The History of Taekwondo in the World and the USA — AksportUS Educational Guide
Taekwondo is one of the most popular martial arts in the world today. It is practiced in more than 200 countries, taught in thousands of schools across the United States, and celebrated as an official Olympic sport. But behind the kicks, discipline, and spirit lies a long and meaningful history. Understanding this journey helps students, parents, and instructors appreciate Taekwondo even more.
This blog tells the story of Taekwondo from its ancient Korean roots to its rise in the United States and the global martial arts stage. At AksportUS, we believe learning about martial arts history builds pride, respect, and a deeper connection to training.
Early Roots — The Birth of Korean Martial Arts
Taekwondo is thousands of years old in spirit, even though its modern form developed in the mid-1900s. Ancient Korea had warrior traditions, including martial systems used by soldiers and royal guards.
One of the earliest known Korean martial arts was called Taekkyeon, a system featuring kicking, sweeping, and fluid motions. Archaeological paintings and historical writings show that Taekkyeon was practiced during the Goguryeo Dynasty more than 1,500 years ago.
During the Silla Kingdom, an elite warrior group called the Hwarang trained in philosophy, leadership, and martial arts. They practiced skills to protect their nation and serve their people. Their values of honor, courage, and discipline continue to inspire Taekwondo students today.
The Modern Formation of Taekwondo in Korea
In the early 1900s, Korea experienced cultural challenges, including occupation and war. During this time, martial arts training became difficult to practice openly. However, after World War II, Korean martial artists worked together to revive and modernize their traditional systems.
Multiple martial arts schools, called kwans, began teaching kicking-focused fighting systems influenced by Taekkyeon, Karate, and Chinese martial arts. In 1955, Korean leaders officially chose the name “Taekwondo,” meaning:
Tae — Foot or kick
Kwon — Hand or fist
Do — The way or path of discipline
Taekwondo soon became a unifying martial art for Korea and symbolized national pride and cultural strength.
Global Expansion — Taekwondo Travels the World
Starting in the 1960s, Taekwondo masters traveled around the world to teach. Many moved to the United States, Europe, South America, and the Middle East, establishing dojangs and forming national organizations.
The Korea Taekwondo Association was formed first, followed by the World Taekwondo Federation (now called World Taekwondo) in 1973. Places like the Kukkiwon in Seoul became global headquarters for Taekwondo education and rank certification.
Demonstration teams showed the world Taekwondo's powerful kicks, discipline, and spirit. Students everywhere fell in love with the energy, respect, and athletic skill Taekwondo offered.
Taekwondo in the Olympics
Taekwondo’s popularity grew so fast that it became part of global sporting events. It appeared in the 1988 and 1992 Olympic Games as a demonstration sport, and in the year 2000, Taekwondo officially became a full Olympic medal sport.
This achievement helped Taekwondo become a universal martial art practiced by both children and adults for fitness, competition, confidence, and self‑defense.
Taekwondo Comes to the United States
Taekwondo arrived in the United States in the late 1950s and early 1960s when Korean masters moved here and opened schools. Many American soldiers returning from Korea after the Korean War also brought interest in martial arts home with them.
By the 1970s, Taekwondo schools were opening across the country. National U.S. Taekwondo organizations formed, tournaments grew, and American athletes began earning international recognition.
Today, Taekwondo is one of the most widely practiced martial arts in the United States. It is taught in after‑school programs, university clubs, military bases, and professional dojangs nationwide.
Why Taekwondo Became So Popular in America
Parents love Taekwondo because it teaches more than physical skills. It helps children build:
• Confidence
• Discipline
• Respect
• Focus
• Good manners
• Perseverance
Adults also enjoy Taekwondo for fitness, stress relief, and self‑defense. The kicking‑based movements offer a great cardio workout, and the belt system keeps students motivated and proud of their achievements.
The Spirit of Taekwondo
Taekwondo training teaches more than kicking and striking. It teaches life values. Students learn courtesy, humility, patience, and leadership. Bowing, lining up, listening, and showing respect are part of every class.
The five tenets of Taekwondo many schools practice include:
• Courtesy
• Integrity
• Perseverance
• Self‑control
• Indomitable spirit
These values guide students not just in the dojang but in school, work, and life.
Taekwondo Today
Today, Taekwondo offers many training paths:
• Traditional martial arts
• Olympic‑style sparring
• Demonstration teams
• Self‑defense training
• Family fitness
• Character development
Millions of students train worldwide, learning to kick high, think clearly, and act with respect.
AksportUS and Taekwondo's Future
As Taekwondo continues to grow, AksportUS proudly supports schools, parents, and athletes with high‑quality uniforms, sparring gear, belts, and training equipment. Our mission is to help every student feel confident, comfortable, and proud when they step onto the mat.
We believe in Taekwondo because it builds strong minds, strong bodies, and strong character — and the future of this martial art is bright.
Final Thought
Taekwondo has traveled from ancient Korea to dojangs around the United States and the world. It started as a warrior tradition, became a symbol of national pride, and now inspires millions of students to train with confidence, respect, and heart.
When students bow into class wearing their dobok, they are becoming part of a tradition thousands of years in the making — one built on honor, discipline, and the courage to never give up.
AksportUS is honored to be part of your Taekwondo journey.
👉 Discover Taekwondo uniforms & gear at AksportUS.com