TAE KWON-DO
Tae Kwon-Do is a Korean Martial art with a two thousand year history. Originally, it was fighting skill used for self-defence. Over the centuries it has evolved into an art, a sport and a winning way of life.
Translated from Korean, ‘Tae’ literally means to jump, kick or smash with the foot. ‘Kwon’ means a fist chiefly to punch or destroy with the hand or fist. ‘Do’ means art, way or method. Tae Kwon-Do indicates the technique of unarmed combat for self-defence, involving the skilled application of punches, kicks, blocks, dodges and interception with the hand, arms and feet to the rapid destruction of the opponent.
To the Korean people Tae Kwon-Do is more than a mere use of skilled movements. It also implies a way of thinking and life, particularly in instilling a concept and spirit of strict self-imposed discipline and an ideal of noble moral re-armament.
The Tenets of Tae Kwon-Do |
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| COURTESY: | To be polite to one’s instructors, seniors and fellow students. |
| INTEGRITY: | To be honest with oneself. One must be able to define right and wrong. |
| PERSEVERANCE: | To achieve a goal, whether it is a higher grade or any technique, one must not stop trying; one must persevere. |
| SELF CONTROL: | To lose one’s temper when performing techniques against an opponent can be very dangerous and shows lack of control. To be able to live, work and train within one’s capability shows good self control. |
| INDOMITABLE SPIRIT: | To show courage when you and your principles are pitted against overwhelming odds. |