What is Tae Kwon-Do?

Tae Kwon-Do is a traditional and disciplined Korean martial art that is characterised by its fast, high spinning kicks. Its beautiful yet powerful techniques are graceful and powerful enabling students to develop posture and co-ordination. The use of hand and foot techniques are blended with sophisticated footwork, avoidance tactics, blocks and jumps.

It can be argued that Tae Kwon-Do is a relative newcomer in the world of martial arts; it was only officially founded 11th April 1955 following extensive research and development by the Founder, Major General Choi Hong Hi, 9th Dan (9th November 1918 – 15th June 2002). However many of the techniques found in Tae Kwon-Do actually date back many hundreds of years. Tae Kwon-Do is often said to be a blending of Tae Kyon, Korean foot fighting and Japanese Karate, which General Choi studied whilst he was in Japan. It was introduced into the UK by Master Rhee Ki Ha, 5th Dan in 1967 and has steadily become one of the most well known and successful practised martial arts styles in the UK.

Martial art teaches people to avoid confrontation and deal with any situation verbally and to only use the physical skill aspect as a last resort. It is to teach people useful life skills that will help them in their day to day life and prepare them for the future. The reasons why you decide to take up Tae Kwon-Do will be as individual as you are, the reasons can be for fitness to self defence, from competing in competitions to health or for self improvement.