The origin of Taekwondo can be traced back to during the Koguryo Dynasty of Korea Which came to power in 37 BC. Mural paintings found in the ruins of the royal tombs built by that dynasty depict scenes of Taekyon, a precursor of modern Taekwondo.

Stone sculptures produced during the Later Silla period, and many scattered descriptions in written documents show that many studies of fighting stances, skills and formalized movements closely resemble the present stances and forms of modern Taekwondo. Written records from as far back as the 12^th Century A.D. show that The Korean Martial Arts had grown in popularity and esteem to such an extent that it had become a popular Spectator Sport, and its mastery was a prerequisite for acceptance in the Royal Officer Corps.

During the Japanese Occupation of Korea in the first half of the 20^th Century The Practice of traditional Korean Martial Arts (in fact any form of self defense or Nationalistic self expression) was brutally suppressed by the Japanese occupiers. Following the liberation of Korea in 1945 several Schools or "Kwan’s" were established each of which taught a variation of the long suppressed Native Korean Martial Arts. In 1955 General Choi, Hong Hi, (Who interestingly enough had studied Martial Arts in Japan During Koreas Occupation, coined the name TaeKwonDo, meaning "Foot – Hand – Way".

Eventually various Kwans united, first forming a National Organization, then Branching off to form two Global organizations. In 1961 The Korean Taekwondo Association (KTA) was formed and two years later Taekwondo made its debut as a National Level Sport. In 1966 General Choi, formed The International Taekwondo Federation (ITF). Soon after however, Gen. Choi fell out of political favor, aligned himself with Communist North Korea and abandoned his homeland. Though globally much weaker than the WTF, The ITF still exists today, with several schools still operating in the United States.

As anyone who has practiced or watched Taekwondo can easily understand, the popularity of this exhilarating Martial Art spread like wildfire across the globe. In 1973 The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) was established under the guidance of Dr. Kim, Un Yong (Then KTA President) and the 1^st World Championship was held in Seoul Korea. In 1988 Taekwondo was introduced to the Olympic Games as a Demonstration Sport, and in the 2000 Olympics, Taekwondo will take it’s place as a Full Medal Olympic Event.

Today The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) is the recognized voice for Taekwondo Worldwide. The WTF is Taekwondo’s Representative Organization to The International Olympic Committee (IOC). There are currently 156 Member Nations of the World Taekwondo Federation. Each Member Nation is represented at the WTF by it’s own National Governing Body (NGB). The NGB for Taekwondo in the United States is The United States Taekwondo Union (USTU).