What is Taekwondo?

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that emphasizes kicking, using the legs as the primary striking surface. It also incorporates punching and blocking techniques. Taekwondo stresses self-defense and the development of character through physical training and discipline. It is often practiced in a family friendly club environment and teaches students of all ages the fundamentals of martial arts while also encouraging self-confidence, focus and discipline.

There are three main branches of TKD. One is Olympic focused and looks like a high speed game of tag with your feet, the other is more MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) focused and the last is the branch that we teach called Sport Taekwondo. Sport Taekwondo is very different to a traditional TKD school as it is a combat sport and students learn full contact fighting skills. The sport is divided into a range of Sport classes by age, experience and ability to provide fair and safe yet challenging competition opportunities.

The earliest clues of the existence of taekwondo come from drawings on a tomb dating back to the Koguryo Kingdom (337 BC – 660 AD). It was later developed during the Silla Dynasty by masters from Koguryo who trained warriors known as Hwarang to use their skills against the Japanese Pirates attacking the kingdom.

The main principles of taekwondo are power from the larger, stronger muscles of the legs and torso, speed from quick, agile movements of the arms and legs, and concentration and balance to concentrate all of your strength into a small area of impact such as the tip of your foot or the edge of your hand. This enables smaller people to physically defend themselves against a much bigger attacker and gives the confidence that they can avoid or escape from a dangerous situation.