Taekwondo (태권도; ) is a Korean martial art and combat sport. Taekwondo is the national sport of South Korea and sparring, kyeorugi, is an Olympic sporting event. In Korean hanja, tae (태; 跆) means feet or kicking; kwon (권; 拳) means hands or striking; and do (도; 道) means art, path, way, or method. Hence, taekwondo is loosely translated as the way of the foot and fist.

Taekwondo's popularity has resulted in the divergent evolution of the martial art, as with many other arts, it is a combination of combat techniques, self-defense, sport, exercise, and philosophy

There are two main styles of Taekwondo, WTF (World Taekwondo Federation) which is practised at the Olympics and ITF (International Taekwondo Federation) which was founded by General Choi Hong Hi, the father of Taekwondo. Although there are great doctrinal and technical differences among taekwondo organizations, the art in general emphasizes kicks thrown from a mobile stance, using the leg's greater reach and power . Ciruclar motions that generate power are of central importance. Taekwondo training generally includes a system of blocks, punches, and open-handed strikes and may also include various take-downs or sweeps, throws, and joint locks.