Taekwondo has a rich history that is reflected in its contemporary practice and global popularity. With a combination of ancient traditions and a modern competitive spirit, it continues to evolve and capture the imagination of practitioners and spectators around the world. Today, we’re going to show you a little more about this sport and introduce you to the biggest names in taekwondo today!
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Read on to find out who the biggest names in taekwondo today!
Biggest names in Taekwondo today: historical context
Originating in Korea, taekwondo is known as “the art of using your feet and hands to fight”.
More than two millennia ago, during the 24th Silla dynasty, King Ching Heung formed an elite troop called the Hwa Rang Do, similar to the Japanese samurai.
These warriors were masters of armed combat, using spears, bows and arrows, and swords, as well as excelling in martial arts such as soo bak, which emphasized the use of hands and feet.
During the Koryo dynasty (924-1392), the masters of these arts developed 25 fighting stances, which would become the basis of modern taekwondo.
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With the Japanese occupation of Korea (1909-1945), Korean martial arts were banned. Only after the end of the Second World War, in 1945, were Koreans able to resume practicing these arts.
The term “taekwondo” began to be used in the 1950s. Amid the impacts of the Korean War (1950-1953), General Choi Hong-hi managed to unify various schools of martial arts into a single discipline, naming it taekwondo.
The first national championship was held in Korea in 1964, and in 1965 the Korea Taekwondo Federation was founded.
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In Brazil, taekwondo was introduced in 1970 by master Song Min Cho in São Paulo.
The first Brazilian Championship took place in 1973, the same year that the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) was created in South Korea. The WTF organized the first World Championships in 1973.
Taekwondo made its debut at the Seoul-1988 and Barcelona-1992 Olympics as an exhibition sport.
After an absence at the Games in Atlanta-1996, it returned in Sydney-2000 as an official sport on the Olympic program and became eligible for medals.
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Biggest names in Taekwondo today: rules and disciplines
Competition rules
Competitive taekwondo is divided into combat (kyorugi) and forms (poomsae). In combat, athletes score points by hitting their opponent’s torso and head with kicks and punches.
Mandatory protection includes a vest, helmet, gloves, shin guards, mouth guards and foot guards.
Modalities
Kyorugi (Combat)
This is an Olympic discipline in which two competitors fight in three rounds of two minutes each.
Poomsae (Forms)
It consists of executing a series of predefined movements, judged on precision, rhythm and technique.
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The biggest names in Taekwondo today: curiosities
- Meaning of the black belt: the black belt symbolizes dignity, dedication, posture and leadership among practitioners.
- Dobok: the traditional garment worn by practitioners, usually white, is called a dobok.
- Famous sponsorship: at the Sydney 2000 Games, British fighter Sarah Stevenson had Jackie Chan, the famous martial arts actor, as her financial sponsor. Sarah came fourth in the competition.
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Biggest names in Taekwondo today (Male – World)
Lee Dae-Hoon (South Korea)
Multi-medalist in world and Olympic championships.
Jade Jones (United Kingdom)
Two-time Olympic champion, known for her speed and technique.
Hadi Saei (Iran)
Two-time Olympic champion and a taekwondo legend.
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Biggest names in Taekwondo today (Female – World)
Jade Jones (United Kingdom)
Two-time Olympic champion, standing out for her aggressiveness and technique.
Wu Jingyu (China)
Two-time Olympic champion and multiple-time world champion.
Panipak Wongpattanakit (Thailand)
Olympic medalist and world champion.
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Biggest names in Taekwondo today (Male – Brazil)
Maicon Andrade
Bronze medalist at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Diogo Silva
Competed in the Olympics and won several medals in international competitions.
Biggest names in Taekwondo today (Female – Brazil)
Natália Falavigna
First Brazilian to win an Olympic medal in Taekwondo (bronze in Beijing 2008).
Milena Titoneli
She competed at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and is one of the promises of Brazilian Taekwondo.
Which countries have a chance of medaling in Paris 2024
The countries with the best chances of winning medals at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games include:
- South Korea: the birthplace of Taekwondo, with a strong tradition and training program.
- Iran: with a history of success in international competitions, especially in the men’s category.
- China: an emerging power in Taekwondo, with top-level athletes in both categories.
- Great Britain: notable for the consistent performance of its athletes in recent competitions.
- Brazil: has shown growth and success in international competitions, with promise in both men’s and women’s competitions.
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