what is taekwondo?

Taekwondo is a version of an ancient form of unarmed combat practised for many centuries in the orient. Taekwondo became perfected in its present form in Korea.

Translated from Korean "Tae" means to jump, kick or smash with the foot. "Kwon" means a fist, primarily to punch or destroy with the hand. "Do" means art, way or method. Taekwondo involves the skilled application of punches, kicks, strikes, blocks, dodges and interception with the hand to the rapid destruction of the opponent.

To the Korean people Taekwondo is more than merely the use of skilled movements. It also implies a way of life and thinking, particularly in instilling a concept and spirit of strict self imposed discipline and an ideal of noble morality.

In these days of violence and intimidation, which seems to plague our modern society, Taekwondo enables the weak to posses a fine weapon to defend themselves and defeat their opponent. When wrongly applied it can be a lethal weapon.