Taekwondo was introduced in the Philippines by a Korean expert who was invited by the Philippine government to demonstrate the martial art in 1970. During that time, the martial arts became very lucrative in the country due to global cinematic exposure and provided the path for the proliferation of Taekwondo in the Philippines. Because of the beauty and flamboyance of Taekwondo, its popularity soon captured a good following. And with this, the first Taekwondo headquarters was established in Makati. During the 1st Asian Taekwondo Championships in 1974 (Seoul, South Korea), the Philippines ventured forth in the international scene by winning a bronze medal. Since that fateful day, the Philippines have participated in various international Taekwondo competitions, winning medals and gaining honors.

It was in 1976 when the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) sent one of its best international Master Instructor to the Philippines. Sung Chon Hong, a 9th Dan black belter and former world champion, was to be the Chief Instructor of the Philippines and Vice President of the local association. On that same year, the Philippine Taekwondo Association was formally organized.

Through the years, Taekwondo has flourished in the country. The PTA boasts of having 500,000 members at present in different regions and provinces of the archipelago. Our memberships in school, colleges and universities, gyms and clubs, top corporation and government agencies including the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) amount to some 1,500 chapters nationwide.

The PTA Vision

We perceive a nation with dynamic citizenry through the influence and motivation of Taekwondo as a martial art, science and sport.

Our Purpose

To contribute to the development of our people by imploring values, enhancing their skills through constant practice and living the spirit of the martial arts through the psychology of sports. To gain honors for the Philippines through international competitions while acting as ambassadors of friendship and goodwill.

The World Taekwondo federation is the International Federation (IF) governing the sport of Taekwondo. It is a member of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF). The WTF recognizes national Taekwondo governing bodies recognized by the National Olympic Committee (NOC) in each country, as its members. The incumbent president of the WTF is DR. Chungwon Chloue, PhD.

The WTF consists of 177 national Taekwondo governing bodies as its members. Following the recognition of the WTF by the International Olympic Committee in 1980, Taekwondo was staged at the Olympics in Seoul in 1988 and in Barcelona i 1992 as a demonstration sport. In 1994, at the Paris 103rd IOC Session, Taekwondo was adopted as an official program of the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Taekwondo was confirmed as an official sport of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Taekwondo is a "sport -for-all" for the training of body and mind. The global Taekwondo population is estimated at about 50 million. The WTF organizes international competitions: World Taekwondo Championships, Women's World Taekwondo Championships, World Cup taekwondo team Championships and World Junior Championships. A new event, World Taekwondo Poomse Championships will soon begin.

Taekwondo is derived from the Korean words "Tae" meaning foot, "Kwon" meaning fist and "Do" meaning art or way. So, literally, Taekwondo means "the way of the foot and fist". It is an art of self- defense involving the skilled application of techniques that include punches, strikes, kicks, blocks, dodges and interceptions with the bare hands and feet to overpower an opponent. The name Taekwondo, however, has only been used since 1955 while the arts' roots began 2,300 years ago in Korean.

It can be traced to the traditional Tae Kyon, the art of self-defense which originated 2000 years ago during the Sill Dynasty in Korea. Tae Kyon was taught and practiced among the youth of Hwarang, who were hand-picked to be trained as military leaders of Silla, one of the three ruling kingdoms of Korea at that time.

A. Poomse (Forms)

Poomse is a series of offensive and defensive movements practiced against an imaginary opponent. It is possible to learn Taekwondo without an opponent and to become proficient in actual sparring using the various techniques and movements in the forms.

Benefits of Poomse are:

B. Kyorugi (Sparring)

Kyorugi or sparring is an actual fight between two competitors using the offensive and defensive skills acquired through the practice of Taekwondo. This activity is a regular part of the training program for those who are yellow belters and above.

Three types of Kyorugi:

1. Pre-arranged sparring
   This is a sparring using a predetermined set of movements. it is usually the self defense movements which can be grouped into the one-step self defense of the three-step self defense.

2. Free sparring / study sparring
   The right occasion to experiment or try out new techniques is during this kind of sparring. It is a controlled or practice sparring in preparation for actual competitions.

3. Competition sparring
   This is a type of sparring using the skillful techniques and strategies practiced in the gym but governed by the WTF competition rules.

C. Kyukpa (Breaking)

breaking or Kyukpa is a way of gauging the precision of kicks and the power of techniques by breaking a solid object such as a board or brick. This skill is learned and practiced by more advanced players.

Tenets of Taekwondo

Self-confidence

A person has self-confidence when he believes in his own abilities. It follows, therefore, that a person must first acquire these abilities through constant study, training and practice. True self-confidence is based on true knowledge about one's self and abilities.

Modesty

A modest person has a humble opinion of one's self and one's achievements. A modest person is not flashy or showy. The virtue of humility helps a person control his disordered desire for his own excellence and therefore it helps to create an atmosphere that makes it possible for people to get along together.

Indomitable spirit

A person with indomitable spirit is not easily discouraged or defeated. Having indomitable spirit requires an inner reflection on things to determine whether they are right or wrong and then proceeding to do what is right. Indomitable spirit therefore, is very closely related to the virtue of prudence.

Perseverance

A persevering person takes the steps necessary to achieve the goal he has set for himself, in spite of internal or external difficulties, and despite anything that might weaken his resolve in the course of time. The final test of perseverance is the ability to finish what one has decided and set out to do.

Etiquette

Etiquette is the form of conduct or behavior prescribed by custom or authority to be observed in social, official or professional life. It is the manner of acting correctly. Etiquette includes, but is also more than the practice of good manners and right conduct. Etiquette is an indispensable part of the virtues of courtesy, self-control and the cardinal virtue of justice.

1. Am I too old to learn Taekwondo?

No one is too old or too young to take lessons in Taekwondo. Instructions are especially designed for various age groups. However, one must be in reasonably good health before commencing classes. Of course, the older you get, the more difficult it will be to win in competition, but Taekwondo is much broader than sparring which some people often tend to forget. The most important aspect of training is that you make progress on both physical and mental level.

2. I am not flexible at all. Can I still learn Taekwondo?

Yes you can. Flexibility is very practical for high kicks buy it is not an absolute must. Speed has a big influence as well. You will see that using proper technique and speed, you can still manage to execute high kicks, even if you are not the most flexible in your class.

3. I am not very fit. Will that be a problem?

No, start training right away. Taekwondo will help you become fit in a relatively short time.

4. How does it take to learn Taekwondo?

It depends on you. If you train regularly, you will be able to defend yourself after six to nine months.

5. How long does it take to become a black belter?

That totally depends on where you train and how much you train. If you train 2 to 3 times a week, it is possible to become a black belter within 2 years.

6. Is there any danger in learning Taekwondo?

No, injuries seldom occur if there is good instruction and if instructions are followed properly. Injury rates are much higher in sports like football, rugby or gymnastics.

7. Is it dangerous for children to learn Taekwondo when their bones and body structures have not been properly formed yet?

No, taekwondo exercise stimulates a child's physical growth and mental maturity. However, children are not allowed in training involving heavy contact and breaking techniques.

8. Does Taekwondo instill self discipline and respect for elders in children?

yes, it helps children self discipline, confidence and respect for elders and thus help them to become future leaders of our country.