About Tae Kwon Do

Tae Kwon Do is a version of an ancient form of unarmed combat practiced for many centuries in the Orient, perfected in its present form in Korea.

Translated from Korean, ‘Tae’ literally means to jump, kick or smash with the foot. ‘Kwon’ means a fist chiefly to punch or destroy with the hand or fist. ‘Do’ means art, way or method. Tae Kwon Do indicates the technique of unarmed combat for self-defence, involving the skilled application of punches, kicks, blocks, dodges and interception with the hand, arms and feet to the rapid destruction of the opponent.

To the Korean people Tae Kwon Do is more than a mere use of skilled movements. It also implies a way of thinking and life, particularly in instilling a concept and spirit of strict self-imposed discipline and an ideal of noble moral re-armament.

The Benefits of Tae Kwon Do

EXERCISE AND IMPROVE WELL-BEING

Tae Kwon Do strengthens your body and improves your health through physical exercise and conditioning. Isometric and dynamic tension exercises will allow you to gain better muscle tone and more strength. A gradual building process of safe and easy stretching techniques will enhance flexibility, while breathing and concentration exercises lead to sharper reflexes and senses.

The discipline of Tae Kwon Do leads to increase energy, better health and fitness, greater coordination, and higher self-esteem. These qualities are vital to a happier, longer life.

SELF-DEFENCE

Our Training program can help you recognise and handle situations in which self-defence may be required. Using our completely integrated system, you can learn the techniques you need to defend yourself intelligently in threatening situations. What you learn could prevent you from becoming a victim.

TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR LIFE!

Bring out the positive qualities that have always been part of you! Develop patience, confidence, self-discipline, inner calm, and a consistent positive mental attitude.

The Tenents of Tae Kwon Do

Tae Kwon-Do’s moral values are similar to the values stressed throughout society as a whole, and evolved from various philosophical and religious traditions. There are five basic tenets that have been adopted from Korea’s ancient warrior societies. These modern principles are referred to as the Tenets of Tae Kwon-Do.

Courtesy –
Ye Ui

Courtesy is a thoughtfulness and consideration of others. A courteous person exhibits humility, civility, and politeness. Tae Kwon-Do students should practice proper etiquette to:

  • Promote a spirit of mutual concessions.
  • Be polite to one another.
  • Encourage the sense of justice.
  • Distinguish instructor from student, and senior from junior.

Integrity –
Yom Chi

Integrity is honesty, sincerity, knowing right from wrong, possessing high ethics, and having a guilty conscience when doing wrong. It is an uncompromising adherence to a code of moral values and principles. Some examples of where integrity is lacking are:

  • An instructor who teaches improper techniques to students because of a lack of knowledge or apathy.
  • A student who cheats by “fixing” breaking materials before a demonstration.
  • An instructor who camouflages bad techniques by having luxurious training facilities and giving false flattery to students.
  • The student who requests rank from an instructor or attempts to purchase it, and the instructor who would give it.
  • Students who gain rank for ego purposes or feelings of power.
  • An instructor who teaches and promotes students for purely monetary gains.

Perseverance –
In Nae

Perseverance is the steadfast pursuit of your goals in spite of any obstacles to reaching those goals . An old Oriental saying states “patience leads to virtue or merit.” A serious student will learn to overcome difficulties by patience and steadfastness. Another old saying states “one can make a peaceful home by being patient for 100 times.” Success most likely will come to the patient person. To achieve something, whether it is a higher rank or the perfection of a technique, one must set a goal and then persevere to reach it.

Self Control –
Guk Gi

Self-control is the internal restraint of your emotions and reactions. It is extremely important both inside and outside the dojang, whether in free-sparring or conducting personal affairs. A loss of self-control may prove disastrous to both the student and his or her opponent. Performing outside one’s capability also demonstrates a lack of self-control.

Indomitable Spirit –
Baekjul Boolgool

A serious student is always modest and honest. However, if confronted with an injustice, he or she will deal with the belligerence without any fear or hesitation, with an indomitable spirit. Indomitable spirit is demonstrated when a courageous person and his or her principles persevere, even when facing overwhelming odds. Courage is the spirit which enables us to face danger with confidence and resolution. It is a reserve of moral strength on which we may draw in time of emergency. A courageous person does not tolerate injustice. It takes courage to do what is right even when it is not the popular thing to do, to face our fears, and to continue when the way seems impossible.