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Taekwondo is known for its emphasis on kicking techniques, which distinguishes it from martial arts such as karate or southern styles of kung fu. The rationale is that the leg is the longest and strongest weapon a martial artist has, and therefore kicks have the greatest potential to execute powerful strikes without successful retaliation. Historically, the Koreans thought that the hands were too valuable to be used in combat.
As a martial art, taekwondo is popular with people of both genders and all ages. Physically, taekwondo develops strength, speed, balance, flexibility, and stamina. An example of the union of mental and physical discipline is the breaking of boards, which requires both physical mastery of breaking techniques and the concentration to focus one’s strength.
A taekwondo student typically wears a uniform (dobok) which is often white, but sometimes black or other colors, with a coloured belt tied around the waist to indicate the student’s rank. The school or place where instruction is given is called the dojang.
At Taegeuk Taekwondo Canada, students will experience:
- The techniques and curriculum of taekwondo
- Both anaerobic and aerobic workouts, including stretching
- Self-defense techniques (called hosinsul)
- Patterns (also called forms or poomsae)
- Sparring techniques (called gyeorugi)
- Relaxation and meditation exercises
- Throwing and/or falling techniques
- Breaking (called gyeokpa) using techniques to break boards for testing, training and martial arts demonstrations
- Exams to progress to the next rank
- Guman Finish (stop)
- A focus on mental and ethical discipline, justice, etiquette, respect, and self-confidence