ABSTRACT
The Asian martial arts differ from traditional sport-like activities, and the relationship between martial arts and sport is a complicated issue. With this background in mind, this chapter will concentrate on the historical narrative of taekwondo and its invented and actual traditions. Despite opposing claims, there exists no historical connection between taekwondo and any martial art that existed in Korea in the past. The founders of taekwondo all (but one) learned karate in Japan. Taekwondo’s real origins have been obscured mainly due to Korea’s colonial history and the ethno-nationalistic and militaristic policies of the evolving authoritarian regimes. Sport in general, and taekwondo in particular, became a tool in controlling the nation and promoting South Korea internationally. Even now that South Korea has become increasingly economically developed and democratic, the principal purpose of taekwondo, to showcase the Korean nation and serve as a tool for ‘sport politics,’ has not changed.
