World Taekwondo Federation (WTF)
Definition of TaekwondoTaekwondo means The Way of Fist and Foot Fighting. Although an ancient and once secret Korean art of weaponless self-defense, it is now a Korean sport in which either two persons practice methods of unarmed fighting or one person can exercise for both physical fitness and self-defense. Still primarily a defensive art of self-protection, Taekwondo has in the past two decades also rapidly developed as an injury-free international competitive sport that resembles a composite of the French foot fighting known as Savate and boxing. Technically, it is a unique style of Oriental martial arts combining Korean foot techniques with Chinese hand techniques.Taekwondo students have through many years of tedious daily practice developed their feet and bodies into hidden weapons of defense. They can respond with lightning-like speed and explosive force should they be physically attacked. Taekwondo has been called the ultimate in self-defense because it trains reflexes so keen and accurate that students can effectively defend themselves from attack by multiple assailants, yet they are also able to spar vigorously with fellow students without heavy protective garments and in complete safety. Unlike most other sporting activities, Taekwondo promotes the improved formation of one's character. In the friendly yet competitive atmosphere of this amazing art form, students work out, sweat, and give it their all, pushing each other to their upper potential and beyond - 100%, 150%, 200%, or more. Flexibility and agility are essential. The Taekwondo master teaches the importance of both physical and mental conditioning by building up his students' self-confidence, self-respect, and self-discipline. The dance-like rhythm of this incredible art, especially during forms practice, is a pleasure to watch. When free-sparring, punches and kicks are pulled and good technique is shown; moreover, this is not to be a bloody street brawl. After workout, not only does one's heartbeat and breathing rate need to be slowed, but also one's spirit needs to be calmed through meditation. Although knowing valuable self-defense skills generates a tremendous sense of security, the true martial artist should be able to walk away from potential or threatening fight situations without a loss of self-esteem; moreover, ego gratification is never required. Ultimately, the sound mind in a sound body will succeed at its life's calling. History of TaekwondoThe Korean civilization is more than 4310 years old and has its own traditional language, culture, and martial arts. The ancient martial arts had their beginning hundreds of years before the birth of Christ and included the use of military weapons; however, the advantages of unarmed combat techniques were not overlooked, and the skills and many forms of unarmed combat were also emphasized and developed. Consequently, Taekwondo developed as a style of the martial arts limited to combat with natural weapons of fists, hands, and feet.Historically, the origin of Taekwondo can be traced back to the three kingdoms of Koguryo (37 BC-668 AD), Paekche (18 BC-600 AD), and Silla (57 BC- 936 AD). Archaeological findings such as mural paintings on the royal tombs of the Koguryo dynasty, the stone sculptures of pagadas of temples produced during the Silla period, and also documents written in the Paekche dynasty show many studies of fighting stances, skills, and formalized movements that closely resemble the present stances and forms of Taekwondo. Therefore, it can be safely inferred that the people in the three kingdoms practiced an art very much like the one we study today. Philosophy of TaekwondoSpiritually, the Korean culture and martial arts were strongly influenced by Buddhism and enriched by Hwarangdo, a military, education, and social organization for noble youth that was instituted by King Jin Heung of the Silla dynasty. The unification of the three kingdoms was made possible by the spiritual influence of Hwarangdo. It's codes of honor consisted basically of loyalty to the nation, respect and obedience to one's parents, courage and bravery on the battlefield, and avoidance of unnecessary violence and killings. This is the philosophical backbone of the Korean martial arts. Simply speaking, the philosophy of Taekwondo is to achieve an understanding of love and benevolence, magnanimity, sympathy, and character. The modern day Grand Masters of Taekwondo philosophy claim that Taekwondo promotes the formation of good moral character, nonviolent attitudes and behavior, and leads to enlightenment or some sort of mystic consciousness or divine union.Tenets
Student's Creed
Objectives of Taekwondo training
Attributes
of an Awesome Technique
A Guide for Instructors & Students by
Major
H.
Salas Whether
you are kicking, punching, or blocking there are certain critical
attributes common to the execution of Taekwondo or Karate techniques.
Take for example the attributes of kicking techniques.
There are 10 major attributes that are observable.
Assuming the student has learned what a roundhouse kick suppose
to look like, what direction it follows and what part of the foot to
use as the weapon, the next step would be to achieve a higher level of
learning.
What is the next higher level of learning? To
master the attributes.
Take a moment and study the attributes listed.
Once you understand these attributes examine them again but
this time think how you may apply them to punching and blocking.
Check how many you feel you're doing well.
How many of the attributes do you need working at it? The
Learning Objective: Execute
kicking techniques, which exhibit the critical attributes of a higher
level.
The
wording of the attributes allows for an Instructor as well as the
student and parent to evaluate the learning outcome of the student.
By the time a student is ready for promotion he or she should
demonstrate these attributes in the performance of Taekwondo or
Karate techniques.
However, it's understandable that it may be some time before
some novices reach this higher level of learning.
The objective listed above -- execute kicking techniques
properly -- describes an intended result of instruction.
The attributes tell how to execute kicking techniques properly.
In essence these same attributes also lend themselves to
punching, blocking, and even when changing stances for the most part.
Next time, you're in class listen for these attributes, often
heard in class more commonly as "coaching tips."
These are the master's secrets passed onto his students.
Having attributes that tell how to execute techniques properly, provide students with the means to organize their own efforts toward accomplishing their objective -- mastering Taekwondo or Karate. Experience has shown that with clear objectives and "coaching tips" in view, students at all levels are better able to decide what activities on their part will help them get to where it is important for them to go. Tae Kwon Do Forms Illustrated
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