Introduction to Taekwondo

Taekwondo is a Korean Martial Art and the main martial art practiced in that country. Taekwondo was influenced by both Chinese and Japanese Martial Arts through the ages. It was however the Japanese influence during WWII, when Korean soldiers underwent training in Japan , which turned out to have the most significant influence on Taekwondo.

Taekwondo consists of four disciplines, namely: Patterns, Sparring, Self-defense and Breaktest. The Patterns are the attacking and defensive forms the Taekwondo student practices against an imaginary opponent. Sparring is applying the attacking and defensive Taekwondo forms learnt against a real opponent. Self-defense is a mixture of controlling, freeing and terminating techniques practiced against a real opponent. Breaktest is a compulsory element during the black belt phase and involves breaking tiles, wood, bricks etc. The purpose of this discipline in Taekwondo is to practice precision, focus, speed and power on inanimate objects. Practicing Taekwondo breaktests on an opponent would inevitably result in serious injury.

Each Taekwondo student has to work towards achieving the following objectives:

•  Respect for and appreciation of Taekwondo.

•  Gain fitness by participating wholeheartedly in Taekwondo classes.

•  Develop mentally discipline to achieve self control and composure.

•  Learn to defend yourself by applying Taekwondo accurately.

•  Take responsibility for yourself and for others.

As with most martial arts, Taekwondo demands exemplary ethical behavior – not only in the dojo, but also outside the dojo. When practicing Taekwondo, the student has an opportunity to develop him or herself physically, mentally and spiritually. These attributes not only augment the dojo experience, but life itself.