The history of taekwondo mirrors that of Korea in many ways. The Korean martial art is one in a long list of cultural commodities that Japan had tried to erase or claim as its own in the early 20th century. Much like it’s trying to do today with the islands of Dokdo.

Taekwondo, as it’s practiced today, wasn’t established until 1957. The current form is an amalgamation of various other martial arts, such as judo, grappling and kicking — much of which Japan during its colonial period forbade Koreans from practicing.

“Koreans have had to endure a lot of struggle just to get to where they are today, much like their martial arts,” says Jacob Cho, a Los Angeles taekwondo instructor. “Taekwondo has gone through changes and has had to adapt itself according to changing needs. Korean martial arts, like the people, have a history of perseverance and an indomitable spirit.”

Some of that resilience of spirit, mental toughness and physical agility will be on display in Los Angeles at the first International Mayor’s Cup Taekwondo Championship on April 29 and 30.

The competition is part of “Dynamic Korea 2005,” a cultural festival sponsored by both the City of Los Angeles and the South Korean government that will take over the L.A. Memorial Sports Arena in South Los Angeles.

A performance of salpuli, a spiritual dance to purge misfortune, is just one of many events planned for “Dynamic Korea 2005,” a two-day cultural festival at the L.A. Memorial Sports Arena in late April.

Also featured in the upcoming festival will be a fashion show, complete with hanboks, performances by the National Center for Korean Traditional Performing Arts, as well as Korean pop singers, plus a film screening. Guests will also be treated to the visual feast of a colorful traditional Korean wedding and tea ceremony. To rev up the hip factor will be a dance competition to wrap up the program.

Several people will also perform the salpuli, a spiritual dance to purge misfortune. Fitting, given that Dynamic Korea will be held on the 13th anniversary of the 1992 L.A. Riots. April 29, 1992, is commonly known among Koreans as Sa-i-gu. The tragic milestone in KA history marks the collective loss of individual immigrants’ dreams.

But as demonstrated in their national history, Koreans don’t stay down for long.