"Tae" (to kick) "Kwon" (to punch) "Do" (art or way) Taekwondo translated is "the art of kicking and punching." The modern international sport of Taekwondo is a developed version of a centuries-old Korean martial art. Hundreds of years ago the Hwa Rang, a Korean warrior class of society, practied Tae Kyon, a form of weaponless combat. They also developed a conduct code to complement their physical training. All of Taekwondo's actovities are based upon defense, since it was developed to fight against enemy attacks in ancient Korea. Emphasis is placed upon self defense and developing self control.

Taekwondo is now a full medal Olympic sport, the first time being the 2000 games, held in Sidney, Australia. Prior to this, Taekwondo was a demonstration sport. The promotion to full-medal status took years of dedicated hard work, but it has paid off, and Taekwondo is growing ever larger in popularity.

The philosophy behind Taekwondo can be traced back to the ideas of Buddhism and its aim of "Master of Self." With Taekwondo's philosophy, a student can shed his/her ego and live in greater harmony with his/her surroundings. Through rigorous training, students improve physically as well as mentally and spiritually. The philosophy rotates around the idea of interaction between opposing forces in the universe (Yin & Yang). A balance is achieved when the opposing forces are distributed in equal amounts. Taekwondo is more than a method of self defense, but a way of life. It teaches that honesty and responsibility are the means to achieve harmony in life. Respect, humility and a high sense of morality are important teachings to all Taekwondo students. The overall aim of Taekwondo is overall physical and mental development. To this end, the following principles and points of emphasis are essential.

•     Oneness with nature
•     Complete awareness of environment
•     Experience
•     Conscience
•     Culture

1.     Reverence for nature
2.     Physical concentration
3.     Courtesy
4.     Modesty
5.     Thankfulness
6.     Self-Sacrifice
7.     Cultivate courage
8.     Chastity
9.     Be strong inside and mild outside
10.     Endurance
11.     Reading ability

1.     Vocal exhalation for thoracic strength
2.     Focus of sight
3.     Continuous balance during movements
4.     Flexibility
5.     Correct muscle tone for maximum power
6.     High and low speed techniques
7.     Exactness of techniques
8.     Adjustment for proper distance
9.     Proper breathing for endurance
10.     Conditioning hands and feet

1.     Purpose of training is to enhance mental and physical self
2.     Sincerity is necessary
3.     Maintain a consistent schedule during practice
4.     Do your best when training
5.     Regularly space practice sessions
6.     Obey without objection the word instructors and seniors; look and learn
7.     Don't be overly ambitious
8.     Pay attention to every aspect of training
9.     Pay attention to the order of training
10.     Get instructions step by step in new forms and techniques
11.     Conquer the feeling of idleness
12.     Cleanliness is important after practice is finished

•     Increases self confidence
•     Establishes self control
•     Increases concentration
•     Encourages maturity
•     Encourages respect, courtesy

•     Increases flexibility, agility
•     Increases lean muscle mass
•     Promotes cardiovascular fitness
•     Builds endurance
•     Builds coordination