Tae Kwon Do is the Korean art of self-defense. Literally translated, TAE means “to kick” or “to strike with the foot,” KWON means “fist” or “to strike with the hand,” and DO means “discipline” or “art.”Tae Kwon Do is much more than the physical aspects of martial arts. It is designed as a nonviolent form of self-defense and a system of complete body exercises, as well as a guide to practicing a disciplined way of life.It includes physical techniques, mental discipline, and a deep philosophy.

Tae Kwon Do techniques consist of strikes, kicks and blocks.It is generally considered a “linear” form of martial arts as opposed to a “circular” form.For example, the Tae Kwon Do practitioner strikes opponents with hard surfaces of their bodies – the fist or the heel of the foot – rather than parry and circle. The shortest distance between two points is a straight line.Therefore, Tae Kwon Do depends on quick, powerful strikes and kicks, such as the jab, reverse punch and side kick to defend against an attack.

Tae Kwon Do is not just a physical action.Control separates training in the dojang (school) from fighting in the street. The Tae Kwon Do student learns how to throw strikes and kicks with devastating speed and force for self-defense, yet, through training, they learn how to control their movement with the exact precision to snap a kick within inches of their sparring partner. Regardless of age, students can learn a discipline of the mind and body that remains with them throughout their lives.