What is Taekwondo?

BACKGROUND

What is Tae Kwon Do?

Taekwondo (Tae-kwon-do) is one of the world’s most practiced martial art, originating from Korea. Taekwondo is derived in 3 parts in the Korean language. “Tae” meaning the use of the foot, “kwon” meaning the use of the hands, and “do” meaning the art or way of. In combination, taekwondo is a martial art that uses the hands and foot, striking above the waist thus including the upper body and head. Not only does this martial art teach physical fighting and self-defence, it encompasses discipline in regard to one’s mind and spirit. Through Taekwondo, one will learn to train the body and mind. 

On the liberation of Korea from Japanese colonial rule after World War II, the Korean people began resuming thoughts of self-reliance and of the traditional folkloric games. Thus, Tae Kwon Do was demonstrated and distinguished from the style of Japanese Karate, which had been introduced during the colonial period.

            Martial Arts experts soon began opening Tae Kwon Do gymnasiums all over the country. After the Korean War, Tae Kwon Do was popularized among the Dan-grade black belts within the country. About 2000 Tae Kwon Do masters were dispatched to more than 100 countries to train foreigners.

            On May 28th, 1973, the World Tae Kwon Do Federation (WTF) came into existence, now encompassing 148 member countries. In 1974, Tae Kwon Do was admitted an official event at the Asian Games. The WTF became an IOC-recognized sports federation in 1980, making Tae Kwon Do an Olympic sport. Taekwondo was first included as an official event in the World Games in 1981, the Pan-American Games in 1986. Tae Kwon Do finally made its Olympic debut as a demonstration sport at the 1988 Games in Seoul, South Korea.

TODAY’S TAE KWON DO

SELF-DEFENCE​

Tae Kwon Do is a free fighting combat sport in which the bare hands and feet are used to defend against an opponent. As crime rates continue to increase, learning the trademark kicking techniques of Tae Kwon Do will allow for the development of protecting one against enemy attacks, without the reliance of an object or weapon. This will allow one to defend anywhere and anytime.

PHILOSOPHY

Not only is Tae Kwon Do based on self-defence, this martial art is also based on 5 tenets. All of which Tae Kwon Do students should implement along with common etiquette.

  • Perseverance (innae / 인내, 忍耐)
  • Integrity (yeomchi / 염치, 廉恥)
  • Self-Control (geukgi / 극기, 克己)
  • Indomitable Spirit (baekjeolbulgul / 백절불굴, 百折不屈)
  • Courtesy (yeui / 예의, 禮儀)

FITNESS

Tae Kwon Do is a martial art that trains your mind along with your body. With various kicking and punching techniques, these movements will allow for greater athleticism. Our classes will incorporate vigorous activities, including kicking, sparing, and flexibility training. Building more athleticism and improving one’s fitness will also help to improve one’s health.