Tae Kwon Do is an Olympic sport. The martial art became a demonstration sport in 1988, an exhibition sport in 1992 and gained full medal status as an Olympic sport in 2000.
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Why are the students required to bow? Bowing is a tradition in Korea similar to the Western tradition of shaking hands. When you meet someone it is proper etiquette to shake his or her hand. In Korea, and especially Tae Kwon do, it is proper to greet people by bowing.
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When should a student bow? Students of Tae Kwon Do will bow before entering or exiting the gym. This is out of respect for the gym, the ranks, and the instructors.
It is also proper form to bow when greeting and before addressing an instructor or higher rank. This is a sign of respect for their greater experience and knowledge. This helps to strengthen a student's respect for authority in and out of the gym. It also fosters a sense of respect for the gym, their training, their goals, and the person they aspire to become.
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