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Tae Kwon-Do is an ancient Korean martial art. Many people practice Tae Kwon-Do for its self-defense benefits, but it is also an art form and is studied and appreciated for its beauty and grace of movement. The spiritual aspect of Tae Kwon-Do is found in its philosophy of self-restraint, kindness and humility.
Traditional Tae Kwon-Do is the original style of Tae Kwon-Do, which differs from modernized forms and other martial arts in several important ways: no physical contact is allowed in free sparring, it is more aerobic in training than other styles and the emphasis is on each student’s own improvement rather than on competition with others.
Unlike sports, where the primary goal is to defeat an opponent or to set a record, a true martial artist does not emphasize competition with others. The primary goal of Tae Kwon-Do is to build; to help each student develop physically and mentally to his or her full potential.
Tae Kwon-Do offers a vigorous and challenging workout. Throughout conditioning exercises involving the entire body, Tae Kwon-Do promotes quickness, strength, flexibility and endurance. The body and mind work together to deliver powerful, timely and effective techniques, making Tae Kwon-Do as challenging mentally as it is physically.
An integral part of Tae Kwon-Do is its emphasis on perseverance and hard work. In the martial arts, determination, effort and a commitment to learning are the most important factors determining success. Acquired knowledge, in turn, provides a foundation for a deeper level of future understanding and appreciation.
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