National Taekwondo Day

Young person wearing a taekwondo uniform, demonstrating a high kick, in a dojo surrounded by martial arts equipment.. — National taekwondo day illustration

Ah, National Taekwondo Day! A day dedicated to all the kickin' and punchin' you can handle. Whether you're a black belt extraordinaire or just love pretending you're Bruce Lee in the shower, this is the perfect time to celebrate the ancient Korean martial art. So, grab your dobok and get ready to ki-yah your way to glory!

When is Taekwondo Day?

It's national taekwondo day on the 4th September.

The Origins of National Taekwondo Day

While taekwondo itself has a long and fascinating history, National Taekwondo Day is a relatively recent addition to our expansive list of bizarre national days. It all started on September 4, 2015, when the internet was abuzz with excitement for this incredible martial art.

Social media platforms were flooded with posts from taekwondo enthusiasts showing off their impressive kicks and impressive abs. The hashtag #TaekwondoDay was trending worldwide, leaving all the burpee enthusiasts green with envy.

Why We Should Celebrate

Aside from the obvious reasons to celebrate National Taekwondo Day (I mean, who doesn't love channeling their inner ninja and breaking boards like a boss?), there are some truly amazing benefits to practicing this ancient martial art.

First and foremost, taekwondo is an incredible workout. Forget those boring old gym routines, taekwondo will have you burning calories faster than you can say, 'I need to work on my flexibility!'. Plus, it's a great way to relieve stress. Just imagine roundhouse kicking your problems away. Ah, bliss!

Did You Know?

Here's a fun little nugget of knowledge for you: Taekwondo is the national sport of South Korea. Yep, you heard that right! It's as Korean as kimchi and K-pop. So the next time you find yourself in Seoul, don't forget to dazzle the locals with your impeccable taekwondo skills. Who knows, they might even give you a standing ovation! Note: No guarantees on that one.

History behind the term 'Taekwondo'

1895

Formation of the Korean Empire

In 1895, the Korean Empire was established, marking a significant turning point in the history of the Korean people. The empire sought to modernize various aspects of Korean society, including its martial arts practices.

1945

The Birth of Taekwondo

Taekwondo, a Korean martial art, was founded in 1945. It was developed by a group of Korean martial artists who sought to combine various traditional Korean martial arts, such as taekkyeon and subak, with elements of Japanese karate. The term 'taekwondo' was officially coined to represent this new martial art.

1945

End of Japanese Occupation

Following the end of World War II in 1945, Korea regained its independence from Japanese colonial rule. This newfound freedom allowed the Korean people to revive and reconnect with their cultural heritage, including the traditional martial arts.

1952

The Formation of KTA

In 1952, the Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA) was established. The KTA played a crucial role in promoting and standardizing taekwondo as a national sport in South Korea. They developed a formal curriculum and set the guidelines for belt promotions and competition rules.

1966

World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) is Established

In 1966, the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) was founded as the international governing body for taekwondo. This marked taekwondo's global expansion and recognition as an official sport. The WTF established the standardization of taekwondo techniques and forms, and it continues to organize major international competitions, including the Olympic Games.

1955

Founding of Taekwondo

In 1955, South Korean martial arts experts gathered and agreed upon the name 'Taekwondo' for the newly created Korean martial art. 'Taekwondo' combines three Korean terms: 'Tae' meaning foot or kicking, 'Kwon' meaning fist or hand, and 'Do' meaning way or discipline.

1973

Recognition by the International Olympic Committee

After years of development and growing international recognition, Taekwondo was officially recognized as an Olympic sport by the International Olympic Committee in 1973. This milestone brought Taekwondo to a global audience and solidified its position as a prestigious martial art.

1988

Taekwondo Becomes an Olympic Sport

Taekwondo made its debut as an official Olympic sport in 1988 at the Summer Olympics held in Seoul, South Korea. This significant milestone not only elevated the status of taekwondo but also introduced it to a worldwide audience. Today, taekwondo is practiced and recognized in over 200 countries.

2000

Debut at the Olympic Games

In the year 2000, Taekwondo made its debut as an official Olympic sport at the Sydney Olympic Games. Athletes from around the world showcased their skills, captivating audiences and further promoting the popularity and international appeal of Taekwondo.

2000

Introduction of Electronic Scoring Systems

In the year 2000, electronic scoring systems were introduced in taekwondo competitions. This advancement eliminated subjective judging, making the scoring fairer and more consistent. It also added an additional layer of excitement to matches, as points are now awarded based on the accuracy and power of kicks and punches.