History
Taekwondo is the Korean national martial art and utilises some of the most spectacular and powerful techniques of all the martial arts. In Taekwondo a lot of emphasis is placed on kicking techniques with flexibility and agility playing a vital role for many of its practitioners. Taekwondo can be loosely translated into the way of the hand and foot.
Taekwondo’s roots lay in a variety of ancient martial arts and their evolution throughout Korean history. In 1955 the Korean government formed a naming committee with the purpose of unifying the various techniques from these martial arts under one name. The name proposed by General Choi Hong Hi and unanimously accepted by the committee was “Taekwondo”.
In 1966 General Choi Hong Hi founded the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF). This was followed in 1972 by the renaming of the Korean Taekwondo Association’s central Dojang to the Kukkiwon. In 1973 the World Taekwondo Federation was formed with the Kukkiwon as its recognised headquarters.
Modern day Taekwondo is still split into two basic styles, ITF and WTF. Although the basic movements and theories of the two styles are the same, they have both taken on their own image and unique syllabus.
In 1988 the summer Olympic games were held in Korea and Taekwondo featured as a demonstration sport. With many people seeing Taekwondo for the first time, the impressive nature of Taekwondo’s demonstrations and competition fuelled a world wide boom in the number people wishing to take up the Korean Martial Art. In the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games WTF Taekwondo became a full Olympic event.
Chung Yong Taekwondo pride itself on staying true to the traditional martial art of Taekwondo whilst still embracing the modern Olympic sport.
What will I get from Taekwondo
Taekwondo as with many of the martial arts is a self defence fighting system. Throughout your training in Taekwondo you will improve your fitness, flexibility, strength and speed. Also you will gain a confidence in yourself that will reflect in all aspects of your life.
Although Taekwondo may not be for everyone you will find that those who do take to it are often hooked for life! Fortunately the diverse syllabus of Taekwondo allows people of all ages and abilities to practice.
What kind of Moves are used in Taekwondo
Taekwondo has a range of kicks that strike with most parts of the foot, shin and knee. These kicks are often performed standing, jumping and in combination with each other. The fighting style utilised in Taekwondo is not as ridged as in some other martial arts but with its mix of speed and power, is often one of the most entertaining to watch or take part in.
Hand techniques used in Taekwondo again utilise most parts of the hand including the arc, sides, palm and knuckles. The forearms and elbows are also used.
As well as strikes, this Korean Martial Art has a comprehensive and impressive range of blocks. These are often best displayed in the patterns that students are required to learn to progress.
Taekwondo also contains a self-defense system referred to as Ho Sin Sul, which is a close quarters system containing locks, releases, throws and breaks.
Once combined the range of techniques in Taekwondo build into a complete and impressive Martial Art.
