History:The earliest records of Martial Arts practice in Korea date back to about 50 B.C. These earliest forms of korean martial arts are known as 'Taek Kyon'. Evidence that Martial Arts were being practiced at that time can be found in tombs where wall-paintings show two men in fighting-stance. Others reject this evidence and say that these men could be simply dancing. Modern-day Taekwondo is influenced by many other Martial Arts. The most important of these arts is Japanese Karate. The influence that Japan has given to Taekwondo are the quick, linear movements, that characterize the various Japanese systems. After World War II, when Korea became independant, several kwans arose. These kwans were:

• Chung Do Kwan

• Moo Duk Kwan

• Yun Moo Kwan

• Chang Moo Kwan

• Oh Do Kwan

• Chi Do Kwan

• Song Moo Kwan

• Ji Do Kwan

In 1955 the kwans united,the name Taekwondo was adopted by several Korean martial arts masters.