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Question: What is Tae Kwon-Do?

Answer: Tae Kwon-Do is derived from an ancient form of Oriental unarmed combat, dating back thousands of years.



Question: From where does Tae Kwon-Do originate?

Answer: Tae Kwon-Do was perfected in its present form in South Korea. Translated from Korean, “Tae” means literally ‘to jump, kick, or smash with the foot,’ “Kwon” means ‘a fist’ chiefly ‘to punch with the hand or fist,’ and “do” means ‘art, way, or method.’



Question: What is special about Tae Kwon-Do?

Answer: Tae Kwon-Do is a martial art that can be practised for self-defence, fitness, competitions, and grading (from White Belt to Black Belt), as well as personal development, focus, concentration and confidence.

To the Korean people Tae Kwon-Do is more than the use of skilled movements. It also implies a way of thinking and life, particularly instilling a concept and spirit of strict self-imposed discipline and an ideal of noble moral re-armament.



Question: What are the FIVE TENETS of Tae Kwon-Do?

Answer: In the UK, students learn the FIVE TENETS of Tae Kwon-Do – these are:

Courtesy - To be polite to everyone. You must always be polite to your Instructors, seniors and fellow students.
Integrity - To be honest with yourself. You must be able to define the difference between right and wrong.
Perseverance - To achieve a goal. Whether a higher grade or a new technique, you should never stop trying.
Self-Control - To always be in control of your actions. You must be able to live, work and train within your capabilities.
Indomitable Spirit - To show courage when you and your principles are pitted against overwhelming odds. You should do your utmost to never give up.


Question: How can a student of Tae Kwon-Do progress?

Answer: Students of Tae Kwon-Do progress through GRADING – by training to achieve through SIX colours of belts – these are:

White –  Signifies innocence, as that of the beginning student who has no previous knowledge of Tae Kwon-Do.
Yellow – Signifies earth, from which a plant sprouts and takes root as the Tae Kwon-Do foundation is being laid.
Green – Signifies the plants growth as the Tae Kwon-Do skills begin to develop.
Blue – Signifies heaven, towards which the plant matures into a towering tree as training in Tae Kwon-Do progresses.
Red – Signifies danger, cautioning the student to exercise control and warning the opponent to stay away.
Black – Opposite to white, therefore signifying maturity and proficiency in Tae Kwon-Do. Also this indicates the wearer’s imperviousness to darkness and fear.

Question: How has Tae Kwon-Do developed?

Answer: A brief history of Tae Kwon-Do history is shown in the `Tae Kwon-Do Time Line'

11th April, 1955.
Tae Kwon-Do was inaugurated in South Korea, following extensive research and development by the founder member Major General Choi Hong He, 9th Degree Black Belt (1918-2002).

1967
Tae Kwon-Do was introduced in the UK.

August 1983
The Tae Kwon-Do Association of Great Britain was formed.

21st April, 1988
A new governing body for Tae-Kwon-Do was formed, called the British Tae Kwon-Do Council (B.T.C). This now incorporates 15 different organisations and has a membership of over 44,000. It is the only body recognised by the United Kingdom Sports Council. The T.A.G.B. is a founder member of the B.T.C. It is also the largest organisation in the B.T.C. Current membership of the T.A.G.B. is over 25,000.

13th November, 1993
Tae Kwon-Do International was inaugurated. The T.A.G.B. is a member of the Tae Kwon-Do International. The Tae Kwon-Do International is a worldwide body with representation in every continent of the globe.