What is Tae-Kwon-Do?

Taekwondo is a traditional Korean martial art, and it is a combination of combat technique, self-defense, sport, exercise, entertainment, and philosophy.
In Korean, TAE means to destroy with the feet; KWON means to strike or smash with the hand; and DO means "path", "way" or "method". Hence,Taekwondo is loosely translated as "the art of the feet and fist".

Various Korean forms of martial arts have existed but in the early 20th century, Taekwondo became the dominant form. In 1955, a group of Korean martial arts leaders chose Taekwondo as the definitive Korean martial art in an attempt to promote its development internationally. In 1973, the Korean government recognised the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) as the legitimate governing body of the sport, and in 2000 Taekwondo became an official olympic medal sport.