The History of Taekwondo and My Journey: From Ancient Art to Personal Growth

 

My name is Arslan Rafiq, and I have a deep appreciation for the martial art of Taekwondo. I practiced Taekwondo for two years and, although it has been ten years since I last donned my uniform, the lessons and experiences from my training remain vivid in my memory. This is my story, intertwined with the rich history of Taekwondo and its presence in Pakistan.

What is Taekwondo?

Taekwondo, also known as Tae Kwon Do, is an ancient Korean martial art that emphasizes self-defense. The name itself beautifully encapsulates its essence: "Tae" means foot, "Kwon" means hand, and "Do" means art. As one of the oldest forms of martial arts, Taekwondo has a history spanning over 2,000 years.

History of Taekwondo

The origins of Taekwondo can be traced back to a mural painted on a tomb wall in the Koguryo kingdom of Korea, dating between 37 BC and 66 AD. This mural depicts two unarmed figures in a stance reminiscent of modern Taekwondo. Throughout Korea’s history, Taekwondo evolved with the country, integrating various techniques and philosophies from different kingdoms.

The pinnacle of Taekwondo’s ancient form was reached in the Silla kingdom. Constantly under threat from larger regions, Silla's King Jin Heung established an elite group of warriors known as the "Hwarang" or "Flower of Youth." These warriors, selected from noble families, were trained not only in martial skills but also in history, poetry, and philosophy, embodying the comprehensive discipline of Hwarang Do. This holistic approach is mirrored in modern Taekwondo training, which aims to develop the body, mind, and spirit.

Following the Silla dynasty, the Koryo dynasty (935 AD – 1352 AD) further embedded martial arts into Korean culture. Known as Subak Do, it became a popular organized sport with royal sponsorship, fostering a deep-rooted tradition that would later spread worldwide.

History of Taekwondo in the United States

Taekwondo made its way to the United States in the 1950s, brought by pioneering master instructors from Korea. Over the next few decades, Taekwondo grew in popularity, becoming not just a martial art but also an international sport. In 1973, Korea hosted the first Taekwondo World Championships and established the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) as the sport's international governing body. With 120 member countries and 20 million practitioners, Taekwondo is now the most practiced martial art in the world. It first appeared as an Olympic demonstration event in the 1988 Seoul Games and became a full medal sport at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

History of Taekwondo in Pakistan

The Korean Consulate in Karachi brought taekwondo to Pakistan in 1962. The Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF) was established in 1977, gaining affiliation with the World Taekwondo Federation. By 1982, the PTF was also affiliated with the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) and the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB). The federation's headquarters are in Rawalpindi.

Associations in Pakistan

Several provincial bodies are affiliated with the Pakistan Taekwondo Federation:

• AJK Taekwondo Association
• Sindh Taekwondo Association
• Gilgit-Baltistan Taekwondo Association
• Baluchistan Taekwondo Association
• Punjab Taekwondo Association
• KPK Taekwondo Association
• Islamabad Taekwondo Association

My Teacher in Taekwondo

My Taekwondo journey began under the guidance of Master Liaquat Dogar, a dedicated and skilled instructor who emphasized the importance of discipline, respect, and perseverance. His teachings extended beyond the physical aspects of Taekwondo, instilling in me a sense of self-confidence and mental fortitude.

My Journey From White Belt to Blue Belt

I still remember the excitement and nervousness of my first day in Taekwondo class, wearing a crisp white belt. The progression from white to yellow, green, and finally to blue belt was a journey of hard work and dedication. Each belt represented a milestone in my personal growth, marking improvements in my technique, strength, and understanding of the art.

How Taekwondo is Good for Health

Taekwondo offers numerous health benefits, both physical and mental. It enhances cardiovascular health, improves flexibility, and builds muscle strength. The rigorous training sessions promote weight loss and improve overall fitness. Mentally, Taekwondo helps reduce stress, boosts self-confidence, and fosters a disciplined mindset. The practice of forms, sparring, and breaking techniques also enhances focus and coordination.

My two years of Taekwondo training have left an indelible mark on my life. The discipline, respect, and self-confidence I gained continue to influence my daily actions and decisions. Even though I haven’t practiced Taekwondo in a decade, the principles I learned remain an integral part of who I am.