Taekwondo combines combat techniques, self-defence, sport, exercise, meditation and philosophy. Taekwondo is characterised by its emphasis on head-height kicks, jumping and spinning kicks, and fast kicking techniques.

Taekwondo was developed during the 1940s and 1950s by incorporating elements of Karate and Chinese martial arts with traditional Korean martial arts traditions such as Taekkyeon, Subak, and Gwonbeop.

World Taekwondo was founded in 1973 by the Korea Taekwondo Association, and, since 2000, Taekwondo has been included in the Olympic Games.