ABSTRACT
Over the years, taekwondo has significantly contributed to advancing Korea’s image around the world, by serving as a symbol of Korean culture and pride. As a consequence, a considerable amount of research in Korea is dedicated to finding some correlation between early Korean martial arts and taekwondo. However, the lines between fiction and reality often blur. Moreover, in the case of taekwondo, nationalism2 plays a significant role in its historical portrayal, as well. General taekwondo literature and presentation will not reflect any relationship to karate whatsoever, insisting instead on an indigenous Korean origin.3 Despite this popular portrayal, a variety of indisputable records and testimonies exist with regard to taekwondo’s relationship to karate. This chapter aims not to explain the relationship, or the lack thereof, between
early Korean martial arts and modern taekwondo as discussed in the previous chapter, but focuses mostly on the latter’s relationship with karate. This chapter will study the connection between taekwondo and karate by examining the existing records and testimonies. Following a brief, initial discussion of the origins of karate, the emphasis turns to the original kwan,4 or schools, and their founders’ relationship to karate. Then, this chapter describes the period when taekwondo leaders increasingly tried to distance themselves from taekwondo’s karate roots. In particular, the influence of nationalism on this process will be examined. Finally, this study focuses briefly on the different taekwondo organizations that emerged from the power struggles among the early pioneers.
