What is Taekwondo?

Taekwondo is an ancient Korean martial art and the national sport of South Korea. It is also the world's most popular martial art in terms of the number of practioners. In Korean, tae means "to strike or break with the foot"; kwon means "to strike or break with the fist"; and do means "way," "method," or "art." Thus, taekwondo may be loosely translated as "the way of the foot and fist" or "the way of kicking and punching." In addition, Taekwondo is a method of self-defense without weapons which incorporates both physical and mental training. Taekwondo is more than just a sport or physical fitness program, it is an investment for life. Through development of both the physical and mental capabilities of the individual, Taekwondo offers a renewed sense of confidence an increase in focus and self control as well as peace of mind and security. It increases stamina, flexibility, muscle tone, strength, cardiovascular health, coordination, and helps to control weight. Thus, training in the martial arts is an investment in both your present and your future.

Who Can Study Taekwondo?

Anyone can study Taekwondo! Age, gender, physical condition, and body strength are not important. Everyone progresses at their own pace in our individualized programs. In our school, the competition is with yourself, not with others. One of our goals is that each day, when you leave, you are a little better than when you came.

What are the benefits of Taekwondo?

Each student comes to training hoping to get something different out of it. The pressures of everyday life affect us all in different ways. Here are just a couple of ways Taekwondo can enhance student's individual lives:

Children: We specialize in teaching children ages three years and older. The training they receive gives them pride, better focus, self discipline, self confidence and self respect. The shy, withdrawn child becomes more outgoing and confident. The aggressive child is calmer and more respectful of others. Training for younger students incorporates creative and fun games/drills to develop their coordination and concentration and teaches them evasion and defense skills. Parents today often have difficulty giving their children as much time as they would like due to the demands of our modern society. We seek to reinforce the important values that parents strive to teach their children. Such as courtesy, respect, honesty, integrity, focus, safety, self-control, and self-discipline as well as setting and achieving personal goals. Remember, no child ever rides "the bench" in our classes. Every child gets to participate in every minute of every class. The same can not be said of most other youth activities, especially competitive sports! This within itself is a huge confidence builder for the student, and one of the major distinctions between Taekwondo training and other youth sport/activities.

Men: All men can benefit from the better health that results from a vigorous martial arts training program. In addition, Taekwondo gives a man the knowledge that he is able to defend himself and his family should the need ever arise. Taekwondo also increases patience, self confidence, self control, and self discipline, which helps men to deal with the increased stresses of modern living.

Women: Today, women face increased responsibility's and pressures at home as well as on the job, the threat of violent crime only add to this stress. Physical fitness has never been more important, and making time for a good martial arts training program of substance can improve both mental and physical health. Good physical conditioning, however, must be combined with the ability to defend oneself. Taekwondo teaches women this skill. With improved health, appearance, and self confidence derived from the study of Taekwondo, today's woman is better able to deal with the challenges at home, in the street and at the workplace.

At E.Y. Martial Arts & Self-Defense Concepts, Taekwondo is considered to be the "base system" taught through at our school through various programs. As students progress in rank and experience (and depending on their age and maturity level), elements from the Gu Ju Dao Te Karate Do and the Superfoot System begin to be introduced into the intermediate and advanced level classes

Visit the Kukkiwon World Taekwondo Headquarters