What is Taekwondo?
Taekwondo is one of the most systematic and scientific Korean traditional martial arts, that teaches more than physical fighting skills. It is a discipline that shows ways of enhancing our spirit and life through training our body and mind. Today, it has become a global sport that has gained an international reputation, and stands among the official games in the Olympics.
Let's take a closer look at the meaning of the word "Tae" "Kwon" "Do." It is composed of three parts as shown in the English spelling, though it is one word in Korean. "Tae" means "foot," "leg," or "to step on"; "Kwon" means "fist," or "fight"; and "Do" means the "way" or "discipline." If we put these three parts together, we can see two important concepts behind "Tae Kwon Do".
First, Taekwondo is the right way of using Tae and Kwon 'fists and feet,' or all the parts of the body that are represented by fists and feet. Second, it is a way to control or calm down fights and keep the peace. This concept comes from the meaning of Tae Kwon 'to put fists under control' [or 'to step on fists']. Thus Taekwondo means "the right way of using all parts of the body to stop fights and help to build a better and more peaceful world."
5 Tenets of Taekwondo
COURTESY (Ye Ui)
It can be said that courtesy is an unwritten regulation prescribed by ancient teachers of philosophy as a means to enlighten human beings while maintaining a harmonious society. It can be further be as an ultimate criterion required of a mortal.
INTEGRITY (Yom Chi)
In Taekwon-Do, the word integrity assumes a looser definition than the one usually presented in Webster's dictionary. One must be able to define right and wrong and have a conscience, if wrong, to feel guilt.
PERSEVERANCE (In Nae)
There is an old Oriental saying, "Patience leads to virtue or merit, One can make a peaceful home by being patient for 100 times." Certainly happiness and prosperity are most likely brought to the patient person. To achieve something, whether it is a higher degree or the perfection or a technique, one must set his goal, then constantly persevere.
SELF CONTROL (Guk Gi)
This tenet is extremely important inside and outside the dojang, whether conducting oneself in free sparring or in one's personal affairs. A loss of self-control in free sparring can prove disastrous to both student and opponent.
According to Lao-Tzu "the term of stronger is the person who wins over oneself rather than someone else."
INDOMITABLE SPIRIT (Baekjool Boolgool)
It is shown when a courageous person and his principles are pitted against overwhelming odds. A serious student of Taekwon-Do will at all times be modest and honest. If confronted with injustice, he will deal with the belligerent without any fear or hesitation at all, with indomitable spirit, regardless of whosoever and however many the number may be.
SIGNIFICANCE OF BELT COLOURS
There are six belts: white, yellow, green, blue, red and black. White is given to beginners and black is given to students who have progressed through the grades and have a solid foundation for learning the techniques of Taekwon-Do.
The definition of the belts are as follows :
White Belt
Signifies innocence, as that of the beginning student who has no previous knowledge of Taekwon-Do.
Yellow Belt
Signifies the earth from which a plant sprouts and takes root as the foundation of Taekwon-Do is being laid.
Green Belt
Signifies the plant's growth as Taekwon-Do skills begin to develop.
Blue Belt
Signifies the Heaven towards which the plant matures into a towering tree as training in Taekwon-Do progresses.
Red Belt
Signifies Danger, cautioning the the student to exercise control and warning the opponent to stay away.
Black Belt
Opposite of white, therefore signifying the maturity and proficiency in Taekwon-Do, also indicates the wearer's imperviousness to darkness and fear.
Students must grade through the following belts in the following order:
white belt given to the beginner (10th gup)
white belt yellow tags (9th gup)
yellow belt (8th gup)
yellow belt green tags (7th gup)
green belt (6th gup)
green belt blue tags (5th gup)
blue belt (4th gup))
blue belt red tags (3rd gup)
red belt (2nd gup)
red belt black tags (1st gup)
through to Black Belt (1st dan/degree).
Traditions of Taekwondo
Codes followed by the ancient Hwa Rang Warriors over 2000 years ago.
1. Be loyal to your King and do a clean kill.
2. Be obedient to your parents.
3. Be honorable to your Dojang.
4. Do not retreat in battle.
5. Be ready to give your life for your country and your family.
6. Be honorable to your friends.
7. Respect your elders.
8. Do not be afraid of death.
9. Be true to your self.
DEFINITIONS
SIMPLICITY: Simplicity is the last step of art and the beginning of nature. Be soft yet not yielding. Be firm yet not hard.
TRUTH: Truth has no path. Truth is living, therefore changing. It has no resting place, no form, no organized institution and no philosophy. When you see this, you will realize this is what you are.
METHOD OF VIRTUE: The truly virtuous man desiring to establish others, desiring success for himself, he strives to help others succeed. To find in the wishes of one's own heart, the principle for his conduct towards others is the method of virtue. | |
Taekwondo
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We offer a Little Dragons Taekwondo class for ages 3 to 5 as well as an Afterschool Martial Arts Program that includes Pick-up from school and homework assistance. Juniors ages 5 & up can participate in our daily Taekowndo class that instills Disciple, Self Control, Focus, Self Confidence and the best way to defeat the bully without "fighting". We can also host the best birthday party for your child including a Master's Demonstration and a full Taekwondo class for all the guests with games and prizes. We have an Award winning all day Summer Camp with a variety of daily activities including Martial arts, swimming lessons, golf, tennis, dance, gymanastics, music, weekly field trips to museums, beaches and amusement parks and more. Call Today and schedule your childs Free Introductory Class. Forget day care, give your child Life Care.
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