WHAT IS TAEKWONDO?
Taekwondo, as is literally translated from Korean to English, means "the art of kicking and punching". It is both a martial art and sport which, without the use of weapons, teaches the practitioner techniques using the hands and feet for any defensive situation, regardless of age or sex. These techniques are taught under the Taekwondo philosophy of respecting peace and justice. Taekwondo teaches practitioners the attitude of self-discipline to defend oneself and never to attack or defeat others.
HISTORY OF TAEKWONDO
Tae Kyon, the earliest form of Taekwondo, was developed in Korea over 20 centuries ago. Tae Kyon became known as Subak during the Koryo dynasty (935-1392) and as Taekwondo in 1957. Over the years, Taekwondo incorporated the linear movements of Japanese Karate styles with the circular movements of Chinese Kung fu styles to produce a balance of beauty and power. With the addition of Taekwondo's unique kicking techniques, it is a complete, effective system of unarmed combat and personal improvement.
BENEFITS OF TAEKWONDO TRAINING
In the training school (dojang), there are no age, sex, or racial barriers; all students begin training with a white belt. The instructor (Sabumnim) allows each student to progress according to individual ability. During the process, the student develops strength, stamina, agility, flexibility, coordination and balance. The student also develops the important mental characteristics of patience, humility, self-control, perseverance, concentration, self-discipline, and respect.
PHILOSOPHY OF TAEKWONDO
"...Tae kwon do is a combination of a state of mind working in unison with a trained body. When kindness and humility accompany grace the use of tae kwon do becomes an art. Unlike the Western idea of technique and proficiency in skills as the ultimate goal in defensive development, the Eastern idea goes beyond such limits and incorporates the martial art as a way of being one with the world. Consciously living in harmonious unison with all there is around you on a daily basis is the philosophy of tae kwon do in action, not the use of the body as a destructive tool for wonton purposes. What is learned in tae kwon do is the ability to distinguish necessary from unnecessary antagonisms in the cause of self preservation, not the wasting of energies in fear and destruction..." RICHARD CHUN
TECHNIQUES
Poomse (Forms): The practice of patterned offensive and defensive Taekwondo techniques against an imaginary opponent, based on traditional ideology.
Gyoroogi: Sparring, in either systematic form or free form, against an actual opponent.
Tournament: A controlled, juried contest between two opponents wearing protective gear. Forms competition (as in sparring), utilizes a point-scoring system to determine the outcome.
Kyukpa (Breaking): A self-measuring technique for determining one's precision of Taekwondo training, involving the breaking of solid object such as boards and bricks.
Hosinsul (Self-defense): The practice of escape techniques for grabs and holds put upon by an attacker. These techniques include joint locks, throws, and takedowns.
PROPOGATION STATUS (DAN & POOM HOLDERS)
The practice of Taekwondo involves a system of ranking and promotions. Each student begins training as a white belt and is "promoted" to higher colored belts such as yellow, green, red, and then finally black belt. These ranks under black belt are called "Gup" (or class) and range from 10th Gup (lowest) to 1st Gup (highest). In contrast, black belt is divided into 1st Dan (senior or adult's degree) to 10th Dan (from lowest to highest). It will take a diligent student 2 1\2 to 5 years to attain 1st Dan-black belt. Students under 15 years old reaching the "degree" level receive "Poom" (junior or children's degree). This is noted by a belt which is half red and half black.
THE FIVE TENETS OF TAEKWONDO
- Respect
- Humility
- Perseverance
- Self-Control
- Honesty
