There are over 170 types of martial arts today. Martial arts focus on attacking and defending through hand-to-hand combat. Learning martial arts requires significant self-discipline and years of practice
Hand strikes are close-range alternatives to kicks. Techniques include closed (jireugi) and open (chigi) hand styles. Various hand positions target different body areas. Famous strikes include hammer fist, backfist, and flying punch
Combat sports involve one-on-one contact combat with points, holds, KOs, or techniques. Boxing dates back to ancient Sumer and Egypt, with pankration introduced in 648 BCE. Traditional wrestling exists in most cultures, considered a cultural universal
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art developed in 1940s-1950s by Korean artists. Name combines "tae" (foot), "kwon" (hand), and "do" (art). Five main tenets: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, indomitable spirit
ITF was established in 1966 by General Choi Hong Hi in Seoul, South Korea. Initially consisted of 10 founding members from various countries. Moved headquarters from Korea to Toronto in 1972 due to government conflicts. Later relocated to Vienna in 1985
Same technique can have multiple names in both English and Korean. Korean words can be romanized differently due to different pronunciation. Different styles may use same terms for different techniques