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 Benefits, mental discipline
and a deep philosophy.
Tae Kwon Do consists 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.