What is Taekwondo
What is Taekwondo?
Taekwondo is a martial art that combines striking with combat techniques, self-defense, exercise, meditation, and philosophy. Sparring (fighting with protective gear on) has been an Olympic sport since the year 2000. Taekwondo is governed by the World Taekwondo Foundation and the International Taekwondo Federation.
The martial art of Taekwondo is quite popular. Some famous Taekwondo practitioners include Chuck Norris, Neetu Chandra, Bill Clinton, Criss Angel, Mat Fraser, Tanna Fredrick, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ana Gil, Jewels Hanson, Michael Imperioli, Kaylie Jones, Anne Keothavong, Isha Koppikar, Lorenzo Lamas, Emmanuel Lewis, Kyle McPherson, Phil Mickelson, Willie Nelson, Kim Ok-bin, Ryan Phillippe, Elvis Presley, Eric Roberts, Brenda Song, Sharon Stone, Kristy Swanson, and more.
History of Tae Kwon Do:
According to the World Taekwondo Federation, the martial art has been around for 5,000 years. Throughout the years the art has also been known as subak, taekkyon, koguryo, and sunbae.
Taekwondo is similiar to other martial arts in China and Japan because the martial art has evolved and gained new techniques. It is also different in that there are many foot techniques that are physically demanding. It can take years, even decades, to master one specific taekwondo kick. The poses in Taekwondo are unique. This martial art, just like every other, combines the mind, body, and spirit.
Unity in Taekwondo:
It is this unity in the mind, body, and soul that makes Taekwondo such a great martial art to learn. When you are praticing Taekwondo, you must synchronize your mind, spirit, and body in order to perform your best. In taekwondo, one is not simply training the body, but the mind as well. Both must be healthy, calm, and strong. It is this unity that makes Taekwondo what it is.
Self-Defense in Taekwondo
Self-defense techniques are taught in taekwondo. A practitioner will learn how to defend against headlocks, punches, kicks, full nelsons, bear hugs, and even attacks with weapons such as knives, guns and clubs. In self-defense training you learn how to present yourself in public in order to avoid an attack. You learn how to escape an attack. It is not all about attacking your attacker. It is about avoiding or thwarting the attack. For example, if attacks commonly take place in deep, dark alleys, a practitioner of taekwondo understands to stay away from deep, dark alleys.
Life Skills Training in Tae Kwon Do:
Taekwondo not just a physical sport. It is a lifestyle. In Taekwondo you will learn confidence, discipline, self-control, courtesy, respect, perseverance, and courage. In your body you will learn concentration, memory, coordination, self-control, speed, balance, flexibility, and strength. All of these things are gained in this martial art and what you learn in Taekwondo will flow into your personal and work lives. It is a way of life.
Taekwondo is a martial art that combines striking with combat techniques, self-defense, exercise, meditation, and philosophy. Sparring (fighting with protective gear on) has been an Olympic sport since the year 2000. Taekwondo is governed by the World Taekwondo Foundation and the International Taekwondo Federation.
The martial art of Taekwondo is quite popular. Some famous Taekwondo practitioners include Chuck Norris, Neetu Chandra, Bill Clinton, Criss Angel, Mat Fraser, Tanna Fredrick, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ana Gil, Jewels Hanson, Michael Imperioli, Kaylie Jones, Anne Keothavong, Isha Koppikar, Lorenzo Lamas, Emmanuel Lewis, Kyle McPherson, Phil Mickelson, Willie Nelson, Kim Ok-bin, Ryan Phillippe, Elvis Presley, Eric Roberts, Brenda Song, Sharon Stone, Kristy Swanson, and more.
History of Tae Kwon Do:
According to the World Taekwondo Federation, the martial art has been around for 5,000 years. Throughout the years the art has also been known as subak, taekkyon, koguryo, and sunbae.
Taekwondo is similiar to other martial arts in China and Japan because the martial art has evolved and gained new techniques. It is also different in that there are many foot techniques that are physically demanding. It can take years, even decades, to master one specific taekwondo kick. The poses in Taekwondo are unique. This martial art, just like every other, combines the mind, body, and spirit.
Unity in Taekwondo:
It is this unity in the mind, body, and soul that makes Taekwondo such a great martial art to learn. When you are praticing Taekwondo, you must synchronize your mind, spirit, and body in order to perform your best. In taekwondo, one is not simply training the body, but the mind as well. Both must be healthy, calm, and strong. It is this unity that makes Taekwondo what it is.
Self-Defense in Taekwondo
Self-defense techniques are taught in taekwondo. A practitioner will learn how to defend against headlocks, punches, kicks, full nelsons, bear hugs, and even attacks with weapons such as knives, guns and clubs. In self-defense training you learn how to present yourself in public in order to avoid an attack. You learn how to escape an attack. It is not all about attacking your attacker. It is about avoiding or thwarting the attack. For example, if attacks commonly take place in deep, dark alleys, a practitioner of taekwondo understands to stay away from deep, dark alleys.
Life Skills Training in Tae Kwon Do:
Taekwondo not just a physical sport. It is a lifestyle. In Taekwondo you will learn confidence, discipline, self-control, courtesy, respect, perseverance, and courage. In your body you will learn concentration, memory, coordination, self-control, speed, balance, flexibility, and strength. All of these things are gained in this martial art and what you learn in Taekwondo will flow into your personal and work lives. It is a way of life.
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