The history of Taekwondo actually started in 1955, however taekwondo originated from Taekyon which started over 2000 years ago in Korea.

                 The warriors of Silla became known as the Hwarangdo, and they adopted Tae Kyon as part of their training. Created by King Jim Heung, the Hwarangdo was an elite group of warriors selected from the sons of royalty and numbered between 200 to 1000 warriors. They were educated in many different disciplines: history, swordplay, archery, military tactics, philosophy, poetry, singing, dancing, and ethics. They evolved Tae Kyon into a refined art, with a distinct series of combative movements.

         The Hwarangdo traveled throughout Korea during the Silla dynasty, and Tae Kyon became popular as a sport and recreational activity. The guiding principles of the Hwarangdo was called the code of human conduct:

1.     Be loyal to your country.

2.     Be obedient to your parents.

3.     Be trustworthy to your friends. (Un-serving loyalty to friends)

4.     Never retreat in battle. (Courage in battle)

5.     Never kill unjustly. (Prudence when using violence or taking ones life)

    Even though Silla was the smallest of the countries, with the help of the Hwarangdo, Silla easily conquered Paekje in 600 A.D. With the help of the Chinese, Silla took control of Korguryo in 668 A.D. and then ousted the Chinese; gaining complete control of the three kingdoms by 668 A.D. Silla ruled the country for nearly 3 centuries.

        During the Korguryo dynasty (918 – 1892) Tae Kyon was known as Soo Bak and reached a peak in popularity. Detailed rules were developed and leading masters at that time further refined Soo Bak. Contests were staged annually by the royal families, and successful participants were often promoted in the military. The royal family requested demonstrations at the court and Soo Bak attained great favor with the nobility, the military, and with the general population as both a fighting art and recreational activity for physical fitness.

          The Yi (chosen) dynasty (1892 – 1907) marked the beginning of a long decline for Tae Kyon. King Taejo, founder of the Yi dynasty, replaced Buddhism with Chinese religion, Confucianism. Confucianism became apparent in the ruling class politically and personally, and emphasis was placed on learning and acquiring knowledge rather than on physical activity. A superior or enlightened man according to Confucianism spent his time reading the Chinese classics, composing poetry, or playing musical instruments. Only a common man, inferior and unenlightened, would engage in martial arts or any other strenuous physical activity. As their leaders lost interest in Tae Kyon, and ceased supporting its practice, the general population’s interest waned as well. The military was de-emphasized, and civil officers gained more political power than military leaders.