Tae Kwon Do is a Korean martial art popular throughout the world. It is an Olympic discipline. It is one of the most popular martial arts in the world. Tae Kwon Do is popular because of stunning kicks.

Tae Kwon Do is derived from an ancient Korean martial art called Tae Kyon. The Korean martial art was revived with the end of the Japanese occupation of Korea in 1945. The Korean martial art was renamed as Tae Kwon Do in 1955. The literal meaning of Tae Kwon Do is the way of the hand and the foot. Tae Kwon Do is a combat technique which can be used in self defense. It is also a good form of exercise. The philosophy of Tae Kwon Do is influenced by the Korean tradition. Kicking techniques are emphasized in this martial art discipline. In the contests and tournaments punches are not frequently used. A Tae Kwon Do exponent is dependant on kicks to strike an opponent. Hands are often used to block or parry blows. The kicking techniques used include front, side, axe, round house, reverse turning etc. There are also advanced kicking techniques such as skip, spin, and jump kicks. Tae Kwon Do can be regarded as a complete martial art as it also has other techniques such as hand strikes, punches, blocks, joint-locks etc. The practitioners are awarded belts depending on their seniority as well as performance in competitions and sparring. It is the dream of every Tae Kwon Do exponent to be awarded the black belt. It takes years to master the difficult kicking techniques in this discipline. Optimum mental and physical fitness are keys to success in Tae Kwon Do.

Tae Kwon Do exponents use the kicks to the maximum effect. Our legs are more powerful than our hands. So, leg strikes or kicks can inflict maximum damage on the opponent. Kicks can strike from a longer distance than punches. The sport of Tae Kwon Do helps us develop flexibility, power, speed, stamina, balance and strength. Meditation techniques develop the mental aspects.

Tae Kwon Do has been an Olympic sport since 2000. It has gained a worldwide popularity because of its variety of spectacular kicks. As it is now an Olympic sport more and players are taking interest in practicing this discipline. For many, it is a way of life. For others, it is a way to an Olympic medal. Initially, this sport was dominated by the Koreans. But over the years, it has become a multi-national discipline with more and more people joining Tae Kwon Do classes. This sport is gaining popularity in many countries in Asia and Europe as well as the USA. World Tae Kwon Do is the governing body of this sport.