Taekwondo, literally meaning "the way of kicking and punching," is a Korean martial art that blends elements from various traditional Korean fighting styles. Taekwondo practitioners develop strong legs, agility, and focus through rigorous training that combines powerful kicks, fast footwork, and self-defense techniques.
Origins
While Taekwondo's formalized structure emerged in the mid-20th century, its roots trace back to centuries-old Korean fighting traditions. Drawing from various indigenous martial arts styles, Taekwondo is now a popular martial art worldwide.
Competition Formats
Here's a breakdown of the main formats:
- Poomsae (Forms): Competitors perform pre-arranged sequences of kicks, punches, blocks, and stances, demonstrating precision, power, and control.
- Kyorigi (Sparring): This is the full-contact sparring format, where competitors wear protective gear and score points with kicks and punches to designated target areas.