Sports Diplomacy

[DWx]

I was debating whether to post this on the Korean section but I think it has greater significance outside of Taekwondo.

Just like Karate, Taekwondo has multiple sub-styles each with their own subtleties. The most widely known style is that practiced by the WT (previously WTF) and is closely linked to South Korea. The other main style ITF is more closely allied with North Korea.

As you may have no doubt read in the news, at this year's Winter Olympics, North and South Korea will field a joint Korean team and compete together under one flag. As part of this collaboration together, both the WT and ITF Taekwondo demonstration teams will perform 4 times over the course of the Games with the first demo held today as part of the Opening ceremony. This follows a demonstration by both teams at the WT World Championships in South Korea last year and in Chelyabinsk, Russia, in 2015 (both were also due to perform at the ITF championships in Pyongyang but this was not realised).

Great to see sport and Martial Arts crossing borders.

http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/pyeongchang2018/2018/02/09/7201000000AEN20180209010500315.html

[DWx]

Another demo took place today. Photos and coverage: http://www.atimes.com/article/force-vs-finesse-north-south-korea-trade-taekwondo/

[Spartacus Maximus]

If the Koreans can find a way to get along, at least for a while, through Taekwondo, than it is all well and good for them. Sports and martial arts in particular require a certain sense of honour and respect for one’s fellow players, trainers and that is what can bring people together despite being from “enemy” countries or political factions. If it was not for this, it is doubtful martial arts and some sports would have spread far beyond the boders of where they were conceived.

[singularity6]

If the Koreans can find a way to get along, at least for a while, through Taekwondo, than it is all well and good for them. Sports and martial arts in particular require a certain sense of honour and respect for one’s fellow players, trainers and that is what can bring people together despite being from “enemy” countries or political factions. If it was not for this, it is doubtful martial arts and some sports would have spread far beyond the boders of where they were conceived.

I think you could replace the bold with "people."

[Spartacus Maximus]

Indeed the same applies to anyone involved in wide-ranging sports or martial arts events. Taekwondo, however is regarded as something “Korean” by both the north and south. It is a thing they have in common and one if the most ideal opportunities for them to at least come to an understanding. This is more significant for the fact that the two countries are involved in probably the longest ongoing war(a ceasefire, not an armistice or peace treaty ended fighting in 53-4) in our lifetime.