Tae Kwon-Do is a Korean martial art known for its emphasis on high, fast kicks, powerful strikes, and dynamic footwork. It is often distinguished from other martial arts by its focus on kicking techniques, which include a wide variety of strikes such as spinning kicks, jumping kicks, and side kicks. In addition to kicking, Tae Kwon-Do also incorporates punches, and blocks, but it is the exceptional use of the legs that makes it stand out. Tae Kwon-Do combines a martial art's physical techniques with discipline, respect, and mental focus, making it both a sport and a method of personal development. What also sets it apart is its inclusion in the Olympic Games since 2000, where it is contested as a full-contact sport with a scoring system based on controlled strikes and technique. The practice of Tae Kwon-Do is deeply tied to Korean culture, with a strong emphasis on etiquette, respect for others, and self-control.

Tae Kwon-Do emerged in Korea in the mid-20th century, although its roots trace back to ancient Korean martial arts like Taekkyeon and Hwa Rang Do, as well as influences from Chinese and Japanese fighting systems. The development of modern Tae Kwon-Do began in the 1940s and 1950s when various Korean martial arts schools began to merge and refine their techniques into a unified system. The most prominent figure in its development was General Choi Hong Hi, who is often credited with shaping the system's philosophy and creating its original name, "Tae Kwon-Do" (literally "foot-fist-way"). In the 1960s, Tae Kwon-Do became organised into a formal system, and international federations were established, promoting the sport worldwide. The 1980s saw Tae Kwon-Do's inclusion in international competitions, leading to its recognition as an Olympic sport in 2000. Today, Tae Kwon-Do is practised by millions of people globally and is one of the most popular martial arts in the world.

Tae Kwon-Do competitions typically consist of two main elements: poomsae (forms) and kyorugi (sparring). In poomsae, competitors perform a series of pre-arranged movements (similar to kata in karate) that demonstrate technique, balance, and precision. These forms are judged based on the accuracy and quality of the movements, with an emphasis on correct technique, control, and fluidity. Kyorugi (sparring) is the more widely known and popular aspect of Tae Kwon-Do competition, especially in Olympic contexts. In sparring, athletes compete in controlled, full-contact matches, where the objective is to score points by landing controlled, accurate strikes—primarily kicks—on their opponent's torso or head. Points are awarded for clean techniques and effective use of combinations, with electronic scoring systems now used in international tournaments, including the Olympics. Competitions are divided by weight class, and there are distinct rules to ensure safety, such as protective gear (headgear, chest protectors, shin guards) and a focus on controlled, non-injurious strikes. There are also self-defence demonstrations and breaking techniques competitions in some formats, where practitioners break boards or bricks to show their strength and precision.