We've all heard of Taekwondo, but do we really know what lies behind this dynamic sport? With over 2,000 years of history, Taekwondo has grown to become a widely popular sport, especially since it became an official Olympic event in 2000.
In Beijing alone, there are over 2,000 Taekwondo dojos! But what about the competitive world behind it? Let's take a closer look and explore the fascinating world of Taekwondo.
The Roots of Taekwondo
Did you know that Taekwondo originated over two thousand years ago on the Korean Peninsula? It's a sport with deep historical roots. Today, over 206 countries participate in Taekwondo. It wasn't always an Olympic event, though. Back in 1988, it was introduced as a demonstration sport at the Seoul Olympics, and in 1992 it was included as a trial event. Finally, in 2000, Taekwondo officially became part of the Olympic Games.
Taekwondo in China
In China, Taekwondo is incredibly popular. In fact, just in Beijing, there are more than 2,000 Taekwondo schools. You can easily find one in your neighborhood. Whether it's your child, your friend, or even yourself, there's a good chance that someone you know is practicing Taekwondo.
Taekwondo: A Physical and Mental Discipline
Many people are familiar with Taekwondo because it's a great way to get fit and improve strength. It's a sport that combines agility, discipline, and strength. Some famous athletes, like soccer star Zlatan Ibrahimović, have even achieved black belt status in Taekwondo! Over the years, we've seen a surge in events and competitions focused on Taekwondo, making it an exciting sport for both participants and fans alike.
The Two Main Taekwondo Organizations
There are two major organizations in the world of Taekwondo: the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) and World Taekwondo (WT). The Olympics follow the WT system, so let's focus on that.
World Taekwondo (WT) was established in Seoul, South Korea, in 1973. By 1980, it had received official recognition from the International Olympic Committee. WT is responsible for awarding the prestigious Taekwondo black belts, including the famous 9th dan black belts awarded to global leaders, such as those in the United States,and Spain.
Taekwondo's Olympic Journey
For most Chinese sports fans, their introduction to Taekwondo likely came through the Olympics. In 2000, it became a permanent Olympic event, and since then, China has earned 7 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze medals in Taekwondo. Some of the biggest names in Chinese Taekwondo include Chen Zhong, Luo Wei, Wu Jingyu, and Zhu Guo, with the most recent champions being Zhao Shuai and Zheng Shuyin, who took home gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
The Importance of the World Taekwondo Championships
The World Taekwondo Championships, or World Championships, started in 1973 and is the most prestigious event in Taekwondo after the Olympics. Held every two years, this event features athletes from around the globe competing in 16 different weight categories. The championships offer athletes the opportunity to earn points for Olympic qualification. Unlike other tournaments, where entry may be more exclusive, the World Championships have a more open qualification system, allowing many athletes to compete and showcase their skills.
The Rising Stars: Taekwondo Grand Prix
The Taekwondo Grand Prix is a relatively new series of competitions that began in 2013. This annual event has four stages, including a year-end grand final. While the World Championships are a major event, the Grand Prix has gained popularity due to its exciting and fast-paced nature. Over the years, it has become a significant platform for athletes to earn points toward Olympic qualification.
Introducing the Taekwondo Grand Slam
In 2017, the Taekwondo Grand Slam Champion Series was established in Wuxi, China. This competition has two stages: the qualification round and the final. The Grand Slam offers an incredible opportunity for emerging athletes to compete against the best in the world. The competition includes a huge prize pool, with the total annual prize money reaching $800,000, including $70,000 for each winner. This competition has quickly gained recognition for its exciting match formats and high-quality production.
Looking Ahead
With the establishment of the Taekwondo Grand Slam, we are seeing more and more opportunities for young talent to rise in the sport. In the first season of the Grand Slam, several unknown athletes made a name for themselves by defeating top-ranked opponents. These “dark horse” victories have added excitement to the sport and brought fresh energy to Taekwondo. The Grand Slam is not only giving new talent a chance to shine but is also ensuring that the sport continues to evolve and remain competitive.
Conclusion: The Future of Taekwondo
After reading this article, do you feel more connected to the world of Taekwondo? It's clear that the sport is more than just a physical discipline; it's a global phenomenon with an exciting competitive scene. Whether you're a participant or a fan, Taekwondo has a lot to offer. As this sport continues to grow, we'll keep you updated with more stories and behind-the-scenes insights. Feel free to share your thoughts and discuss Taekwondo with us in the comments below!
