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What is Taekwondo?
Taekwondo is a modern form of an old oriental sparring system. Its origins date back 1300 years to when it existed as a form of Korean foot sparring know as Tae Kyon. Through the centuries, hand techniques were incorporated and refined, finally producing what is now called Taekwondo. Today, Taekwondo is most often identified by its fast, powerful use of the legs - an aspect of the art which makes it many more times effective than other sparring systems which may rely solely on hand techniques. Taekwondo is the traditional Korean martial art. Tae means ‘to kick’ or ‘to strike with the foot’; Kwon means ‘fist’ or ‘to strike with the hand’; Do means ‘discipline’ or ‘art.’ Taken together, Taekwondo means ‘the art of kicking and punching’ or ‘the art of unarmed combat.’ Who may join the Taekwondo club? New members are welcome at any time throughout the year. Anyone may join, regardless of experience. Students of all ages, male and female, are accepted. Please feel welcome to come to a club to watch, or participate in a free trial workout. What is involved in a Typical Class? A typical workout begins with progressive warm-up and stretching exercises. This is followed by the practice of various foot and hand techniques. Next, kicking pads are often used to help develop specific techniques. Some time is usually given to learning patterns, which is a combination of various moves and techniques. Finally, most workouts have a sparring session using protective gear. This sparring involves contact, but emphasis is placed on control and only light contact during class practices. Tournament opportunities allow the use of full power. How can Taekwondo help you? Taekwondo is a discipline for men, women, and children which provides a good workout while at the same time developing a useful skill and an effective self-defense. Taekwondo offers a total fitness program which develops flexibility, strength, stamina, and coordination, as well as self-confidence, concentration, and a better understanding of one’s mind, body, and capabilities. YOU WILL GAIN:
Taekwondo is now an Olympic Sport. Taekwondo was a demonstration sport at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, Korea, and again in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. In the 2000 summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, Taekwondo was a full medal sport. In the year 2004, at the Olympics in Athens, Greece, Taekwondo will again be a full medal sport. Taekwondo is now being practiced in over 140 countries with 30 million
participants world-wide |
