What is Taekwondo?What is Taekwondo?
TAE means foot for kicking, KWON means hand for punching or blocking, and DO translates as way of life or philosophy. Taekwondo combines both physical and mental abilities to form a cohesive martial art.
Taekwondo is an ancient, uniquely Korean art with roots that go back thousand of years. It was developed as a means of protection. While sharing many similarities with Japanese and Chinese martial arts, Taekwondo also has a number of distinct characteristics. Taekwondo includes both circular, flowing movements, similar to Chinese Kung Fu, as well as powerful, linear movements seen in many Japanese Karate styles.
Modern Taekwondo
Over the years, Taekwondo has been practiced, refined and passed on from generation to generation. Today, it has become one of the world's most dynamic and fastest growing martial art sport. Its popularity is due to its flashy style and effectiveness of its kicking techniques.
In 1988, Taekwondo was introduced to the Olympic Games as a Demonstration Sport. After the successful Olympic debut, and with the steady growth of sport Taekwondo around the world, the International Olympic Committee voted to accept Taekwondo as a permanent Medal Sport in 1995 - beginning with the Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia in 2000. Set your goals high and you or your child could be a future Olympian!
Taekwondo is not just a system of self-defense and/or competition. It is also a system that trains the mind to develop good moral character and a strong spirit.
Taekwondo is a discipline of the mind and body. Through its philosophical concepts, Taekwondo provides a fantastic way to develop sound minds and healthy hearts in its practitioners.