Tae Kwon Do originated in Korea. It is based on earlier martial arts forms from Korea, China, Japan, and Okinawa. The extent of influence from these earlier art forms is disputed even among Tae Kwon Do experts and historians.

During the Second World War, Korea was occupied by Japan, and all martial arts were outlawed. Legend says that during this period, martial artists practiced in caves and remote, clandestine locations, keeping the traditions of Korean martial arts alive. The occupation ended with the conclusion of the war. Between 1945 and 1953, several martial arts schools opened, each with differing teachings, many of which were heavily influenced by Japanese and Okinawan Karate.

In 1952, Korean martial arts were again disrupted by the outbreak of civil war. Many martial artists were killed as North and South Korea fought. When the war ended in 1953, martial arts once again began to rise in Korea. In 1955, the name "Tae Kwon Do" (meaning "the way of kicking and punching") was adopted at a conference of martial arts experts. In 1961, the Korean military government decreed that the Korean Tae Kwon Do Association be formed.

In 1956, Jhoon Rhee brought Tae Kwon Do to the United States, although he initially referred to it as “Korean Karate” until 1965, when he began using the Tae Kwon Do name. Jhoon Rhee is widely regarded as the father of American Tae Kwon Do. He continues to practice and teach in America.

In 1966, General Hong Hi Choi (who had suggested the name "Tae Kwon Do") left Korea and formed the International Tae Kwon Do Federation. At that time, tensions arose between General Choi and members of the Korean Tae Kwon Do Association. Those who disagreed with him formed the World Tae Kwon Do Federation in 1973. These two groups continue to have differences today.

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