Taekwondo is a Korean striking martial art known for its powerful, high-speed kicks with an emphasis on training the body and mind.
Origins of Taekwondo
Taekwondo, originating from Korea, is a martial art renowned for its spectacular kicks and dynamic competitive environment. With 60 million practitioners worldwide, Taekwondo combines elements of traditional martial arts with modern sport techniques, making it one of the most popular martial arts worldwide.
Governed internationally by the World Taekwondo Federation (WT) and the International TaeKwon-Do Federation (ITF), Taekwondo is both an Olympic sport and a well-rounded discipline that includes various components such as sparring, patterns, self-defense, board breaking, and demonstrations.
Sparring (Kyorugi)
Taekwondo is a striking martial art that uses a point-scoring system in sparring: points are awarded based on kicks and punches to specific target areas. The system emphasises accuracy and technique, with different point values given to more complex strikes, such as with spins or to the head. Olympic-style sparring is governed by WT rules.
For those who wish to compete, there are 3-4 oppourtunities throughout the year to represent the university at a national student level.
Patterns (Poomsae and Tuls)
Patterns, or Poomsae (in WT) and Tul (in ITF), are a series of predefined movements performed in sequence, designed to simulate combat. These serve as a way to demonstrate technique, coordination and timing. Each pattern includes kicks, blocks, strikes and various stances. These are an integral part of the grading system, with higher grades being required to perform more complex patters. Demonstrating a pattern is a way to show discipline, precision and understanding of techniques.
Competitions involve performing different patterns in front of a series of judges who will score you based on your performance. This style of competition rewards you for your knowledge of the techniques as well as flexibility, strength, prescion and timing.
Demonstrations
Demonstrations can involve patterns, choreographed sparring, high-flying kicks and breaking techniques. These are some of the most visually impressive aspects of taekwondo, showcasing agility, power and precision. Board breaking can also be used as a test of skill and power during a grading.
Philosophy
"Courtesy. Integrity. Perserverance. Self-Control. Indomitable Spirit." These are the five tenets of Taekwondo; they guide practitioners both inside and outside of the dojang and serve as the the foundation for moral and ethical aspects of the martial art. This focuses on the person as a whole aiming to make not just a skilled martial artist, but also an individual of character and integrity.
Regardless of what you are looking for, Taekwondo is a great way to meet new people, improve your physical and mental fitness and flexibility, and learn new skills!