Martial Art of Tae Kwon Do in Bude, Okehampton Paddock Garden Orchard

What is Tae Kwon-Do?

 

Tae Kwon-Do is a relatively modern martial art but has its roots set in an ancient version practised for many centuries in Korea. Utilising kicks, hand strikes, blocks and dodges, it was developed as un-armed combat for the Korean Army. 

Translated from the Korean, 'Tae' means to literally jump, kick and smash with the foot. 'Kwon' means to make a fist or destroy with the hand, and 'Do' translates as 'the way' or 'the method.' So the interpretation is 'The way of the foot and fist' and suggests the form of self defense used in hand to hand combat.

 

The founder of Tae Kwon-Do was Major General Choi Hong Hi, leader of the Korean 29th Infantry Division. Tae Kwon-Do got its rubber stamp following a display for  the first South Korean President, and was inaugerated on 11th April, 1955.

 

Tae Kwon-Do has become more than just a martial art to the Korean people, to them it suggests a way of thinking and being. With the five tenets; courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self control, indomitable spirit; it has become a way of life for many Korean people.

 

Because of its explosive power and dynamic kicks it has spread rapidly around the world and has given its practiotioners a fine weapon with which to defend themselves with, instilling confidence and a moral code. If wrongly used it can be lethal so practioners are urged to only use it as a last resort.