What Is Taekwondo?
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art, a system of training both the mind and body in which great emphasis is placed on the development of the trainee’s moral character.
The word "Tae Kwon Do" itself means:
Tae……to kick or smash with the feet
Kwon….destroying with the hand or fist
Do…….way or method
Taekwondo is a martial art independently developed over 2000 years ago in Korea. Over the years it has also developed into a popular international sport. The main feature of Taekwondo is that it is a free-fighting combat sport using one’s bare hands and feet to repel an opponent. Taekwondo literally means the way of kicking and punching and consists of sharp strong angular movements combined with free flowing circular movements to produce a balance of beauty and power. With Taekwondo’s trademark kicking techniques it is a complete system of self-defense and personal improvement. All of it’s activities are based on the defensive attitude that was originally developed for protection against enemy attacks. The most important fact about Taekwondo is that it is not only a superior art of self-defense, but of the mind as well. The practice of Taekwondo gives its practitioners self confidence and increased respect for others and authority. The virtues of modesty and generosity are fundamentally based on self-confidence and are beneficial to the lives of individuals, as well as to their families, neighbors and nation. The feeling of accomplishment the students receive will help them gain a self-confidence which carries over into their everyday life. With the increased self-confidence and self-esteem, children’s attitudes change and their self-discipline improves. They are less likely to feel the need to respond to taunts and get into trouble. Through physical, mental and philosophical exercise of the mind and body the physical fitness is improved. Taekwondo training helps to develop a healthier cardiovascular system, greater strength, better conditioning, increased flexibility and, of course, the ability to defend oneself in dangerous situations. Today Taekwondo is the most recognized Korean Martial Art. Taekwondo first came to be recognized as a system of self-defense in the 1950's when a group of leading Korean martial artists came together and unified their various art forms under a single style. They named their style Taekwondo, and in the last 60 years have developed it into one of the most effective styles of unarmed self-defense in the world today. It has also developed into an international amateur sport and is an official Olympic sport.
For a more extensive history of Taekwondo, click here.