an extremely successful martial art that is now the national sport of Korea.
The history of Taekwondo can be traced back nearly 2000 years ago during the Three Kingdoms era. Taekwondo can be found in all three of the kingdoms, but is mainly seen in the dynasty of Koguryo. Taekwondo was originally a form practiced as a means of protection from wild animals. A series of defensive and offensive moves to protect them from wild animals. Not only was it a way of protection, but also as training for warriors and traditional games during the ritual seasons. In Koguryo there was also a youth warrior group called, “chouisonin”. They were a group that taught Taekwondo as an important subject. In Koguryo a group of called Sunbae were formed to consolidate power over the Chinese. Taekwondo has advanced and developed over the years, and it is believed to have descended from other forms such as Subak, Taekkyon, and Takkyon.
Although Koguryo is the birthplace of Taekwondo, Silla is where it actually began developing and changing. Silla’s Hwarang warriors are credited with the growth and spread of Taekwondo throughout Korea. A select group of Sillan warriors were given the privilege of training in the art of Taekkyon. These Taekkyon trained warriors became known as the Hwarang. Later a...