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Taekwondo

Korean National Sport Taekwondo

What is Taekwondo? Taekwondo is the most popular Korean martial art and Olympic sport. Literally translated the Korean word, "Tae" means "to kick or smash with foot." But this is only literal meaning. It should be defined as the sytem of kicking techniques. The system of kicking techniques includes upper body movements, foot blocking movements, stepping movements, jumping movements, and flying movements. "Kwon" implies "fist." It can be defined as the system of hand techniques such as punching, striking, thrusting, and blocking. "Do" can be translated as "a way" or "art." Thus, "Taekwondo" means the art of intergrating the system of hand and kicking techniques to apply them to particular situations. However, Taekwondo is not merely a physical fighting. It is rather, a way of thought and life. Through strict discipline Taekwondo trains both the mind and body, placing great emphasis on the development of person's character. In other words, control of mind, self-discipline, kindness, and humility must accompany the physical strength.

History of Taekwondo

Taekwondo is the Korean martial art which has been developed as a sport since the early 1960s and became an official Olympic Game from the 2000 Summer Olympics held in Sydney in Australia. Like baseball which is the national sport of America, Taekwondo is the Korean national sport (martial art). Because the origin of Taekwondo is related to ancient age and the primary sources were lost or destroyed, it is necessary to approach the history of Taekwondo from many chronicles. After Gojoseon, the first Korean dynasty founded in 2333 BC, was defeated by the Han dynasty of China in 108 BC, it was subdivided into three kingdoms, Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla. To protect the newly founded kingdoms, the development of specialized martial arts was crucial. Through the research of two royal tombs, named Muyongchong and Kakchuchong and located in Tangu, China in the Tunghua province of Munchuria where Goguryeo has its capital, how the development of Goguryeo's martial arts can be surmised. The ceiling of the Muyongchong carried a painting portraying two unarmed men confronting each other. Through the date of construction of the tombs, the age of Taekwondo can be traced between the years 3 AD and 427 AD. Due to the complete destruction of Baekje's sources of martial arts, it is very difficult to examine the history of Taekwondo of Baekje, but some Korean martial art organizations claim that the Ssaurabi having literal meaning of "a father who fights" and from which the Japanese Samurai originated were warriors of Baekje (18 BC - 660 AD). Park Hyuk Gose founded the Kingdom of Silla (57BC - 935AD) and made Kyungju its capital. Because of its geographical location neighboring Goguryeo to north, Baekje to west, and Japan to south, it was unavoidable to organize a group of warriors. Jinheung, the twenty-forth king of Silla, assembled Hwarang Do, an elite fighting corps. The warriors in Hwarang Do received not only regular military training with the then known weapons of war, but learned a discipline of mind and body beyond this. Needless to say, the deeds of Hwarang Do became legendary not only in the battlefield, but in their entire way of life. Based on major contribution of Hwarang Do, Shilla unified three kingdoms and the original martial of Taekwondo came under popular and enthusiastic study. It is sure that the unified Shilla continued to develop Taekwondo. At the entrance to the Seolgulam, a small Buddhist cavern temple dating back to 751 AD, is the statue of a figure in typical fighting posture. In 935 AD, the kingdom of unified Shilla was overthrown and the kingdom of Goryeo, from which the western name "Korea" came, was founded. During the Goryeo dynasty, Taekwondo flourished, as Goryeo's survival depended on its retaining a strong martial spirit. During this time the country produced some of its finest warrior heroes. In this dynasty, Taekwondo named as Taekkyeon in the dynasty was the mandatory military program. Taejo Yi Seong Gae, the general of Goryeo dynasty, overthrew Goryeo dynasty which had been lasting 500 years and found Joseon dynasty in 1392 AD. Because of anti-military politics, martial arts were not promoted in this dynasty. Only through martial art book, named Muyedobotongji and written in 1799 AD, we can postulate Taekwondo developed into sophisticated techniques. Due to the declination of military power (martial arts) and ignorance of western practical cultures, Joseon dynasty was occupied by Japan in 1910.

Benefits of Taekwondo

Martial Art training is known to be popular because of its positive results on a personal and physical level for each individual. Whether your goal is to gain self-confidence, learn self-defense, personal development, increase fitness/flexibility, or to earn a black belt, our school will take you there. From our pre-school programs to our martial arts fitness program, our grand master, head master, masters, and instructors are dedicated to help you and/or your family achieve each and every one of your individual goals.

MARTIAL ART TRAINING IS GREAT FOR CHILDREN

A psychological study found that children have an increased sense of responsibility, a decrease in the willingness to take foolish risks, and a higher sense of self-esteem. This is why millions of parents are using martial arts to supplement their children's education.

1. Our reward system improves children's self-esteem
The belt system is the key to build self-esteem. When kids earn their belts, it gives them a great sense of accomplishment that really improves the way they feel about themselves.

2. Our program teaches children discipline
We have a trained staff of patient instructors who love to work with children, but are also very clear about limits. We enforce good rules of behavior in class, behavior at home and in school.

3. Our activities channel children's aggression
Many doctors have prescribed our school becasue of the positive outlet it gives the kids for all their energy.

4. Our program teacher children essential self-defense skills
Our program teaches practical, proven self-defense methods. We also teach kids this that the moves they learn in class will work, so they don't go home and try them on their family members or neighbors.

MARTIAL ART TRAINING IS A FUN, FULFILLING WORKOUT FOR ADULTS

1. Our workouts are a great way to get in shape
Martial arts is like an exercise program with a bonus! You learn to defend yourself while you get in shape.

2. Our classes relieve stress
Martial arts classes are well-known for their stress-relieving benefits. The emphasis on mind-body training goes far beyond the benefits of standard, health club type of exercise programs.

3. Our classroom practice sessions give you confidence
The confidence building part of our program is what students appreciate the most. Nothing can take the place of the security in knowing that you can defend yourself, when necessary.

4. Our program is a lot fun
The reason our program is so successful is because we make the classes fun and exciting. Throughout the years, we learned that if people are having fun, they learn much faster.