While the true roots of martial arts are difficult to construct, it is widely associated with East Asia. Its early beginnings are believed to have started in India thousands of years ago. It was then brought to China by a Buddhist monk called Bodhidarma 1500 years ago.
Bodhidarma emphasized mental and physical development focusing on self-defense and as an aid in enlightening the mind.
In the 1600’s, China introduced their version of martial arts to Japan. Eventually, Japan defined their version of martial arts as “karate” (meaning empty hands).
At the turn of the 20th century karate began migrating to Korea and eventually the U.S.A. Tae Kwon Do is Korea’s version of karate with Tae meaning foot, Kwon meaning fist and Do meaning the way of. Literally, Tae Kwon Do means “The way of the foot and fist”
Today, over 70 million people in 188 countries practice Tae Kwon Do.
World Martial Arts Association (WMAA) - INDIANA CHAPTER 