About ITF Taekwon-Do

What is Taekwon-Do?

Taekwon-Do is a modern art of self defense founded by Grand Master Choi Hong Hi 9th Dan who was a General in the Korean army. He developed Taekwon-Do by researching other martial arts and by using principles of modern science to design techniques which have maximum power and effectiveness. Taekwon-Do has grown in popularity and is taught in nearly every country in the world. It is greatly renowned for its spectacular and dynamic kicking techniques. This has led to the misconception that Taekwon-Do is just a kicking art. Since the legs are more powerful than the arms, Taekwon-Do does make extensive use of the legs but kicks make up only a small fraction of the total number of Taekwon-Do techniques. There are also blocks, punches, and strikes with the hands or arms as well as basic throws and grappling. The range of techniques cater for all types of situations including defending against more than one opponent, and against weapons.

Who can practice Taekwon-Do?

Taekwon-Do is for anyone who wishes to learn it, no matter what age you are. You can benefit from Taekwon-Do if you are male or female, young or old, whatever your build. People who have a disability or suffer from a previous injury can still benefit from Taekwon-Do as the training can be differentiated to suit your ability. As long as your instructor is informed about your limitations he/she will be able to recommend safe training activities for you.

Benefits of Taekwon-Do

As well as learning to defend yourself there are many other benefits:

• You will develop total fitness: strength, endurance and flexibility. Due to the nature of the Taekwon-Do techniques your body will develop the ability to perform fast and powerful movements.
• It helps you to develop a good physique by promoting the loss of excess weight, and developing muscle definition.
• Through training you will learn self-discipline, gain self-confidence and develop a positive mental attitude, which will naturally extend into your personal and social life and improve your quality of life.
• Children in particular can benefit from Taekwon-Do by developing good coordination, concentration and spatial awareness at an early age. Our experience has shown that children experience a more rapid acceleration of these skills from Taekwon-Do compared to the usual activities they are likely to experience in school.
• There is also a social benefit as you meet new people and make new friends.

Lessons

Lessons are usually 1½ or 2 hours with the first ½ hour being used for the warm up and fitness exercises. The remainder consists of various activities such as practicing basic blocking, attacking and grappling techniques against an imaginary opponent or with an partner acting as an opponent. Practicing hitting pads helps to develop accuracy and power. Speed and reflexes are improved by practicing free sparring which is basically free fighting conducted under safe conditions by enforcing certain rules and by using protective equipment.

Moral Culture

Taekwon-Do is not just physical training, it involves mental and spiritual training as well. Taekwon-Do has moral culture, which builds character and teaches students to become ethical. Through training you will learn the 5 tenets of Taekwon-Do, namely: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit.

Gradings

The students rank is indicated by the colour of their belt. Grading test are held usually every 6 to 8 weeks for students who are ready to promote to a higher belt. Many of our students achieve black belt status after only 3 years. Recent results at national and international competitions indicate that TKD Impact's black belts are among the highest standard in the country which demonstrates the high quality of our teaching methods.

Competitions

For students who wish to compete, there are local, national and international championships held regularly throughout the year. Students may compete once they have reached the yellow belt grade, which can be achieved after 3 months of regular training. The competitions consist of 3 disciplines: sparring (not full-contact), patterns, and breaking (power test). All events are divided into weight and grade categories.

How to Join?

Why not visit your nearest Taekwon-Do school and witness the fine quality of instruction and experience the friendly atmosphere of the classes. Beginners are always welcome and can join anytime. You can join in wearing just loose clothing.