Korea's Sport

Taekwondo

Tae Kwon Do is a Korean Martial Art with over 5,000 years of history. During ancient times all the cultures of Korea had fighting traditions of unarmed skills for self-defense against attacks from animals as well as tribal wars. Tae Kwon Do is more than the physical aspect. It is more a state of mind. Thus, the control of one's mind, self-restraint, kindness, and humility must accompany physical grace. Tae Kwon Do develops in a man the speed and power to kill instantly with his bare hands and feet. But it is the art of the discipline to develop, such control, coordination and balance that the punching and kicking movements can be stopped just centimeters short of their mark on the opponent's body. It is this control that is truly the art of Tae Kwon Do. The essence of Tae Kwon Do is to make the individual aware of his natural strengths and of how to apply them to the greatest advantage. In this way, the individual overcomes his only real weakness: his lack of faith in himself.

The official name "Taekwondo" was adopted for the sport in 1954. Tae Kwon Do is now practiced by over 25 million people in 140 countries and has been adopted as an official event in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. Tae Kwon Do is the art of hand and foot fighting. It is the scientific use of the body and the methods of self-defense. Tae Kwon Do stresses the importance of harmony and balance between the mental and physical. By doing this, one can have a stable and balanced system. Then one can learn how the mind and body can become the weapons of Tae Kwon Do.

                  Tae - refers to kicking with foot.
                 Kwon - means to strike with fist.
                  Do - is the melding of mind, body and spirit.

Hapkido

Hapkido is a Korean martial art that is written with the same three Chinese characters as aikido. Hapkido’s techniques, however, bear little resemblance to aikido’s. Although Choi Yong-sul is credited with founding hapkido, it’s probably more accurate to say that hapkido arose from a collaborative effort among a small group of Korean nationals (Ji Han-jae, Kim Moo-hong, Suh Bok-sub and Myung Jae-nam) following the period of Japanese colonialism in Korea. Hapkido originally focused on pressure-point strikes, joint locks and throws, but now, thanks to the influence of hapkido expert Ji Han-jae, it also includes highly refined kicks and hand strikes. Various weapons are taught, including the cane (perhaps influenced by French savate), staff and belt. Development of the practitioner’s ki (life force) is also stressed. Hapkido, which doesn’t have any forms, is usually considered a self-defense style rather than a martial sport.

              
               Hap- Coordinations of Harmony

                 Ki- Energy of Power

                 Do- The Way

Ssireum

 Ssireum is a traditional Korean sport, ssireum involves using one's entire body in a battle of strength and technique. Two competitors grab one another's belt (called "satba" in Korean) or trouser waist and use a combination of physical strength and strategic technique to be the first to knock the opponent to the ground and be declared the winner. In order to win a ssireum match, physical strength, technique and endurance are required. With the sport's balanced focus on the development of both physical strength and mental fortitude through accurate judgment and patience, ssireum is a highly beneficial sport on many levels. Ssireum is a beloved sport in Korea, and while tournaments are held year-round, they are especially prevalent at holiday celebrations and festivals.

By : Chu Wei Lun