Taekwon-Do

What Exactly is Taekwon-Do?

The Korean Martial Art of Taekwon-Do was created by General Choi Hong Hi, the late president of the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF). It was created by combining movements of Japanese Karate and the traditional 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. It has become popular because anyone can benefit from its training; regardless of age, gender, or size. Taekwon-Do is also an activity in which parents can participate with their children, serving to strengthen family bonds.

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:

1. Courtesy: Showing respect for and consideration of others
2. Integrity: A firm adherence to a code of moral values
3. Perserverence: To continue steadfastly to reach a goal
4. Self-Control: Ability to control one's behavior, and not act emotionally
5. Indomitable Spirit: Having an unyielding spirit when faced with difficulty or opposition

The goal of all Taekwon-Do students is to incorporate these tenets into their daily lives. The ideals Taekwon-Do aims to achieve are 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 24 patterns in Taekwon-Do, ranging 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 length 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 each other 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.

Benefits of Training

For Children:

At Allen's Red Tiger Taekwon-Do, we realize that the ability of a child to defend himself / herself is very important. But far more important are the tools the child will need to develop into a well-rounded adult. Therefore, children learn respect, courtesy, and self-control while participating in a good exercise program. As students of martial arts, they build confidence and self-esteem while they progress through the program. Each of these characteristics improve attitudes and grades. Our objective is to help children improve in all faces of their lives.

For Adults:

Many people believe that the martial arts are just for children. That could not be further from the truth. Taekwon-Do was developed as a method of self-defense. Because of its origins in the Orient, it is based on the principles of humility, respect, integrity, patience, perseverance, and loyalty. This philosophy is the cornerstone of conduct indicative of true martial artists. But Taekwon-Do is much more than just one of the most efficient methods of unarmed self-defense, it serves as an invaluable tool for improving self-control, stamina, flexibility, coordination, relieving stress, sharpening reflexes and controlling weight.

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