Olympic Taekwondo is a modern martial art that originated in Korea and became an official Olympic sport in 2000. It focuses on high, fast kicks and dynamic footwork, emphasizing both physical and mental discipline. Competitors wear protective gear and score points by landing controlled strikes on their opponent's body and head. The sport is governed by the World Taekwondo federation, which sets the rules and regulations for competitions. Matches are typically held in a rectangular ring, and athletes compete in weight categories to ensure fair play. Taekwondo promotes values such as respect, integrity, and perseverance among its practitioners.