What is Taekwon-Do?
Taekwon-Do is the scientific use of the body in the method of self-defence, a body that has gained the ultimate use of its facilities (reaching its maximum potential) through intensive physical and mental training.
It is a martial art that has no equal in either power or technique due to it’s scientific development. Though it is a martial art; its discipline, mental conditioning and vast number of techniques are the mortar for building a strong sense of justice, fortitude, humility and resolve. With Taekwon-Do, it is the mental training and conditioning that separates the true practitioner from just an ‘enthusiast’ that can perform the fighting movements.
‘Taekwon-Do’ literally means ‘Foot and Fist art’ and was officially founded by General Choi Hong Hi 9th Degree Grandmaster on 11th April, 1955.
Taekwon-Do comes originally from Korea. It was developed by a man called Choi Hong Hi, a General in the Korean Army. General Choi took elements from Shotokan Karate and Taekkyeon to create what we know today as the Martial Art of Taekwon-Do. He worked with scientists to understand and build the most powerful Martial Art through utilising the body in it’s most effective way.
Taekwon-Do is a Worldwide recognised Martial Art, as well as a sport. It is most famous for it’s kicks, as Taekwon-Do has a high physical demand and focus on being able to use your legs to do extraordinary kicks. However, it is not just a kicking art. Taekwon-Do is a striking art that uses all different parts of the body in the method of self-defence.
Taekwon-Do has many different disciplines:
Patterns
A sequence of prearranged moves performed against an imaginary opponent(s). There is new patterns at each different grade level.
Sparring
Taekwon-Do sporting event, designed to demonstrate the students control and precision through physical touch contact against a real opponent for points. The winner of the bout is the player who has scored the most points.
Power Breaking
The method of breaking boards to demonstrate ones power and accuracy of various different techniques.
Special Technique
When different techniques are performed at different heights and in different sequences. An example would be kicking a pad/board at 2.5m high or executing 3/4 techniques in the air before landing.
Self-Defence
Teaching the students how to defend themselves and keep safe in different scenarios against different opponents.
Taekwon-Do follows a grading structure which allows the students to develop at their own pace in order to reach their goals. It also gives a clear structure for students to understand who is proficient at the art and who is less experienced. All students are taught to show respect and courtesy to one another and to their Instructors and Senior Grades.
The order of the belts are as follows:
- White
- Yellow
- Green
- Blue
- Red
- Black
Once the student reaches Black Belt, they are seen to be proficient in the Martial Art, having mastered the basics. At this stage they can then move onto understanding and learning more advanced techniques and setting new goals to raise the standard and achieve.
There are no further colours after Black belt, the grades are then defined by numbers (or degrees) on the belt. This goes from 1st Degree to 9th Degree. At different stages, the student can obtain different titles:
- 1st-3rd Degree (Assistant Instructor)
- 4th-6th Degree (International Instructor)
- 7th-8th Degree (Master Instructor)
- 9th Degree (Grandmaster Instructor)
In order to reach the next grade, students must go through a Grading Examination. This is where they are put to the test to demonstrate and show their understanding of what they have learned since their last grading and why they are ready to take the next step. If successful, then the student is promoted to the next grade.
Taekwon-Do also has a sporting element to it for those who wish to compete. The 4 disciplines tested are; Sparring, Patterns, Special Technqiue and Power Breaking. At National and International level, there is also the opportunity to compete in Team Events.
Sport is fantastic for developing self-belief and helping to challenge an individual as it takes one out of their comfort zone. There are different levels, from Local and Regional tournaments to National Tournaments and then International Tournaments.
Martial Arts Training is a fantastic way to keep you fit, as it requires the student to exercise all areas of fitness; flexibility, stamina, strength, agility and speed. The dynamic movements from the moves are great for burning fat and toning muscles! It also helps to build confidence, instil discipline and help to change your perception and outlook on life. Once a student has trained in a Martial Art, they understand courtesy, integrity, self-control, perseverance and indomitable spirit.
Our Instructors are trained to the highest level and we also have International competitors who represent their country on the Global stage. However, first and foremost our club is about developing each student at their own pace to reach the goals they want to achieve. We have a great family atmosphere at MHF and we always want to welcome and encourage new people to the Art we love, Taekwon-Do.
MHF Team