Taekwondo
What is Taekwondo?
Taekwondo (태권도), meaning “the way of the foot and fist”, is a Korean martial art created after World War II, when Korean masters blended elements of Karate with older Korean fighting traditions. It was officially named Taekwondo in 1955.
Over time, Taekwondo developed into two main branches: WT (World Taekwondo), focused on Olympic-style sparring, and ITF (International Taekwon-Do Federation), which preserves more traditional patterns (tul) and applications.
Today, Taekwondo is one of the most practiced martial arts worldwide, especially popular among children and teenagers thanks to its dynamic kicks, clear belt system, and Olympic recognition. In Europe, it has been established since the 1960s, with strong federations across the continent.
Why Train Taekwondo?
- Dynamic Kicks – spectacular and athletic.
- Olympic Recognition – WT Taekwondo is an Olympic sport.
- Discipline & Respect – strong tradition in dojang etiquette.
- Worldwide Network – thousands of schools across Europe.
- Accessible for Children – very popular in youth programs.
WT vs ITF
- WT – sport-oriented, Olympic sparring, electronic scoring.
- ITF – traditional forms (tul), practical techniques, less sport-focused.
How Does Taekwondo Compare?
- Vs Karate – more emphasis on high and spinning kicks.
- Vs Kickboxing – less hand focus, more formal tradition.
- Vs Kung Fu – more standardized, less diverse.
Taekwondo in Europe
Introduced in the 1960s, it is now one of Europe’s most practiced martial arts, especially in the UK, France, Spain, and Eastern Europe.