TAEKWONDO, a Traditional Korean Martial Art

 

Taekwondo is one of the most popular martial arts in the world. It is a traditional Korean martial art that focuses on physical and spiritual development. The term taekwondo (태권도) translates to "the way of kicking and punching" in English. It has been around for centuries and was developed by combining different elements of korean martial arts such as taekkyeon, hapkido, karate, and Tang Soo Do. Taekwondo is characterized by its fast, powerful strikes and blocks with the hands, feet, elbows, knees and even head. Its practitioners are awarded different colored belts that signify their level of mastery in the art. The highest rank achievable is a black belt. Taekwondo emphasizes self-defense more than attacking techniques but it still requires great strength, speed and agility to master its techniques.

What is Taekwondo?

The founder of Taekwondo is generally attributed to General Choi Hong Hi who was born in Korea during the Japanese occupation in 1919. He studied Karate from an early age and later went on to develop what he called "Tae Kwon Do", which became Taekwondo when it was adopted by the South Korean government in 1955. Since then it has grown into an international sport with thousands of people practicing it all over the world.

History of Taekwondo

The history of Taekwondo can be traced back to ancient times on the Korean peninsula where it was known as “Soo Bahk” or “Korean Swordsmanship” which were practiced for both self-defense and military purposes. Over time other forms of martial arts such as Chinese Martial Arts were incorporated into this style making it more complex yet effective at the same time. During World War II there was an increase in popularity for this form of martial arts eventually leading to its formalization under General Choi Hong Hi's leadership after the war ended.

Styles of Taekwondo

There are several styles or schools within taekwondo each following slightly different principles or rules when practicing or competing, however all styles share common philosophies rooted in traditional Korean culture such as respect for elders and hierarchy among students at school or gymnasiums where they practice together. There are two main styles: Traditional Tae Kwon Do (also known as ITF - International Tae Kwon Do Federation) which follows strict rules laid out by General Choi Hong Hi while emphasizing discipline; modern Tae Kwon Do (also known as WTF - World Tae Kwon Do Federation) which allows more flexibility when performing techniques while still keeping true to its roots through philosophy and spirit teachings taught alongside physical training methods during classes at gyms/schools across Korea today. Both styles emphasize respect for one another regardless if you're competing or just practicing together inside a dojang (training hall).

Philosophy of Taekwondo

At its core, taekwondo is about self-improvement through physical exercise coupled with mental discipline based on traditional cultural values like respect for elders, loyalty towards friends/family members etc., as well as humility towards opponents regardless if they're your sparring partner or someone you're competing against in tournaments/competitions around Korea/worldwide today! This philosophy can be seen throughout various aspects such as bowing before beginning practice sessions inside dojangs (training halls), using proper etiquette while talking with instructors/seniors etc., participating in team drills alongside classmates during classes etc., all these things help create strong foundations that allow students to build upon their knowledge base overtime leading them towards achieving higher levels kup grades (belts).

Getting Started with Taekwondo

Starting off with taewkonodo can seem intimidating but once you find a good school/instructor to guide you through your journey everything else becomes easier! Here are some tips that will help you get started:

Choosing a School and Instructor

When choosing a school/instructor make sure they have experience teaching people from all backgrounds including both men & women since this helps ensure everyone's safety when practicing together inside dojangs (training halls) — also look into any extra fees associated with enrolling since these can add up quickly over time! Finally don't forget about asking questions about their teaching methods so you know what type of instruction style fits best for your needs before signing up anywhere!

Benefits Of Practicing Taewkonodo

Practicing taewkonodo offers many benefits ranging from physical fitness improvements such as increased balance & coordination due to learning how to perform various kicks & punches correctly over time; mental benefits like sharpening focus & concentration skills while trying not only learn new techniques but also execute them properly; social benefits include meeting new people who share similar interests so you can work together towards becoming better practitioners overall — plus there's always plenty room for growth thanks to constantly evolving nature this art form brings along!

Equipment Needed For Training In Taewkonodo

In general all you need is comfortable clothing like t-shirts & shorts plus some kind shoes designed specifically for martial arts training — although depending on your instructor additional equipment may be required such as sparring gear like gloves & helmets along other protective gear depending on situation so make sure ask ahead just case anything else needed before enrolling anywhere!

Techniques In Taewkonodo

> Although there are many different kinds techniques used within this traditional korean martial art form some basic ones include punches like jirugis (jab), daebi chigis (cross), huryeo chigis (hook); kicks like ap chagis (front kick), dwijibo chagis(roundhouse kick); blocks like makki makgi (outer forearm block) naranhi makgi(inner forearm block); stances such dwi olligi(horse stance), narani olligi(cat stance); grappling moves like sogi meolli(grappling throws) sudol meolli(ground locks). Regardless what technique being practiced proper breathing control should always be kept mind order achieve maximum effectiveness every move made whether during practice sessions inside gymnasiums during competitions outside these walls!