ABSTRACT
Taekwondo is not just the offspring of karate in terms of technique and general training activity, but also of its philosophy and dogma. Therefore, a better understanding of the general evolution of the Japanese martial arts, to which taekwondo is intimately related, is useful. The development of some form of structured methodology for conflict and
combat is a practice that has occurred, to some extent, in all cultures and societies which employed warriors or soldiers. In ancient times, structured combat training mostly involved exercising with weapons for military and battle purposes. In addition, the display of combat games, with some religious or ritualistic connotations, and/or for purposes of entertainment, has a long tradition in many societies, as well. Various kinds of wrestling games were especially popular throughout the Middle East and Asia, and in ancient Greece and Rome, a variety of systematic boxing and wrestling styles were also practiced and performed. Geographically, the term ‘martial arts,’ as understood in modern times, is
mainly associated with East Asia, and represents a collection that groups Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Okinawan fighting methods, military arts, and boxing styles “inappropriately” together.2 In contrast, the modern Western activities associated with combat, like boxing, wrestling and fencing, are perceived merely as sports. Moreover, for many educated, middle-class Westerners, boxing has become a deplorable sport, because of the effects of concussion on the brains of competitors and its perceived ‘violent nature.’ On the other hand, training in certain Oriental martial arts, which are essentially similar activities, has become fashionable and culturally approved of. These superficial classifications, distinctions, and attitudes are likely the results of an inadequate understanding of the nature and history of martial arts and combat.3 In reality, any activity that serves to improve battle or fighting skills is, by definition, a form of ‘martial art.’4
