THE HISTORY OF TAEKWONDO
Taekwondo is a Korean Martial Art, characterized by its striking emphasis on head-height kicks, jumping spinning kicks, and fast kicking techniques with kicks and hand techniques above waist height. Taekwondo teaches more than physical fighting skills; it is a discipline that shows ways of enhancing our spirit and life through training our body and mind. Today, it has become a global sport that has gained an international reputation and stands as an official Olympic sport.

Taekwondo is recognized as one of the oldest forms of martial arts in the world. In South Korea, Taekwondo began as a defense martial art called "Subak" or "Taekkyon," and developed as a way of training body and mind in the ancient kingdom of Koguryo, under the name of "Sunbae." In the Shilla period, it had become the backbone of Hwarangdo that aimed at producing leaders of the country. The name was selected for its appropriate description of the art: Tae (foot), Kwon  (hand), Do (art).

The introduction of Taekwondo in the United States began during the 1950’s when a handful of pioneering master instructors travelled to America to spread the art. In 1973, Korea hosted the first Taekwondo World Championships. In that same year, the World Taekwondo (WT) Federation was established as the international governing body for the sport aspects of Taekwondo. Today the WT counts over 160 separate countries and territories as its members, representing 20 million practitioners. These numbers earn Taekwondo the distinction of being the most practiced martial art in the world.

Taekwondo first gained acceptance as an Olympic sport when it appeared as a demonstration event in the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games. Taekwondo became a full medal sport competition beginning in 2000 at the Sydney Olympics.

THE BENEFITS OF TAEKWONDO
Taekwondo pursues harmonious growth and improvements of life through its unique activities through mental and physical conditioning. Young and old, male and female, and in some cases even handicapped persons are able to practice Taekwondo. Physical strength, weight, and body build are of no consequences.

The discipline of Taekwondo leads to increase energy, better health and fitness, greater coordination, and higher self-esteem. These qualities are vital to a happier, longer life. Taekwondo also training promotes values such as honesty, courtesy, loyalty, and cooperation.

Our students begin by practicing basic patterns and forms, kicking, blocking, striking, and punching. These fundamental skills increase physical coordination, flexibility, balance, and mental awareness. Taekwondo emphasizes moral development as well. Students learn to respect for themselves and others, heightened concentration, increased self-discipline and self-restraint.


What Taekwondo can do for you
Tenacity and perseverance will help students of all ranks avoid two common pitfalls:

 

• Enhance self-esteem by heightening your physical and mental powers.
   

• Build confidence by encouraging you to succeed and to take control of your life.

 

• Enhance self-esteem by heightening your physical and mental powers.
   

• Teach self-defense by training you to recognize situations in which physical self-defense may be necessary and teaching you how to control such situations to your advantage.
   

• Strengthen your mind and body through increased physical coordination and mental discipline.

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