Taekwon Do is the world's most powerful form of Martial Art and is therefore an excellent form of self defence. The world is now a place where having some knowledge of self-defence is almost a required life skill what with the increase in bullying, mugging and general street crime. Although Taekwon Do is about self defence in a practical sense, this is by no means what it is only about.

Some of the skills that you learn are about avoiding danger in the first place. Even though you may be an expert in Taekwon Do and able to tackle multiple attackers, would it not be better for you if you could avoid a confrontation situation in the first place? Taekwon Do can help you develop this skill so that you can stay safe.

The BUTF was formed with the commitment to deliver pure Taekwon Do as it was initially envisaged by the founder General Choi Hong Hi - 9th Dan. The unadulterated approach provides an excellent platform for self-defence coupled to a level of personal fitness seldom attained in other sporting activities. Offshoots of our training program are increased mental strength and self-confidence.

Taekwon Do's evolution over the years has lead to the development a competition section along sporting lines so as to provide it's practitioners an arena in which to demonstrate their acquired skills. In accordance the BUTF annually provides several major tournaments for its' members along with representing the UK in many overseas tournaments.

Frequently, students possessing the raw talent are developed into World Champions by the BUTF. In all other instances the training program helps hone skills with the result of making the practitioner a fitter martial artist and a better person.

A key factor of our competitions is fairness. You would be extremely hard pressed to find any tournaments that are run as efficiently and fairly as ours. This fairness is reflected in the fact that the best competitor on the day always triumphs with others enjoying a safe and satisfying event.

As a beginner you will find that the BUTF are welcoming and accommodating. You need have had no previous knowledge of any martial art or sport in order to start your training with us. Our instructors teach the basics and, by practicing and refining them it becomes easy for you to learn and progress. Progression is measured by success in the grading exams that reflect the level of advancement in training.

The BUTF has just celebrated its 15th year of operation. If a student is to progress and maybe one day become expert in Taekwon Do then stability is vital. The BUTF's schools have very long term views about delivering quality tuition to its students.

In closing, I would candidly state that all are welcome by the BUTF in their quest for physical and mental development whilst acquiring an unparalleled protective skill.

The 6 Taekwon-Do Tenets that the BUTF abide by:

• Courtesy (Ye Ui)
• Integrity (Yom Chi)
• Perseverance (In Nae)
• Self-Control (Guk Gi)
• Indomitable Spirit (Baekjul Boolgul)
• Humilty (Kyom Son)

Courtesy - Treat others with the respect that you expect to receive yourself. If you do treat other people with respect and courtesy and you will receive it in return. If you were rude to strangers what would they do to you? Be rude back? Yes, at the very least. If you are courteous to people what do you think they do in return? Isn't life far simpler if we all get on and are not constantly at odds with one another. Courtesy and respect are the first steps towards this. Try it. Ask for something and watch the response. Try again and say 'please' and 'thank you' and see how people are far more helpful.

Integrity - Integrity is honesty, but not just with other people. More importantly integrity is more about being honest with yourself. For us this means that when we give a competition result then we know that it is truly the correct result. That when we say we are going to do something, we fulfil on our promise. Integrity is the ability to be truly honest, truthful and trustworthy without compromise.

Perseverance - This is one of the hardest of all tenets as this is the one that requires effort. Perseverance is about not giving up. When asked to do a task, do not fall at the first hurdle or put false impediments in the way. Perseverance is about doing everything within your power to achieve the desired result be it learning a new kick or breaking an old habit. Keep practicing until you get it right.

Self-Control - Where would we be without self-control? Self-Control affects many things that we do. But in the martial arts it is vital. What would happen in you had no control when practicing moves? Everyone in the class would get hurt and no-one would ever come again. Self-Control is about making sure you stay within the rules that life lays down to ensure that you remain healthy, happy and safe.

Indomitable Spirit - How can one person overcome many others? Because they have the will to win when the others do not. How can one person appear confident and trouble-free when others are worried and anxious? Indomitable Spirit is about having the courage of your convictions and having a desire to win. It is about not accepting failure. You can win and you will win. You have the confidence to win and become someone special so do it. That is indomitable spirit.

Humility - In an age where arrogance, conceit, narcissism, and over indulgence in being self-opinionated is the undercurrent that drives our society, the time to stop and reflect on the essence of the martial arts and what it is to be a true martial artist, is long overdue. The word 'humble' in the Collins New English Dictionary is interpreted as exhibiting a modest and unpretentious demeanour and to be conscious of ones failings. As such, the true martial artist should allow the physical acts of their achievements to be the broadcaster and not the sound of their own pontificating voices, as appears to be in so many ever increasing cases.

As a reminder of the frailty of human character, the word 'Humility' is added on to the existing five Tenets thereby making them 'Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control, Indomitable Spirit, and Humility'. C.I.P.S.I.H.

If the Tenets can serve to develop further virtuous qualities in the fabric of a martial artist's make-up, it is hoped that the word Humility will achieve prominence above all else.