Introduction to Taekwondo

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art meaning “the way of the foot and fist.” In practice, it is overwhelmingly a kicking art — approximately 90% of competitive techniques are kicks. It emphasizes speed, height, spinning techniques, and explosive athleticism.

The concept

Taekwondo is primarily offensive. The fighting stance is long and mobile, designed to generate powerful kicks at distance. Punches exist but score lower in competition and are used mainly to set up kicks. The art values speed and precision over brute force.

Five tenets of Taekwondo

1. Courtesy (Ye-ui)
2. Integrity (Yom-chi)
3. Perseverance (In-nae)
4. Self-control (Guk-gi)
5. Indomitable spirit (Baekjul-boolgool)

What a typical class looks like

1. Warm-up and dynamic stretching — heavy emphasis on hip and leg flexibility (10 min)
2. Kicks: front kick, roundhouse, side kick, back kick, spinning kicks, axe kick (15 min)
3. Poomsae (forms): pre-set sequences of blocks, strikes, and kicks (10 min)
4. Sparring (kyorugi): light contact with full protective gear, electronic scoring hogu (10-15 min)
5. Cool-down and stretching (5 min)

Olympic sport

Taekwondo has been an official Olympic sport since 2000 (Sydney). Competition uses electronic scoring chest protectors (hogu) and head protectors that register valid kicks.