A Combat Sport that is a Path to Peace

Dear World Taekwondo Family,

You have before you Book 1 of our two-book 50th anniversary publication. While the second volume focuses on the elite-level sport of Taekwondo, this volume features our efforts on the humanitarian front.

Those efforts are multiple for Taekwondo is more than a sport. As a sport, it can be practiced by anyone, anywhere. It is a democratic and economical activity as Taekwondo, in its basic form, requires no bats or balls, no courts or pools. As a form of physical education, it promotes multiple benefits: flexibility, agility, speed, power, grace and courage.

But with its root in martial arts, Taekwondo also instills positive mental values: respect, courtesy, self-control and indomitable spirit. Its promotion of self-defense instills self-confidence, while its constant striving for excellence instills self-worth. Hence, the paradox of Taekwondo: A way of fighting is a path to peace . This paradox is leveraged in our humanitarian endeavors.

Our affiliated charity, the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF) is using Taekwondo to empower the powerless – primarily, refugees and dispossessed persons - across the world. The THF is opening local chapters in countries and territories, and coo perating with other Olympic federations to bring the benefits of other sports to THF Taekwondo practitioners in THF camps and programs.

Taekwondo Cares offers a range of programs, including granting disadvantaged member national associations assistance with Taekwondo equipment, training and education.

Taekwondo, which originated in Korea, is even being used as a tool for diplomacy. It has smashed frozen frontiers and united sportsmen from both Koreas, including at the 2018 Winter Olympics.

In addition, many of our great member national associations have conducted humanitarian programs of their own.

All of the above, and more, is detailed in this book, proving that Taekwondo is not just a great sport, but also a vehicle for doing good in places that extend far beyond dojang and the stadium.

Yours in sport –

Chungwon Choue President, World Taekwondo