Taekwondo is a Korean martial art and combat sport known for its fast, high, and spinning kicks. The name roughly translates to "the way of the foot and fist" (tae = foot, kwon = fist, do = way). It emphasizes powerful kicking techniques, speed, and agility, but also includes punches, blocks, and various stances. Beyond the physical skills, taekwondo teaches discipline, respect, and self-control, with practitioners progressing through a system of colored belts. It became an official Olympic sport in 2000 and is practiced by millions of people around the world.