Sport in South Korea
Taekwondo, a popular martial sport is often claimed to have historical origins on the Korean peninsula with origins said to have been traced as far back as the 1st century BCE. However, such historical claims are difficult to empirically verify and separate from the influences of neighboring counties. The sport rose to prominence following the end of Japanese occupation with the end of WWII. Formalized rules were established in 1961 and in 1988 the sport became an Olympic event. The name "Taekwondo" literally means "way of foot and fist", although the modern emphasis lies on the kicks. This may be a way to help legitimize the sport's connection to the traditional practice called Taekkyeon, which originated in Korea during the Goguryeo period in the 4th century. Taekkyeon uses open hands and the feet, where as the use of clenched fists is not permitted. The motions are smoother and more curvilinear than in Taekwondo. Although both disciplines start with the sound "tae" in English, there is no relationship.
Taekwondo in the Philippines
Taekwondo was introduced to the Philippines through the efforts of Kim Bok Man and Young Man Park. Grand Master Bok Man Kim arrived in 1970 to continue Park's legacy of propagating Taekwondo upon the invitation of President Marcos. Bok Man Kim continued to pioneer Taekwondo worldwide and left the Philippines in 1971. In 1975, Sung-Chon Hong came to the Philippines to continue to introduce Taekwondo again. The Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) has been established by Grand Master Sung-Chon Hong. The current Central Headquarters of the PTA is at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. The PTA is a member of the Kukkiwon, World Taekwondo Federation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee and Asian Taekwondo Union. Sung-Chon Hong has devoted decades to mentoring, developing and promoting Taekwondo nationwide and worldwide, and is popularly considered the Father of Taekwondo in the Philippines.