To practice Taekwondo is to participate in a history that spans millennia. Every bow, every form, and every command in the dojang echoes the traditions of the past.
At Superior Taekwondo, we teach more than just kicking and punching. We teach a heritage. Whether you are training in our Helensville dojang or competing internationally, you are part of a lineage that has survived wars, occupations, and rigorous modernization to become the Olympic sport we love today.
The Three Kingdoms (57 BC - 668 AD)
The history of Korean martial arts begins in the era of the Three Kingdoms: Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla. Archaeological findings, such as murals in the Muyongchong (Royal Tomb of the Dancers), depict warriors engaging in unarmed combat resembling modern Taekwondo.
Two primary indigenous arts emerged during this time:
- Subak (수박): A fighting style focusing on hand strikes and grappling.
- Taekkyeon (택견): A fluid, rhythmic art emphasizing high, fluid kicks and footwork. This art is the primary ancestor of Taekwondo's dynamic kicking style.
The Hwarang Warriors
The Silla kingdom, though the smallest, became powerful through its youth warrior corps known as the Hwarang ("Flowering Knights").
The Hwarang were young noblemen trained in philosophy, poetry, horse riding, swordsmanship, and unarmed combat (Subak). They were renowned for their discipline and code of ethics.
Their five-point code of conduct, the Sesok Ogye, laid the spiritual foundation for modern Taekwondo philosophy:
- Loyalty to one's country
- Respect for one's parents
- Faithfulness to one's spouse/friends
- Courage in battle
- Justice in taking life (avoiding unnecessary killing)
"They trained consistently throughout the four seasons, honing their bodies and minds to protect their nation."
- Ancient Historical Records
The Dark Ages & Rebirth
The Joseon Dynasty
During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), Confucianism replaced Buddhism as the state ideology. Scholarly pursuits were valued over martial arts, causing Subak and Taekkyeon to decline, practiced only as folk games by commoners.
The Japanese Occupation (1910-1945)
Korea's annexation by Japan brought a ban on all Korean cultural practices, including martial arts. However, this period paradoxically shaped modern Taekwondo. Many Koreans studying in Japan learned Karate (Kong Soo Do).
When Korea was liberated in 1945, masters returned with a unique blend of skills: the linear, powerful strikes of Karate combined with the fluid, high-kicking traditions of ancient Taekkyeon.
The Birth of "Taekwondo"
Post-liberation, five major martial arts schools (Kwans) opened: Chung Do Kwan, Moo Duk Kwan, Yun Moo Kwan, Chang Moo Kwan, and Song Moo Kwan. Later, four more joined to form the 9 original Kwans.
1955: The Naming
General Choi Hong Hi proposed the name "Taekwondo" to a committee. It was chosen for its similarity to "Taekkyeon" and its descriptive meaning (Foot, Fist, Way).
1966: ITF Formed
The International Taekwon-Do Federation was established to promote the art globally.
1973: WT Formed
The World Taekwondo Federation (now WT) was established in Seoul, separating the martial art into two distinct paths: the traditional ITF style and the sport-focused WT style.
The Olympic Era
World Taekwondo (WT) focused heavily on sport application. This dedication paid off when Taekwondo appeared as a demonstration sport at the 1988 Seoul Olympics and 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
It became an official full-medal sport at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, cementing its status as a global phenomenon.
Recent innovations include electronic scoring systems (PSS) introduced in 2012 to ensure fairness, making the sport faster and more transparent.
Why We Choose WT
Superior Taekwondo is proud to be a WT-style club. This connects our students to the official Olympic pathway, allowing access to sanctioned tournaments, widely recognized black belt certification (Kukkiwon), and the most modern training methodologies.
Continuing the Legacy in North West Auckland
History is not just about the past; it is being written every day in the dojang. When you train at Superior Taekwondo in Helensville, you are carrying the torch passed down from the Hwarang warriors through generations of masters.
Are you ready to become part of this history?
Historical Notes & FAQ
When was Taekwondo invented?
While its roots go back over 2,000 years to ancient Korean martial arts like Subak and Taekkyeon, the name 'Taekwondo' was officially adopted on April 11, 1955, by a committee of Korean masters.
Who is the father of Taekwondo?
General Choi Hong Hi is widely credited as the 'Father of Taekwondo' for his role in naming and organizing the art, though many masters from the original 9 Kwans contributed significantly to its development.
Why are there different styles of Taekwondo (WT vs ITF)?
The split occurred due to political and philosophical differences in the 1960s and 70s. ITF (International Taekwon-Do Federation) stuck to General Choi's original traditional style, while WT (World Taekwondo) developed into the modern Olympic sport we practice today.
When did Taekwondo become an Olympic sport?
Taekwondo debuted as a demonstration sport at the 1988 Seoul Olympics and became an official medal sport at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Is Taekwondo related to Karate?
Yes, during the Japanese occupation of Korea, many Korean masters studied Karate. Modern Taekwondo blends these linear strikes with the circular, fluid kicking techniques of indigenous Korean arts like Taekkyeon.