Mixed martial arts as a sport that is continuing to grow and expand. Looking around the world, more and more locations are legalizing the sport. While MMA still has its opponents and those that stand in its way, promotions such as the UFC, Strikeforce, Bellator and DREAM continue to look for ways to further its change and development.

As the sport continues to grow, I have been asking the question that may be too early to ask, but still worth the thought. Could mixed martial arts function as an Olympic sport? The quick answer to the question is no for various reasons, however looking deeper into the question poses some interesting points.

Taekwondo’s origins date back to the 2,000 years when it was created as a way of unarmed combat.It wasn’t until 1955 when Choi Hong Hi helped to modernize the art making it both a self defense and a sport.The unique feature of Taekwondo as compared to Karate, Judo, or Kung Fu is that is focuses on attacking the opponent with kicks.In 2008 it is estimated that there are over 50 million practitioners of Taekwondo.It also received a boost by the Olympics when it was added to the games in 2000.

Origins of Taekwondo

http://endurancefirst.typepad.com/proline_sports_nutrition_/2008/05/family-seeks-pr.html

Here is the link to the video..

http://olympicsblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/08/taekwondo-controversy-lopezabd.html

A post by Jill Many at summerolympicnew.com has the entire Lopez family listed at number four of the top athletes to watch in the Olympics! As we have been watching the first Taekwondo family this is a very competitive list, and I have to say that she nailed the positions. Except I would have had her #10 Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh at #8. She has also listed some really good links to read more about the athletes. Please see the post at: Article

The Zone

As we have been talking about the Taekwondo Olympics we found a really good post dallasnews.com. This post was made by Barry Vigoda and shows someone elses view whether Diana Lopez should have went to the Olympics or not…

http://olympicsblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/08/taekwondo-controversy-lopezabd.html

As we are looking at some of the individual athletes competing in the Olympics in Taekwondo and Judo found an interesting blog post made called Dons Taekwondo Dream. He breaks down the number of tickets earned by each country in Taekwondo. Please see.. http://donaldravenscroft.typepad.com/myweblog/2008/02/contestants-and.html#trackback