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ABOUT THE CLUB
ABOUT TAE KWON DO
WHAT IS TAE KWON DO?
Tae Kwon Do is a modern martial art that focuses on both hand and foot techniques. It is notorious for its high intensity, rapid kicks which have translated well into modern sports - Tae Kwon Do became an Olympic sport for the first time at the Sydney games in 2000.
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Translated from Korean, 'Tae' literally means to jump, kick or smash with the foot. 'Kwon' means a fist, chiefly to punch or destroy with the hand or fist. 'Do' means art, way or method.
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To the Korean people, Tae Kwon Do is more than a mere use of skilled movements. It also implies a way of thinking and life, particularly in instilling a strong moral compass and a means of maintaining a healthy mind and body.
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The popularity of Tae Kwon Do has exploded onto a global scale, with approximately 70 million practitioners across the world.
Tae Kwon Do's founder - Major General Choi Hong Hi - demonstrating a blocking technique.
THE FOUNDATION OF TAE KWON DO
Tae Kwon Do was inaugurated in South Korea on 11th April 1955, following extensive research and development by the founder Major General Choi Hong Hi, 9th Degree Black Belt (1918-2002).
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Tae Kwon Do was first introduced into the United Kingdom in 1967.
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The Tae Kwon Do Association of Great Britain (our parent organisation) was formed in August 1983.
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Tae Kwon Do's founder - Major General Choi Hong Hi (9th November 1918 - 15th June 2002)
THE TENETS OF TAE KWON DO
Courtesy : To be polite to everyone. You must always be courteous to your instructors, seniors and fellow students.
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Integrity : To be honest with yourself. You must be ale to define the difference between right and wrong.
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Perseverance : To achieve a goal. Whether a higher grade or a new technique, you should never stop trying.
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Self-Control : To always be in control of your actions. You must be able to live, work and train within your capabilities.
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Indomitable Spirit : To show courage when you and your principles are pitted against overwhelming odds. You should do your utmost to never give up.
Tae Kwon Do tenets written in Korean (Hangul) scripture
BELTS/HIERARCHY
In Tae Kwon Do, there are six belts. Each colour of belt has a stripe of the next rank - in Korean terminology each belt belongs to a "Kup". For example,
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1. White belt (10th Kup) : Signifies innocence, as that of the beginning student who has no previous knowledge of Tae Kwon Do.
(Minimum training time of 3 months)
2. Yellow tag (9th Kup)
(Minimum training time of 3 months)
3. Yellow belt (8th Kup) : Signifies earth, from which a plant sprouts and takes root as the Tae Kwon Do foundation is being laid.
(Minimum training time of 3 months)
4. Green tag (7th Kup)
(Minimum training time of 3 months)
5. Green belt (6th Kup) : Signifies the plant's growth, as Tae Kwon Do skills begin to develop.
(Minimum training time of 3 months)
6. Blue tag (5th Kup)
(Minimum training time of 3 months)
7. Blue belt (4th Kup) : Signifies heaven, toward which the plant matures into a towering tree as training in Tae Kwon Do progresses.
(Minimum training time of 6 months)
6. Red tag (3rd Kup)
(Minimum training time of 6 months)
7. Red Belt (2nd Kup) : Signifies danger, cautioning the student to exercise control and warning the opponent to stay away.
(Minimum training time of 6 months)
8. Black tag (1st Kup)
(Minimum training time of 6 months)
9. Black belt (1st Dan) : Opposite to white, therefore signifying maturity and proficiency in Tae Kwon Do. Also indicates the wearer's imperviousness to darkness and fear.
(Once this point has been achieved, minimum training time can differ between ages)