"What is TaeKwonDo?"

Origin of Word: South Korea

Ancient Definition: A form of martial arts that dates back to 37 years before the birth of Christ, using the bare hands and feet as weapons against enemies, with emphasis on kicking techniques. A forerunner of modern-day Korean Karate.

Modern-Day Definition: After 2,000 years of research, beginning with the warriors of ancient orient(Korea); passed down from father to son; from Master to Korean student; from Korean Master to American student; from American Master to American Student. All practitioners have found ways to improve and apply many benefits of becoming proficient in one of the world's most effective forms of hand and foot fighting, and at the same time, have discovered many ways to improve one's character, self confidence, self esteem and physical fitness.

Breaking the word into three parts:

1. TAE refers to the kicking in the vulnerable areas of an assailant;
2. KWON refers to striking with the hand into vulnerable areas of an assailant;
3. DO refers to "the way," a method through which one can find self-confidence and "peace of mind."

As a World Sport: Through the formation of the World Tae Kwon Do Federation (WTF), founded in 1973, World Masters have created a unique competitive sport with a surprisingly limited incidence of bodily injury. Protective body armor, such as chest protectors and groin protectors, plus strict rules, have made the World's most powerful and effective Martial Arts into a "Modern-Day Gladiator's Sports Spectacular Event." One must witness a World Championship event in order to experience the impact not experienced by any other body contact sport.

Read on! History of TaeKwonDo »