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History

History and Philosophy

Taekwon-Do is a Korean martial art and way of life in which the practitioner uses the mind and body as a single unit. The word combines tae (foot techniques), kwon (hand techniques), and do (the philosophical path or way), signifying a discipline that cultivates both physical skill and moral character. General Choi described it as a system enabling the weaker to overcome the stronger through mental and technical superiority.

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Taekwon-Do is a Korean martial art whose roots trace back to ancient Korean fighting systems such as Taekkyon and Subak, practiced for centuries on the Korean peninsula. After Japanese colonial rule ended in 1945, Korean martial artists began systematizing these native arts, blending them with influences from Japanese karate and Chinese martial arts. By the early 1950s, several Korean kwans had emerged, each teaching variations of unarmed combat, and the South Korean military began incorporating these disciplines into its training regimen.

General Choi Hong Hi (1918 to 2002) is recognized as the founder and principal architect of Taekwon-Do as a formal system. A general in the Republic of Korea Army, Choi had studied both Taekkyon and Shotokan karate and synthesized their principles into a codified art. He coined the name Taekwon-Do on April 11, 1955, and spent years lobbying for its official recognition. His 15 volume Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do became the authoritative technical reference for the art, detailing patterns, sparring, breaking, and philosophical tenets.

The International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) was formally established by General Choi on March 22, 1966, in Seoul, South Korea, bringing member nations together under a unified governing body. In 1972 the ITF headquarters relocated abroad amid political tensions with the South Korean government, moving first to Toronto and later to Vienna. This led to a definitive split from the South Korea based Korea Taekwondo Association, which went on to found World Taekwondo in 1973. The two organizations diverged in technique, philosophy, and competition rules: ITF emphasizes sine wave motion, semi contact sparring, and the Chang Hon pattern syllabus.

Today the ITF continues under elected leadership, maintaining a global network of national member associations, certifying instructors, and hosting world championships in patterns, sparring, and power breaking. The organization preserves General Choi's original technical and philosophical vision, and the 24 Chang Hon tuls remain the cornerstone of its curriculum.

Taekwon-Do in Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, the Ethiopian International Taekwon-Do Association serves as the official ITF affiliated national member organization, working through ITF Africa. EITA has been a pioneer on the African continent, hosting international instructor courses and continental competitions. Since 2008, Ethiopia has served as an important base for ITF expansion across Africa, and EITA continues to develop the art through seminars, competitions, and instructor certification programs.

The Five Tenets

  1. 1

    Courtesy (Ye Ui)

    Students show respect and good manners to instructors, seniors, and fellow practitioners at all times. Courtesy builds a noble character and maintains order and harmony within the training environment.

  2. 2

    Integrity (Yom Chi)

    A practitioner of Taekwon-Do must be able to distinguish right from wrong and have a clear conscience. Integrity means being honest with oneself and never compromising one's principles for convenience.

  3. 3

    Perseverance (In Nae)

    Long term success in Taekwon-Do and in life requires persistence and patience in the face of difficulty. Students who persevere through hardship and frustration ultimately achieve their goals.

  4. 4

    Self Control (Guk Gi)

    Whether in sparring, daily life, or moral decisions, a Taekwon-Do student must control their emotions, actions, and ego. Loss of self control can be destructive to oneself and others.

  5. 5

    Indomitable Spirit (Baekjul Boolgool)

    A true practitioner never surrenders in the face of adversity or injustice, even when the odds are overwhelming. Indomitable spirit is the courage to uphold justice and one's beliefs without wavering.

Student Oath

  1. 1.I shall observe the tenets of Taekwon-Do.
  2. 2.I shall respect the instructor and all seniors.
  3. 3.I shall never misuse Taekwon-Do.
  4. 4.I shall be a champion of freedom and justice.
  5. 5.I shall help to build a more peaceful world.