The word 'Taekwondo' can be broken down into three parts. 'Tae' – to kick with the foot; 'Kwon' – to punch with the fist; 'Do' – The Way or The Art. Put these three parts together and Taekwondo roughly means 'The Way of the foot and the fist' or 'The Art of punching and kicking'.
Is Taekwondo for me?
TKD is for everyone not just those who want to compete! Practicing the basic techniques develops muscular strength and also improves balance and co-ordination. Moving onto combinations and sparring requires both aerobic and anaerobic fitness, whilst learning and performing patterns builds up concentration. Flexibility is improved through both static and dynamic stretching, which features highly in the warm-up and cool-down phase of classes. It is not necessary to be super supple or highly robust physically to perform TKD, it is mastering correct technique that is important, though the training will naturally develop the physical and mental attributes according to one's own abilities.
Belt Colours and Meanings
White
Signifies innocence, as that of the beginning student who has no previous knowledge of Tae Kwon-Do.
Yellow
Signifies earth, from which a plant sprouts root as the Tae Kwon-Do foundation is being laid.
Green
Signifies the plant's growth, as Tae Kwon-Do skills begin to develop.
Blue
Signifies heaven, toward which the plant matures into a towering tree as training in Tae Kwon-Do progresses.
Red
Signifies danger, cautioning the student to exercise control and warning the opponent to stay away.
Black
Opposite to white, therefore signifying maturity and proficiency in Tae Kwon-Do. Also indicates the wearer's imperviousness to darkness and fear
Basic Korean Terms
Commands
Attention - Charyeot
Bow - Kyong Ye
Ready - Chum Bi
Begin - Shi Jak
Stop - Ku Man
Break - Kal Yeo
Continue - Kae Sok
Counting
Hanna
Dool
Set
Net
Daseul
Yaseul
Ilgop
Yeodul
Ahop
Yeol
Stances
Walking Stance - Ap Seogi
Forward Stance - Ap Koobi
Back Stance - Dwit Koobi
Horse-riding Stance - Joochum Seogi
Kicks
Front Kick - Ap Chagi
Turning Kick - Dollyo Chagi
Side Kick - Yeop Chagi
Back Kick - Dwit Chagi
Axe Kick - Naeryu Chagi
Back Hook Kick - Huryeo Chagi
