Tae Kwon Do was created in Korea and developed here over the course of 2,000 years.  However, due to the suppression of Korean culture during the Japanese occupation of Korea (1910-1945) and then because of Korean War, Tae Kwon Do was not introduced to the United States and the rest of the world until the late 1950's.  By this time the word "karate" had become a generic term for the martial arts.  This is why, even though Tae Kwon Do is now practiced by more people than all of the other martial arts combined, it is still sometimes referred to as "Korean Karate."

MAJOR AREAS OF TAE KWON DO

Poom Sae (Pattern of Form) is a choreographed demonstration of the various kicks, blocks, and hand techniques of Tae Kwon Do which the student utilizes against an imaginary opponent or opponents.

Kyorugi (sparring) is the practical application of various forms against an actual opponent. In this type of competition cooperation, self-control, concentration, respect for yourself and your partner, speed, skilled technique, precision, and confidence are the deciding factors.

Kyukpa (breaking) is done to practice and illustrate the formidable power, precision,  and great mental concentration of the Tae Kwon Do practitioner.

Ho Sin Sool (self-defense) you will learn to protect your self or a loved one using grappling and joint-locking techniques and throws.

Jung Sin Tong Il (often called meditation) is for the purpose of concentration practice  in order to focus the mind and body to work together.

Sport of Tae Kwon Do / Olympic Sport
USA Tae Kwon Do (USAT), Governing body of United States Olympic Committee, helps set the standards for Olympic style sparring.   Although the major emphasis in Tae Kwon Do is on being a champion of life and on internal competition with oneself, the external competition of sport Tae Kwon Do can also be beneficial to develop character in many practitioners.  Sport Tae Kwon Do is very exciting to watch and in recent years has come far.