English Taekwondo Association
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History of Taekwondo
The earliest records of Martial Arts practice in Korea dates back to about 50 B.C. These earliest forms of Korean martial arts are known as 'Taek Kyon'.
Evidence that Martial Arts were being practiced at that time can be found in tombs where wall-paintings show two men in fighting-stance. Some, however, reject this evidence and say that these men could be simply dancing.
Back then, there were three kingdoms in what is known today as Korea:
- Koguryo (37 B.C. - 668 A.D.)
- Paekje (18 B.C. - 660 A.D.)
- Silla (57 B.C. - 935 A.D.)
Silla unified the kingdoms after winning the war against Paekje in 660 A.D. and Koguryo in 668 A.D. The Hwa Rang Do played an important role at this unification.
The Hwa Rang Do was an elite group of young noble men, called Sulsa, devoted to cultivating mind and body and serve the Silla kingdom.
Tomb Paintings
Evidence that Martial Arts were being practiced from around 50 BC can be found in tombs where wall-paintings show two men in fighting-stance.
Some reject this evidence and say that these men could be simply dancing.