About TKD

TKD is a commonly used abbreviation for Taekwondo. Literally translated, TKD means "art of foot and hand fighting". This is perhaps a very simplistic description of a complicated martial art form. TKD comprises of the intensive physical and mental conditioning of a student, resulting in the ultimate use of his or her body's abilities.

TKD is an unarmed, full contact martial art. Because of this, students of TKD have to abide by many rules in order to prevent injury. The manner of dress ensures that as little as possible serious injury is sustained during sparring and competitions. The 'suit' worn by a TKD student is called a Dobok. Sparring helmets and guards are also compulsory gear.

Many of the rules of the Dojang are aimed at ensuring the safety of the TKD students. For example, no jewelry is allowed as this can hurt both participants during TKD sparring; and eating is prohibited to avoid the risk of choking. Should a student be knocked out as the result of a head injury, he or she is not allowed to spar for the following three months.

In TKD there is no discrimination in terms of age and gender. In spite of the fact that TKD is full contact, a substantial amount of women and children are active students world-wide. This can be attributed to TKD's excellent self defense credentials. In TKD, children wear full body protection and are not allowed to punch or kick to the head. Training is more playful and takes the developmental stage of the child student into consideration.

TKD continues gaining popularity world wide, not as a fad, but as a well-rounded and effective martial art.