Tae Kwon Do

The origin of tae kwon do in Korea can be traced back to the Koguryo dynasty, founded 37BC. It was practiced not only as a skill to improve health and as a sport activity but it was also encouraged as a martial art of considerably high value. During the occupation of Korea by the Japanese in the early 19th century the practicing of martial arts, which could have been used as a means of revolt, was forbidden.

After liberation from the Japanese in 1945, those with an aspiration to revitalize the traditional art of tae kwon do taught their followers and on September 16, 1961 the Korea Tae kwon do Association was established. Korean instructors began going abroad to teach tae kwon do in the 1960s.

To teach at a PCYC in NSW tae kwon do instructors must have as a minimum level of qualifications a current National Coaching Accreditation Scheme (NCAS) Level 1 Tae Kwon Do. The NCAS is administered by the Australian Sports Commission, and the Level 1 Tae Kwon Do course is delivered by Tae Kwon Do Australia.

source: Tae Kwon Do Australia website at http://www.taekwondoaustralia.org.au/abouttkd/history.html).