What are some interesting facts about the history and practice of Taekwondo?

Question

Even better, what are some websites where I can find such information? I need to make a 3-4 minute speech, so I need talkable information rather than just a list of facts, if you know what I mean.

Answer 1

These are some of my favourite sites, easy to understand and plenty of info:

http://www.kukkiwon.or.kr/english/inform...

http://www.barrel.net/history.php

http://home.att.net/~taekwondo.junkie/TK...

Answer 2

in expansion to nero's  answer it is a fact that the FLYING SIDEKICK  was used to knock a soldier off a horse

Answer 3

Lately in the U.S. It has gone from being a sport and cultural experience to being all about money....from the gear to testing to rank.  Its really sad because obviously, it is so not ABOUT money!!!

Answer 4

1) Tae-Kwon-do was created by General Choi. It was believe it or not modeled after the Japanese style of Shotokan which Choi had studied.

2) Today in Korea there are at least 75 styles of Tea-Kwon-Do recognized as legitimate styles. A few are Chee-Do Kwan, Chung-Do-Kwan, Chang-Mu-Kwon, .......

3) Although many people think that karate was used on the battlefield, Tae-Kwon-Do was the only karate like style that was used to a large extent in a war. It was used by the Korean Roc marines during Viet Nam.

4) For the most part Tae-Kwon-Do is much different from the TKD practiced in Korea. Unfortunately both here and in Korea it is becoming more and more commercialized and therefore is becoming more sport oriented and less self-defense oriented.  That is not to say that it can't be used for self-defense. Rather the original TKD was more effective for that purpose.

Answer 5

This martial art was used to fight soldiers on horse back, this why they have alot of jumping kicks. Think about it why do you need to jump so high if the average Korean is about 5'10.