Taekwondo is a Korean phrase made from three
parts. Tae means ‘foot' [as in to destroy with], Kwon means ‘fist'
and Do means ‘way' [in the sense of the path you should follow]. So taekwondo
means ‘way of the foot and fist.'
Taekwondo
refers to a Korean fighting system which uses the hands and feet to deliver high energy
impact techniques to the opponent. These techniques take the form of punches, strikes,
kicks and blocks.
Unlike many other martial arts, Tae-Kwon
Do fights full-contact. Competitors are required to wear head gear, a mouth
guard, a chest protector called a "hogu," arm and instep pads. Target area for
punching is restricted to the front part of the hogu (basically, the torso area). Target
area for kicking is the front and sides of the head and the hogu. In order to score a
point, the strike must be on the target area and must be delivered with "trembling
shock." Points do not stop the action unless there is a knockout, someone is pushed
out of the ring, etc. This is completely unlike point sparring, where light or no contact
is allowed and where a point stops the action until the referee resumes the fight.
The United
States Taekwondo Union, or USTU is the American Group A member of the U.S.
Olympic Committee and is the National Governing Body for taekwondo. It is the USTU's
responsibility to select the U.S. Olympic Team and prepare them for international
championships.
Olympic Tae Kwon Do Classes are
open to both Children and Adults. Most children start as early as 6 years of age.
Benefits
Builds self-confidence & self-esteem
Self-Discipline, Self-Control, and Motivation
Increases concetration
Promotes a mature attitude, respectfulmess and courtesy
Promotes Leadership in school and on the job
Promotes academic success (No student may have a grade lower than "B" in order
to test for Black Belt)
Especially helpful in cases of hyeractivity, learning disability, attention deficit and
behavior problems.
Karate/Tae Kwon Do is recommended by many physicians and psychologists.
Increases flexibility with balanced stretching of muscles and tendons.
Increases lean muscle mass.
Weight and figure control.
Builds endurance.
Builds coordination and agility.
High levels of achievement are worked up to gradually on an individual basis
Olympic
Karate School
