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About Tae Kwon Do
Tae Kwon Do is a Korean martial art that combines the quick, linear movements of Okinowan Karate, with the graceful, circular movements of Chinese Kung Fu. It distinguishes itself from these influences through dynamic kicking techniques.
There are three main categories of Martial Arts. "Karate" is a Japanese word that refers most often to the Okinawan-Japanese style of practice, which uses abrupt movements along straight lines. "Kung Fu" is a Chinese martial art using flowing, circular movements. This is the style popularized in movies like "The Matrix" and "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon". "Tae Kwon Do", a Korean martial art style, uses elements of both of these styles, but combines them with powerful, dynamic kicking techniques.
The term Tae Kwon Do is a combination of three Korean words: "Tae" meaning "foot" or "to kick". "Kwon" which translates to "hand" or "fist" and "Do" meaning "way". The modern translation of this phrase is "The Art Of Kicking and Punching".
There is more to Tae Kwon Do than just learning how to fight, however. The core of Tae Kwon Do training revolves around courtesy, respect and the enhancement of physical and mental well being. For these reasons, Tae Kwon Do is the most practiced martial art in the world, and is reccognized by the Olympic Commission as an international sport worthy of inclusion in the Olympic Games.
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Commonly Used Korean Terms
| Do Chang |
- Training Hall |
| Do Bok |
- Training Suit |
| Cha Ryut |
- Attention |
| Kyong Yet |
- Bow |
| Chun Be |
- Ready Stance |
| Kiap |
- Yell |
| Soo Do |
- Knife Hand |
| Kwan Soo |
- Spear Hand |
Belt Structure and Testing
As with most martial arts, Tae Kwon Do uses a belt system to rank students according to the skills they have accquired during their training. Students test- on average - every three months, and are given their next belt based on their ability to perform the techniques they have learned.
The belts are ranked as follows: White, Yellow , Green, Red and Black. There are differing grades of each belt that are earned as students progress, which are expressed by adding a stripe to the belt when the instructor feels that the students has successfully mastered his or her techniques.
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