Along With the Development of Taekwon-Do

Taekwon-Do is the traditional martial art of Korea which fosters proper way of spirit and defeats a rival with hand and foot skills. This martial art has been handed down for a long historical period. It began to fade from the memory of the Koreans in the days of the military occupation (1905-1945) of their country by the Japanese imperialists.

Due to the policy of the Japanese imperialists for the obligation of the Korean nation, Taekwon-Do was reduced to a mere historical record. But  it  developed  into  a  traditional  martial  art  conducive to promoting people’s  health  and  physical  strength  under  the  leadership  of  President  Kim Il Sung  and  Chairman  Kim Jong Il.

With a deep understanding of the role of the traditional sport which is good for health and amazingly influential President Kim Il Sung paid deep attention to developing its skills as suited to the aspirations of the Korean people and their physical features. He met Choe Hong Hui, president and founder of the International Taekwon-Do Federation, on several occasions and gave advices on developing the art. He also saw a book on Taekwon-Do authored by Choe and highly appreciated his effort to perfect the art.

Chairman Kim Jong Il put forward Taekwon-Do as the traditional sport of the Korean nation and led the efforts to bring about a fresh turn in its development. With a view to providing a comprehensive base for the Taekwon-Do instructors and practitioners who prove successful in international competitions he had initiated building a hall built and gave scrupulous guidance to the whole process of its project ranging from designating of the site, designing and construction. When the building was completed, he named it the Taekwon-Do Hall.

As Taekwon-Do became popular among working people, youth and students in particular, he entrusted the Korean Taekwon-Do Committee with the task of producing a programme on Taekwon-Do that promotes health and suits the contemporary aesthetic tastes. As a measure to put Taekwon-Do on a scientific basis he organized an institute staffed with able scientists and consisting of several research departments related to education, basic science, constitutional study and information. The formation of the institute meant a sound foundation for the development of Taekwon-Do on to a higher stage based on scientific and technological principles.

Supreme leader Kim Jong Un also gave instructions on developing the traditional martial art associated with the noble intention of the great leaders and the spirit of his nation on to a new higher phase. On several occasions he watched demonstrations by Taekwon-Do instructors and practitioners and showed ways for raising the power of Taekwon-Do and popularizing it.

As a result, the whole country is bubbling over with enthusiasm for Taekwon-Do and other sports.

This year alone the DPRK snatched four trophies, 16 gold medals, four silver medals and five bronze medals in the 19th Taekwon-Do World Championships, thus finishing at the top of the total rankings. In this country Taekwon-Do is highly encouraged as a popular sport played by all, irrespective sex or age, and acknowledged as a sport good for health and physical training.

The DPRK is displaying its dignity and honour as the birthplace of Taekwon-Do.