What is Tae kwon do?

Tae  Kwon  Do (also known as Taekwondo) is the martial art of self defense that came from Korea. It is one of the oldest martial arts in the world (over 2,000 years old).

The meaning of the name Tae Kwon Do is an appropriate description of the key elements of this martial art: Tae  (foot), Kwon  (hand), Do  (art).

 

Tae Kwon Do In the USA

In the 1950's a group of Korean master instructors travelled to America to spread the art. In the following decades Tae  Kwon  Do grew in popularity both as a martial art and as an international sport.

In 1973 Korea hosted the first  Tae  Kwon  Do  World Championships and the  World Tae Kwon Do Federation was established as the international governing body. Today the WTF has 120 separate countries as its members, which includes over 20 million tae kwon doists, making Tae  Kwon  Do the most practiced martial art in the world.

Tae Kwon Do was introduced as an Olympic demonstration sport in the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games. It later became a full medal sport at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

 

There are 4 general techniques learned as part of practicing Tae Kwon Do:

1. Forms (Poomsae)

2. Self-Defense (Ho-shin-sool)

3. Board Breaking (Kyukpa)

4. Sparring (Gyoroogi)

Each class typically includes a short period of silent meditation (Mook Sahang), warm up exercises, strength and cardiovascular training, and stretching.

Students begin sparring, after learning basic skills, partnership, cooperation, respect, and self-control. Little Tigers do not practice sparring.

​

Is Tae Kwon Do Safe?

While Tae Kwon Do is a physical sport, serious injuries are uncommon. At Tiger USA World Class Tae Kwon Do, safety is a priority. We ensure safety by teaching correct techniques, encouraging cooperation and respect, taking care of our bodies through warm up exercises and training in strength and flexibility, and mandating use all appropriate safety gear for sparring. Studies have shown that there is a low rate of injuries in Tae Kwon Do competition; bruising is the most common injury.

 

Why practice Tae Kwon Do?

Practicing Tae Kwon Do engages both the mind and body, and a spirit of respect and cooperation. Mentally, practicing Tae Kwon Do develops focus, concentration, mental strength, and confidence. Physically, practicing Tae Kwon Do builds strength, stamina, balance, agility, speed, and flexibility. Socially, Tae Kwon Do teaches respect, cooperation, partnership, self-discipline, and leadership. At Tiger USA World Class Tae Kwon Do, all of these are taught within a positive atmosphere of respect, enthusiasm, and encouragement.

 

Who can practice Tae Kwon Do?

Everyone! At Tiger USA World Class Tae Kwon Do, we emphasize getting to know each student personally. We aim to make a connection with each student and their family. This personal knowledge of each student's talents and limitations allows us to help every student to reach their personal best. In practicing Tae Kwon Do, one is not competing with others, but working to achieve their personal best. Respect, partnership, and cooperation are central to practicing Tae Kwon Do, as although we are working toward personal goals, we cannot do it alone! We sincerely believe that every student can reach their full potential, both in Tae Kwon Do and in their lives through the practice of Tae Kwon Do.