What is Taekwondo?
Both an Art and a Sport
Taekwondo is Korean origined martial art as well as an international olympic sport. As an art it encourages self development and personal expression. As a sport it is good physical exercise that teaches good sportsmanship and emphasises honor, respect and courage. Many students begin martial arts practice to develop their self esteme, get in shape, have more energy, or do better at school or work, and soon find themselves achieving those goals as well as being transformed into confident humble leaders.
Martial Art
Taekwondo as a martial art has the advantage of being accessable to all. The student is able to progress at his or her own rate in a non-competitive athmosphere. Through the solitary practice of traditional forms they learn what they are capable of. Then through partner work they can gain confidence and show courtesy and respect while practicing self defense techniques and controlled sparing. The benefits to the student of traditional martial arts is that it allows a student to express themselves through martial art, and improve at their own rate as they develop both physically and emotionally. The majority of our studio time is focused on this type of traditional martial arts practice.
Sport
Sports taekwondo allows for students who are more competitive and interested in tournament or even olympic aspirations to compete in full contact free fighting divided by weight devision. In many ways, this is a martial sport more akin to boxing with the primary difference being a emphasis on foot techniques over punching techniques. This style of sports taekwondo is obviously not for everbody, as knockouts are common and emphasis is on wining rather than self improvement and personal development.