The origin of this ancient sport is linked to the history of Korea. In the 1st century BC, the Korean peninsula was occupied by three rival kingdoms: goguryeoat North, Sillain the southeast, and Baekje, to the west. To teach Goguryeo youth to fight without weapons, techniques such as the taekkyeon. In addition to using the feet quickly and accurately, students were instructed in history, philosophy and horse sports. Throughout the process of merging the three countries, which ended in the 7th century, the residents of Silla added to their martial art the use of hands as defense. This is how tae kwon do, which means “way of the feet and hands”, was born. With the beginning of the Korean War, in the 50s, the government of the south reorganized the fight and gave it its modern version, which would be transformed into an Olympic sport at the Sydney Games, in 2000.
Korean wrestling values self-defense and balance between body, mind and ethics NAM TAE HI (1875-1965)
Born in Korea occupied by Japanese military forces. In the 1950s, he was invited to train the country’s army in times of war and became responsible for the emergence of the modern version of the fight that only arrived in Brazil in 1970. tae kwon do is practiced by 30 million people in 123 countries
HOLD ON!
Tae kwon do values high kicks, in the opponent’s face. The position of the leg, and especially the feet, changes the intensity of the impact. In this strike, the lateral bone of the foot hits the opponent squarely.
FASHION FIGHT
There are three types of uniform, or dobok: the most traditional looks like a kimono; a V-jacket is adopted by the World Federation; supporters of the International Federation wear a jacket with a vertical cut in the center.
Stronger and longer than the arms, the legs are fundamental to hitting the opponent AP CHAGI
One of the first moves taught to beginners. It is used to ward off the opponent when applied to the abdomen or knock him down by hitting the chin.
HURYEO CHAGI
I spin with a very violent foot. The blow, little used by the more traditionalists, ends with the dorsal arch (top part of the foot) hitting the opponent’s face
PALKUP CHIGI
Punches are rarely used, but they still have an impact. This move is powerful enough to, in demonstrations, break pieces of wood or tiles.
In order not to be hit, it is important to master blocking techniques based on the use of the hands. WAE SUN PALMOK
Very effective at blocking quick kicks and other attacks to the torso. The advantage of the movement is that it returns part of the force applied by the opponent.
NAJUNDI MAKGI
Most defensive moves start with your hands at hip height. This is essential to prevent kicks and punches against the abdomen and legs.
CHOOYA MAKGI
This circular movement slashes high blows, which are the most powerful. It is an important defense, as it protects the head and prevents takedowns and knockouts.
Tradition and innovation share space in sports tae kwon do SACRED GROUND
In traditional competitions, such as world championships and the Olympics, the center of the platform is painted with kwe – an ancient Korean character that symbolizes the balance between body and mind.
SAFETY ITEMS
In the Olympic version, gloves, helmet and protectors on the chest, arms and shins are resistant and very light, so as not to hinder movements
HI-TECH TEST
In some tournaments, sensors in vests and helmets identify the contact of gloves and sneakers, accusing the blows and counting the points.
• The flexibility and maximum reach of the legs is so important that any practitioner of the sport, of any age, has to do a total leg split
• The blows have to be strong and precise. If they just slip or don’t hit the opponent in the right part, they don’t count.
• Natália Falavigna is the star of Brazilian tae kwon. She won bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
SOURCES – World Taekwondo Federation, Brazilian Taekwondo Federation, Brazilian Taekwondo Confederation