Tae Kwon Do

With the country's liberation in 1945, indigenous martial arts became popular in Korea. This resulted in the creation of hybrid systems like "Tang Soo Do", which blended "Sobak" and "Kwonbop" with Japanese karate.

The need for establishing a curriculum and further evolving the combative systems, was of paramount concern, in the martial arts community. This goal was supported by the Korean government. Then, president Syngman Rhee, encouraged the unification of various martial arts, under one banner. In 1955, following several committee meetings, it was agreed this new art would be called, "Tae Kwon Do".

Tae Kwon Do is a martial art that in today's form of self defense has greatly evolved. It combines many of the different styles of martial arts that existed in Korea over the last 2000 years and some martial arts styles that surrounded Korea. It incorporates the abrupt linear movements of Karate, and the flowing, circular pattern of Kung Fu with native kicking techniques.

As Tae Kwon Do continues to evolve, punching and blocking techniques coupled with impressive kicking skills remain at the heart of this Martial Art.