TaeKwon-Do is the Korean Art of Self-Defense and means 'Art of Foot and Hand Fighting'. It is a version of an ancient form of unarmed combat practiced for many centuries in the Orient. TaeKwon-Do came to be perfected in its present form in Korea.
Translated from Korean - TAE literally means to kick or smash with the foot. KWON means to punch or smash with the hand or fist. DO means art, way or method.

TaeKwon-Do is rightly called a “martial art” because it has actually been employed by the Korean military. Even in these days of long range weaponry there are times when soldiers engages in hand-to-hand combat and it is under these circumstances that TaeKwon-Do has proved itself effective. It is also an exciting combat sport in which skills are tested in rigorously controlled competitions.

Sport

The competition side of TaeKwon-Do is purely optional. In competition contestants wear safety padding on their head, fists, feet and impacts are “Pulled” to avoid injury. One form of TaeKwon-Do has now been accepted in the Olympic games.

Sparring

All matches are Semi-contact with full safety equipment worn to avoid any risk of injury. The pace is fast and furious, and visually exciting. Ask your instructor for details of competitions. “Remember you don’t have to compete in competitions – but its great to go and watch”.

Patterns

Are a set of movements mainly defence and attack, set in a logical sequence to deal with one or more imaginary opponents. Concentration, technique, skill, balance, dynamics and elegance are just a few requirements needed to perform a pattern. It is also an indication of a students progress – a barometer in evaluating an individual’s technique.