Taekwon-Do is a Korean art of self defence
developed by General Choi Hong Hi using elements of the ancient Korean martial
art of Taek Kyon and of Shotokan karate. It is a scientific use of the body in
the method of self defence, a body that has gained the ultimate use of its
facilities through intensive physical and mental training. It is a martial art
that has no equal in either power or technique.
In many martial arts emphasis is placed on the hands. Taekwon-do places greater
emphasis on the legs and feet. Although hand techniques are an important part of
training, the leg being of greater strength and length than the arm, creates
more space between opponents. Thus allowing more freedom of movement and
efficiency of technique. The dynamic and devastating jumping and flying kicks
give Taekwon-do its trademark.
'Tae' stands for jumping or flying to kick or smash with the foot. 'kwon'
denotes the fist - chiefly to punch or destroy with the hand or fist. 'Do' means
an art or way - the right way built and paved by the saints and sages in the
past.RANKING
The system of rank in Taekwon-Do is denoted by the various colours of the belts
worn by practitioners. There are six belts: White, Yellow, Green, Blue, Red and
Black. White is given to beginners and Black to students who have progressed
through the grades and have a solid foundation for learning the techniques of
Taekwon-Do.
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