Taekwondo is a Korean martial art with a relationship to ancient Korean martial arts, that is also cultural with
philosophical
underpinnings.
The origin of Taekwondo in Korea can be traced back to the Koguryo dynasty, founded 37B.C.
Korean culture and martial arts of the period were strongly influenced and enriched by the Hwarangdo, a military, educational and social organization and noble youths of the Silla dynasty.
Through the
practice of a martial art, a person's spiritual and
philosophical perspective may also be developed.
It is this dual aspect of Taekwondo, and of martial arts in general, that is examined in relation to the human aging process and why, through routine practice of Taekwondo, an individual may also achieve various levels of improved performance, physical and mental, throughout the entire human aging process.