What is Tae Kwon Do?

Literally Tae Kwon Do means ‘the way of kicking and punching’. Less literally, Tae Kwon Do is the modern martial art and combat sport originating in Korea thousands of years ago.

Tae Kwon Do is now an International Olympic sport but initially was a pure martial art from Korea seeking to create a spiritual balance through physical activity. The origins of the art of Tae Kwon Do are estimated to have existed at least 5,000 years ago. Tomb murals of such an age record a similar martial art in practice as the Korean people developed a method of defending themselves prior to the advent of weaponry.

As time progressed the organisation of Tae Kwon Do developed, it was used not only for defence but for physical training and development. Forms were developed for training purposes, mimicking the movement of various creatures and gradually testing students further.

In more recent times the sporting element of Tae Kwon Do has developed and been accepted by the International Olympic Committee. Whilst the sporting aspect of Tae Kwon Do goes from strength to strength there are other aspects of Tae Kwon Do which you will learn, such as forms, destruction and self defence techniques.

Some of you will no doubt have seen some Tae Kwon Do from the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

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