WHAT IS TAEKWONDO?

With so many different Martial Arts in the world, it is no wonder why most people can be confused:

• The Word Taekwondo is loosely translated to “The Way of Foot and Fist”

• Currently, Taekwondo is practiced in 188 countries with over 70 million practitioners. It is now one of only two Asian martial arts that are included in the Olympic Games; it became a demonstration event starting with the 1988 games in Seoul, and became an official medal event starting with the 2000 games in Sydney.

• Taekwondo is known for its emphasis on kicking techniques, which distinguishes it from martial arts such as Karate or Kung Fu. The rationale is that the leg is longest and strongest weapon a martial artist has, and kicks thus have the greatest potential to execute powerful strikes without successful retaliation

• Physically, Taekwondo develops strength, speed, balance, flexibility, and stamina