The Korean Martial Art of TAEKWO

The Korean Martial Art of TAEKWON-DO was created by the late General Choi Hong Hi, (1918-2002) Founder of the International TaeKwon-Do Federation --(ITF)It was created by combining movements of Japanese Karate and the traditional, but crude, Korean martial arts of Soo bak Gi and Tae Kyon. Through extensive research and testing, Taekwon-do has evolved into one of the most beautiful and effective martial arts in the world. Today, it has become one of the most popular martial arts in the world because anyone regardless of age, gender, or size can benefit from its training. As mentioned previously, Taekwon-do offers a wide array of physical and mental benefits for both young and old. It is also an activity that parents can participate in with their children and use to strengthen family bonds. Lastly, Taekwon-do promotes peace. Unfortunately, many people today believe that the martial arts spawn violence. This is not true. The Taekwon-do student is trained to avoid conflict if possible and to use their skills when all other measures have been exhausted. The philosophy of Taekwon-do can be summed up by the following tenets:

COURTESY
INTEGRITY
PERSEVERANCE
SELF-CONTROL
INDOMITABLE SPIRIT

The goal of all Taekwon-do students is to incorporate these tenets into their daily lives'. Another example of the ideals Taekwon-do aims to achieve is evident in its Oath:

1. I shall observe the tenets of Taekwon-do.

2. I shall respect my instructors and seniors.

3. I shall never misuse Taekwon-do.

4. I shall be a champion of freedom and justice.

5. I shall build a more peaceful world.

ASPECTS OF TAEKWON-DO

MEDITATION: This is performed at the beginning and end of each session. The purpose of meditation at the beginning of the class is to allow the student to focus on the upcoming task. The mind must be cleared of all outside thoughts, concerns, and responsibilities. This is essential in preparing for a class which will be both physically and mentally draining. Meditation is also performed at the end of each class in order to allow students to visualize themselves executing the techniques they have just learned. This visualization process is very helpful for the perfection of techniques at all levels of training.

PATTERNS: These are a series of pre-arranged blocks and strikes executed in succession against a variety of imaginary opponents. The purpose of the patterns is to develop balance, breath control, coordination, power and technique. In these patterns lies the true beauty of Taekwon-Do -- combining power and grace. There are twenty-four patterns in TaeKwon-Do and these patterns range from 19 to 68 movements each. The novice learns one pattern at each belt level while black belts learn up to three at each degree (Dan).

SELF-DEFENSE: TaeKwon-Do provides students with an excellent method of self-defense. It enables them to defend themselves against an attacker from a distance as well as up close. By utilizing the many kicking techniques available, the Taekwon-do practitioner can prevent an attacker from grabbing or striking them. If the attacker is able to grab them, then there are a variety of self - defense techniques, which include pressure points, wrist - locks, joint locks, and takedowns that the student can utilize. Therefore, a well - trained and conditioned student will feel confident and prepared to defend themselves in any situation.

BREAKING: The purpose of breaking is to enable the Taekwon-Do student to develop focus, power, concentration, and distance while performing the proper execution of a strike. Breaking also allows the student to see the amount of power they are capable of developing through the training. Pine wood, ten inches in diameter and one inch thick is used for power breaking. Black belts are required to break a minimum of 4-5 boards with a single kick or punch. It is not uncommon to see Advanced Black Belts break up to 9 boards with a single kick. For some of the more difficult aerial breaks, which require 2,3 and 4 kicks before landing, 1/2'' pine wood is used. These breaks demonstrate the beauty and difficulty of the jumping and kicking techniques that separate Taekwon-do from all other martial arts.

FREE SPARRING: This aspect of TaeKwon-Do places one or more students against one another with the purpose of improving distance, timing, balance, speed, and strategy. Here the students are allowed to execute a variety of kicking and hand strikes and blocks against one another. The goal is to overcome their opponent with well-executed techniques stopped just short of the body. Contact in the Do-Jang is not permitted for beginning students; however, Black belts are permitted light contact.

We hope that the following information has left you with a better understanding of Taekwon-do at Red Tiger. Through our program all your goals may be reached. Whether your reasons for training are for self-defense, physical fitness, stress release, or for pure enjoyment, we at Red Tiger will provide you with the best possible guidance and training. It is all up to you. Take the first step towards a positive future.