The History of Korean Taekwondo and How to Learn It Abroad: Contacts in Various Countries

 


In this blog post, we'll delve into the history of Korean Taekwondo, explore ways to learn Taekwondo for foreigners residing outside of Korea, and provide contact information for Taekwondo organizations in various countries. This information is targeted at foreigners living abroad who are interested in learning Taekwondo. The content is written in an expert-explainer style.

Introduction

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that has gained global recognition and popularity for its dynamic techniques and emphasis on self-discipline. In this article, we will examine the history of Taekwondo, discuss how foreigners can learn Taekwondo while residing outside of Korea, and provide contact information for Taekwondo organizations in different countries.

History of Korean Taekwondo

Taekwondo traces its roots back to ancient Korea, with evidence of martial arts practices dating back over 2,000 years. The modern form of Taekwondo, however, was established in the 20th century, following Korea's liberation from Japanese occupation.

Key Historical Events

  • Ancient Korea: Early forms of martial arts, such as Taekkyeon and Subak, were practiced in ancient Korea. These early martial arts focused on high, fast kicks and fluid, rhythmic movements.
  • Post-WWII: After the end of World War II and the subsequent liberation of Korea, several martial arts schools (known as "Kwans") emerged, each teaching their unique style.
  • 1955: The name "Taekwondo" was officially adopted to unify the various Korean martial arts styles. General Choi Hong Hi, a key figure in Taekwondo's development, played a significant role in this unification.
  • 1960s-1970s: Taekwondo began to spread globally, with the establishment of international organizations such as the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) and the World Taekwondo Federation (now World Taekwondo, WT).
  • 2000: Taekwondo became an official Olympic sport during the Sydney Olympic Games.

Learning Taekwondo Abroad

Foreigners residing outside of Korea can learn Taekwondo through various avenues, such as joining local Taekwondo clubs, attending international seminars, or participating in online classes.

Options for Learning Taekwondo Abroad

  1. Local Taekwondo Clubs: Many cities around the world have local Taekwondo clubs or schools affiliated with international Taekwondo organizations (ITF or WT). These clubs typically offer classes for all ages and skill levels.
  2. International Seminars: Taekwondo masters from Korea and other countries often hold international seminars and workshops, providing an opportunity to learn directly from high-ranking instructors.
  3. Online Classes: With the increasing availability of online resources, it's now possible to learn Taekwondo through virtual classes and video tutorials. While not a complete substitute for in-person training, online classes can be a helpful supplement for those with limited access to local Taekwondo clubs.

Taekwondo Contacts in Various Countries

Here are the contact details for several Taekwondo organizations in different countries. These organizations can provide information on local clubs, events, and resources for learning Taekwondo.

  1. United States: USA Taekwondo (WT)

  2. United Kingdom: British Taekwondo (WT)

  3. Canada: Taekwondo Canada (WT)

  4. Australia: Australian Taekwondo (WT)

  5. Germany: Deutscher Taekwondo Bund e.V. (WT)

  6. France: Fédération Française de Taekwondo (WT)

  7. Spain: Real Federación Española de Taekwondo (WT)

  8. Brazil: Confederação Brasileira de Taekwondo (WT)

  9. India: Taekwondo Federation of India (WT)

  10. China: Chinese Taekwondo Association (WT)

  11. Japan: Japan Taekwondo Association (WT)

  12. South Africa: South African Taekwondo Federation (WT)

  13. Russia: Russian Taekwondo Union (WT)

  14. Italy: Federazione Italiana Taekwondo (WT)

    15. Conclusion

    The rich history of Korean Taekwondo, combined with its global presence, makes it an accessible and rewarding martial art for foreigners to learn, even while residing outside of Korea. By connecting with local Taekwondo clubs or schools, attending international seminars, or utilizing online resources, foreigners can embark on their journey to learn and master this dynamic martial art.

    We have provided contact information for Taekwondo organizations in various countries to help you get started. Reach out to these organizations to find a Taekwondo school near you and begin your journey in this fascinating martial art.

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