Taekwondo is both a sport and modern martial art from Korea that is characterized by its predominant use of fast footwork and movements. This distinguishes it from other martial arts such as karate. Think about it, can you punch a football farther or kick it farther? The legs are naturally stronger than the arms. However, Taekwondo is not just about kicking. Class structure takes into account all aspects of fitness and training as well as self-defense.
Taekwondo as a Sport:
The sport of Taekwondo has been an official Olympic event since 2000. Taekwondo is one of only two martial arts to boast this claim, the other being Judo.
Taekwondo as a Martial Art:
Taekwondo is also the most practiced Martial Art in the world. Taekwondo, as a Martial Art, is best summarized by the tenets of Taekwondo. These are recited at the beginning of most Taekwondo classes. These tenets, or codes of life, are instilled in the Taekwondo student as guidelines for living their lives, not just their structure and behavior in class. The tenets of Taekwondo are as follows:
1.
Courtesy – To allow
and actively practice cooperation and generosity between
yourself and those around you.
2. Integrity - A
firm belief in and compliance with a code of moral and artistic
values.
3. Perseverance -
To persist in a state, enterprise or undertaking in spite of
counter-influences, opposition, or discouragement.
4. Self Control -
The restraint exercised over one's own impulses, emotions, or
personal wishes.
5. Indomitable Spirit
– The inability to be mentally or physically subdued or
conquered.
Class Structure and What to Expect:
Taekwondo students will each wear a uniform called a dobok. Doboks are white, v-neck in style, lose fitting and very lightweight. There are 10 belt ranks (or grades) to black belt – white, yellow tip, yellow, green tip, green, blue tip, blue, red tip, red, and black tip. After completing these grade levels, a student will be promoted to “1st Dan Black Belt”. This process usually takes 2-3 years. Taekwondo classes promote excellent fitness and flexibility for all ability levels. All classes will begin with warm-ups such as jumping jacks, push-ups, stretching, and basic motions. Each Taekwondo class will work on developing strength, speed, balance, flexibility, and stamina. Olympic style training is taught and trained in every class through drills using kicking bags and ring time. Forms, or “poomse” are taught as a requirement to promote to the next belt/grade level. They are a series of motions used to demonstrate what has been perfected at each grade level. Very practical self-defense will be taught including strikes against bags, escapes, groundwork, pressure points and personal safety. Taekwondo is very popular with people of both sexes and of all ages.
Great for Kids! Learn the Forms! Let Us Teach You!
