| Koryo Taekwondo Academy |
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| Our Origins Koryo is the name of an ancient dynasty from wchich the English word "Korea" originates. The Koryo Dynasty's legacy to the Korean people is one of great pride and honour for the fortitude and courage shown in repelling the Mongollian aggression that was sweeping the eastern world at that time. The Koryo period was also a time of innovation, advancement and change. In WTF Taekwondo, Poomse Koryo is the first "pattern or form" practiced by Black Belt students. Every motion of this pattern represents the strong conviction and will with which the Koryo people held the Mongolians in check and therefore represents the essence of modern Taekwondo. In deciding to open the doors of our school back in September of 1997, we chose the name "Koryo" carefully to demonstrate our respect for this ancient martial art, and our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of theWorld Taekwondo Federation. At that time we committed ourselves to the success of our students, ensuring that through a combination of modern and traditional approaches to teaching the physical, mental and spiritual disciplines of Taekwondo, they would reap the rewards of the martial arts. Our students are the backbone of our school, and as such we believe in being strongly dedicated to their success both inside the Dojang and in their personal lives. Rather than a simple club where members gather to practice, we have developed a strong family atmosphere where friends gather to grow and excel together. We realize that not everyone is able to commit their lives to mastering Taekwondo, which is why we tailor our instruction to meet everyone's personal needs. Whether your goal is simply to get in shape or to get to the Olympics, we believe both are worthy objectives and will provide you with the means to attain them. A Brief History of our Taekwondo There are many conflicting theories on the origins of the martial arts in general, and it is no different with Taekwondo. The first historical indications of unarmed self defense or martial arts are found in India at about 2,600 B.C. These techniques likely complemented the use of weapons, and provided defense against other people and animals. These Indian unarmed fighting techniques were brought to China in about 525 A.D. and evolved into what we know today as Kung Fu. Chinese martial arts spread throughout the Orient, influencing the already developing martial arts of Okinawa, Japan and Korea. The first recorded evidence of what was to become modern Taekwondo is found about two thousand years ago in Korean history. A mural painting from the Koguryu kingdom (37 B.C. to 66 A.D.) depicts figures practicing martial arts techniques. Historical records from this period also mention the practice of unarmed combat techniques and tournaments. These early forms had different names such as; Kwonbak, Bakhi, Dangsoo, Taesoo and Kongsoo. From about 600 A.D. to 1400 A.D., the main stream dominant form was Soobak, which further evolved into Taekyon beginning in the late 1300s. Taekyon maintained its role as the dominant form of Korean martial art until the Japanese invasion and occupation of Korea (1909-1945). The Japanese suppressed Korean culture and martial arts, and in their place instituted Japanese traditions and arts. The modern period of Korean martial arts and thus Taekwondo began with the defeat of the Japanese and the liberation of Korea (South Korea). THe newly inducted government wanted to eliminate Japanese influences and chose to do so partly through the development of a purely "Korean Martial Art". High level Korean martial arts masters, who had secretly continued the practice of their arts throughout the Japanese rule began discussions on how to return to the traditional Taekyon based arts, while at the same time uniting the various martial arts schools and styles into a single style and national sport. After several years of discussions the name Tae Kwon Do was chosen (meaning "the way of hand and foot) in April of 1955 by the board of masters of the various Kwans (schools), and by the late 1950s most of the Kwans began to unify. Since the inception of the name Taekwondo and the creation of the Korean Taekwondo Association in the early '60s, this martial art has spread like wildfire throughout the world. Much of Taekwondo's popularity has stemmed from its acceptance into the Olympic games as a full medal sport. Today WTF Taekwondo boasts an impressive membership of 30 million practitioners worldwide. |