About Taekwon-Do

What is Taekwon-Do?

To put simply Taekwon-Do is a version of unarmed combat designed for self-defence. It is more than just that, however. It is the scientific use of the body in the method of self-defence; a body that has gained the ultimate use of its facilities through intensive physical and mental training.

It is a martial art that has no equal in either power or technique.

The feats of Taekwon-Do are great in number. Here are a few examples:

Flying over a mounted motorcycle or eleven persons in line to attack a target with the foot
Breaking a 1" thick piece of pine wood placed at a height of ten or eleven feet with a kick.
Breaking two pieces of red brick with an open hand.
Smashing five or six pieces of 1" thick pine wood with a single kick.
Attacking three targets with the same foot while airborne.

To the layman in the street, such feats may sound impossible, but to the serious students of Taekwon-Do and the exponents of this art, it is quite ordinary. Of course, by mastering this art it does not mean that you will be asked to do the impossible. There is a structured course that takes the absolute beginner from knowing nothing to becoming expert over time.

Even if Taekwon-Do is practiced for the sake of exercise alone, the enjoyment derived will justify the time invested and spent. As an exercise, it is equally suitable for the old and young, male and female.

Where Does Taekwon-Do Come From?

Taekwon-Do was 'born' on April 11th, 1955 and was created by General (he was a Major General in the South Korean Army) Grandmaster Choi Hong Hi - 9th Degree Black Belt.

General Choi Hong Hi was trained in his native Korea in the art of Taek Kyon however during the Japanese occupation of Korea he became a Black Belt in Karate also. It was not until the 1940's when the General decided that Korea needed it's own martial art for it's own army that the foundations of Taekwon Do were laid.

Although General Choi's fundamental training was in Taek Kyon and Karate the basic principles of Taekwon-Do are totally different from those of any other martial art in the world. When you look at some martial arts and you are impressed by their dance like grace and beauty, with Taekwon Do you can marvel at its spectacular power and practical effectiveness. This is what makes it so special.

The Principals of Taekwon-Do

In the technical area, General Choi Hong Hi created a wide variety of techniques that can be used in almost any situation. They are based on the following principles

All movement should be designed to produce maximum power in accordance with scientific formulas and the principle of kinetic energy;
The principles behind the techniques should be so clear that even those ignorant to Taekwon-Do are be able to distinguish correct from incorrect movement;
The distance and angle of each movement should be exactly defined in order to achieve more efficient attack and defence.
The purpose and method of each movement should be clear and simple, in order to facilitate the teaching and learning process.
Rational teaching methods should be developed so that the benefits of Taekwon-Do training may be enjoyed by everyone, young and old, men and women.
Correct breathing methods should be devised, enhancing the speed of each movement and reducing fatigue.
Attack should be possible against any vital spot on the body and it should be possible to defend against all varieties of attack.
Each attacking tool should be clearly defined and soundly based on the structure of the human body.
Each movement should be easy to execute, enabling the student to enjoy Taekwon-Do as a sport and recreation;
Special consideration should be paid to promoting good health and preventing injuries.
Each movement should be harmonious and rhythmical so that Taekwon-Do is aesthetically pleasing;
Each movement in a pattern must express the personality and spiritual character of the person it is named after.

Taekwon-Do is a modernised and scientifically developed version
of a centuries old Korean Martial Art. Hundreds of years ago in
Korea, the warrior class of society known as the Hwarang-Do
practised a form of weaponless combat known as Taek Kyon and
developed a code of conduct to serve as a guideline to compliment
their intensive physical training.
Taekwon-Do is not to be confused with many other styles of
Martial Arts. Emphasis is placed on Self Defence, and the
necessary personal development of self- control. Concurrent
with the development of ones physical ability (co-ordination,
strength, reflex, endurance, speed etc..), psychological
development, leading to a greater self belief is assisted by the
memorising and practising of the 6 Tenets (doctrine of belief)
of Taekwon-Do. The precise interpretation of them in every day
life is what makes one a true practitioner of the Art.
The Tenets are: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, Indomitable Spirit and Humilty. C.I.P.S.I.H.
Failure to master this ideology leaves one only with the ability
to fight and without the ability to improve oneself, or to help others.
The system of rank in Taekwon-Do is denoted by various
colours of the belts worn by its practitioners.
Black 1st , 2nd , 3rd , 4th , 5th , 6th , 7th , 8th & 9th Degree
Red + back tag - 1st Grade Red - 2nd Grade
Blue + red tag - 3rd Grade Blue - 4th Grade
Green + blue tag - 5th Grade Green - 6th Grade
Yellow + green tag - 7th Grade Yellow - 8th Grade
White + yellow tag - 9th Grade White - 10th Grade
The above colours have not been randomly chosen. They are
in fact, steeped in tradition. Colours of Black, Red and Blue
denote the various levels of hierarchy during the Koguryo and
Silla Dynasties in Korea.
The degrees of Black Belt are divided into three distinct classes.
The 1st through 3rd degree are considered the novice stages of
Black Belt. Students are still merely beginners in comparison to
higher degrees. At 4th degree, the student crosses the threshold
of puberty and enters the expert class. 7th to 8th is composed of
the Tae- kwon-Do Masters - the elite who fully understand all
the particulars of Taekwon-Do, mental and physical with
the 9th degree signifying the pinnacle of what is usually a
life time of dedication to the art. A black belt with a white
ribbon running the length of it on one side indicates a

As a Martial Art, Taekwon-Do is very much focused on improving your levels of fitness and self discipline which in turn increases your levels of self-confidence. Both Men and Women can have fun during the process of building up
stamina, flexibility, power and speed of reflexes whilst learning at the same time this unparalleled form of Self Defence. For Children’s classes, while enjoying the element of fun, emphasis is placed on self-discipline and positive attitudes.
Why Choose
Taekwon-Do
But, whatever the personal needs of the individual, for everyone, it is an educational experience.