Literally meaning "way of kicking and punching," Taekwondo was developed over 20 centuries ago in Korea. However, it wasn't officially recognized as a means of self-defense until the 1950s, when many Koran martial artists came together and unified their techniques under a single style of fighting with the hands and feet.

Taekwondo is the most recognized Korean martial art and is a popular international sport. It was a demonstration sport at the 1988 and 1992 Summer Games and will make its premier as a medal sport at the Sydney Olympics.