What is Tae Kwon Do?

The literal translation of the Korean phrase Tae Kwon Do is A method of defending yourself with your hands and feet.

• Tae - jumping or flying, to kick or smash with the foot.
• Kwon - to punch or destroy with the fist.
• Do - the "art" or "way" of.

Tae Kwon Do is a martial art that is based on the theory that the feet are better weapons than the hands. And, while practitioners become very effective at targeting and throwing kick combinations, they also train to punch and strike effectively with the hands. This produces some of the finest and most well rounded martial artists.

Technical skill, however is not the utlimate goal of Tae Kwon Do. For, well rounded martial artists must be balanced and disciplined individuals as well. There are five characteristics or tenets which practitioners of Tae Kwon Do strive to develop within themselves.

They are:

• Courtesy - (Ye Ul)
• Integrity - (Yom Chi)
• Perseverance - (In Nae)
• Self-Control - (Guk Gi)
• Indomitable Spirit - (Baekjul Boolgool)

It is the development of these characteristics that makes the ultimate goal of Tae Kwon Do a more peaceful and harmonious world.

Please read on for more on the philosophy of Hoshin Blackbelt Academy and the Martial Arts.

What is Tae Kwon Do?

The literal translation of the Korean phrase Tae Kwon Do is A method of defending yourself with your hands and feet.

• Tae - jumping or flying, to kick or smash with the foot.
• Kwon - to punch or destroy with the fist.
• Do - the "art" or "way" of.

Tae Kwon Do is a martial art that is based on the theory that the feet are better weapons than the hands. And, while practitioners become very effective at targeting and throwing kick combinations, they also train to punch and strike effectively with the hands. This produces some of the finest and most well rounded martial artists.

Technical skill, however is not the utlimate goal of Tae Kwon Do. For, well rounded martial artists must be balanced and disciplined individuals as well. There are five characteristics or tenets which practitioners of Tae Kwon Do strive to develop within themselves.

They are:

• Courtesy - (Ye Ul)
• Integrity - (Yom Chi)
• Perseverance - (In Nae)
• Self-Control - (Guk Gi)
• Indomitable Spirit - (Baekjul Boolgool)

It is the development of these characteristics that makes the ultimate goal of Tae Kwon Do a more peaceful and harmonious world.

Please read on for more on the philosophy of Hoshin Blackbelt Academy and the Martial Arts.