The Taekwondo Style

Tae means "foot", Kwon means "hand" and Do "the way".So Taekwondo means literally "the way of the hand and foot". The word "Do" suggests a way of life, or a road that one follows, which is in harmony with the universe. Taekwondo has evolved from a primitive style into a unique martial art and global sport.Taekwondo is today known for its fast, accurate and powerful kicking techniques and its effective and easy to pick up self-defense moves. Taekwondo is the national sport of Korea .  Many Taekwondo masters went overseas in the mid 70s and developed the art world wide. Taekwondo  today is practised by over 50 million people in over 167 countries, making Taekwondo the most widely practised martial art.  This is largely due to the WTF's (world taekwondo federation) efforts. Taekwondo is also a permanent Olympic Sport.

Korean martial arts are believed to have first emerged during the "Three Kingdoms Period" (18BC - AD 668).  It was during  this period that two remarkable warrior classes evolved, namely the Sun BI ("intelligent-brave") and later, the Hwa Rang ("flower of youth") which became known in the Silla Kingdom , in about 550 AD. Apart from being warriors, they are believed to have established a high moral code of conduct.

At the turn of the century all Korean martial arts were outlawed by the ruling Japanese occupiers of Korea . It was then taken underground and practised in secret.

In 1945 when the world war ended and Korea regained independence from Japan , steps were taken to revitalise korean martial arts.

Many associations were formed in the two decades following the war in the hope of unifying Korean-hard styles under one umbrella. But differences in philosophy, politics and rivalries amongst the many schools made unification impossible.

In the mid 1960s, Taekwondo was finally adopted by most hard-style schools although some did not and disputes continued between the various schools and associations.

In 1973 the World taekwondo Federation(WTF) was  finally formed and the style was considered a major Korean martial art.

Fundamental beliefs and Moral values

Martial art training and therefore Taekwondo is considered a way of life(do) and a way of thinking which embraces intense mental and physical training focusing on the development and coming together of one's physical, mental, emotional and spiritual centres, so that correct and instantaneous action can be cultivated. This means being able to do the right thing at the right time without hesitation such as avoiding a dangerous kick/punch, timing a strike, coming to the aid of another, expressing gratitude etc.

There are five basic tenets which have been adopted amongs Taekwondo styles and they are: Modesty, Etiquette, Self-Control, Perseverance and Indomitable Spirit.

Modesty: No desire to show off ones abilities and skills. Taking care not to say or do anything improper.

Etiquette:  polite social behaviour among people.

Self-control: The ability to excercise restraint over one's impulses, emotions and desires. Without self-control the practise of any martial art is a very dangerous activity. Serious injury during sparring  can easily occur through loss of self-control. In combat loss of self-control is a reflection of defeat. In its highest form, self-control is the embodiment of patience, tolerance, and a profound respect for life and for oneself.

Perseverance: No goal worth attaining can be achieved without perseverance. 'Sticking it out', being determined to stay the course regardless of physical or emotional pain or feelings of failure, fear or self-doubt.

Indomitable Spirit: Acts of great courage and heroism in the face of overwhelming obstacles are a reflection of indomitable spirit. The development of Indomitable spirit in the martial arts is considered centrally important. An unconquerable spirit-regardless of victory or defeat.