Taekwondo

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art predominantly aimed at footwork; you’re right, kicking! There is no better way to conclude a long day of studying than by venting your stress on some pillows and pads. Not to mention its tremendous effects on your coordination and balancing skills. 

And we haven’t even mentioned the spectacular spinning and flying kicks yet! 

Taekwondo is a self-defense sport from Korea. Taekwondo means, "Way of foot and fist". 

Taekwondo, originating in ancient Korea with influences from Taekkyon and Subak, evolved significantly during and after the Japanese occupation (1910-1945). Post-liberation, various Korean martial arts schools (kwans) emerged. General Choi Hong Hi led efforts to unify these styles, and coined "Taekwondo" in 1955, leading to the current style. 

The Korean Taekwondo Association (KTA) was established in 1961 to promote Taekwondo domestically and internationally. The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF), founded in 1973, standardized rules and facilitated global competitions. Taekwondo became an Olympic sport in 2000 and is now practiced worldwide for its physical and philosophical benefits, emphasizing high kicks, dynamic footwork, and self-discipline.

The main difference is how Taekwondo emphasizes kicks (Don't worry, we also got punches, just not as many). While other martial arts have kicking techniques, Taekwondo is centered around powerful, fast, and high kicks. This also includes flying and spinning kicks, which demand great agility, speed, and precision. In competitive formats, taekwondo rewards these dynamic kicks with high points, especially for head-level strikes, fostering a unique style that prioritizes athleticism and creativity. This emphasis on sport differentiates it from more traditional disciplines like Karate or Kung Fu.

The global standardization of Taekwondo is also very unique and important. Organizations like World Taekwondo and International Taekwondo Federation constantly monitor grading and regulations, making it consistent and accessible worldwide. You can train in a completely different part of the world and come to Ilyeo, and still blend in like a boss during the lessons.

At a philosophical level, Taekwondo is similar to any other traditional martial art. It instills the core tenets of courtesy, integrity, self-control, perseverance, discipline, and indomitable spirit, emphasizing personal growth.

Taekwondo is the perfect blend of martial artistry and competitive sports - It can be your spiritual journey and step towards a gold medal in ways unlike any other martial art. 

While predominantly an art focused on kicking, Taekwondo also has a few other components for holistic growth. Plus these are part of the graduation (belt) exams, which need to be mastered:

• Kicks: Just to drive home the awesomeness, kicks involve a variety of techniques ranging from high and fast to powerful spinning kicks. Examples include roundhouse kicks, axe kicks, and spinning back kicks.

• Hand Techniques: Though kicks dominate, punches, blocks, and strikes are crucial. Hand techniques include straight punches, knife-hand strikes, and palm strikes.

• Forms (Poomsae or Taegeuks): These are pre-arranged sequences of movements that simulate combat against multiple opponents. They are used to practice techniques and demonstrate skill progression.

• Sparring (Kyorugi): A competitive aspect where two practitioners face off under controlled rules. Olympic-style sparring focuses on scoring points through kicks and punches.

• Self-Defense (Hosinsul): Techniques designed to defend against various attacks, including grabs and strikes.

• Breaking (Gyeokpa): Demonstrations of power and precision by breaking wooden boards or bricks using specific techniques.