What isTae Kwon Do?

There is a tradition in Korea of fighting techniques going back almost two thousand years and the art of “Hwarang-do” – “the art of flowering manhood”. The art existed in various forms quite similar to modern Tae kwondo but fell in and out of favour throughout history and at one time learning it was compulsory for all young men. Eventually like many other martial arts across Asia it seems to have become the exclusive practise of Buddhist monks who kept the tradition alive for future generations.

The art almost died out during the Japanese occupation and wasn’t re-established with new life and vigour until after the Second World War by Major-General Choi Hong Hi, himself a 9th Dan black belt. Tae kwondo developed from the 1950′s onward in Korea under the support of the Government who sought to reinvigorate their battered national identity after the war.

If you take the name Tae-Kwon-Do itself it translates into “kicking or smashing with the feet” – Tae, “intercepting or striking using the hands” – Kwon and “the way” – Do. The aim of the style is to overcome an opponent with the hands and feet quickly and efficiently. Today, Tae kwondo is practised in a controlled environment to protect students from serious injury. Here are some of the elements involved in training:

Sparring is central to practise and training and this allows the crucial development and advancement of timing, speed, reaction and personal reflexes as well as focus and concentration.
Breaking techniques also have a place within the style as a demonstration of the effectiveness of the kicks and strikes.
Combination techniques or patterns are used in a way that mirrors the forms of Kung fu and the katas of Karate. These are memorised sequential moves that put together are number of techniques against an invisible enemy – like shadow boxing.

For anyone thinking of studying Tae kwondo there are numerous benefits to the practise. You will improve your all round health and fitness, increase your stamina and endurance, develop self defense skill as well as build your confidence and self-assurance.