The martial art of Tae Kwon Do has been independently developed in Korea for over 2,000 years.  This martial art is now recognized as a modern international sport.  All movements involved in Tae Kwon Do were originally developed as a defense against enemy attacks.  Since its beginning, Tae Kwon Do has also served as a way to improve the health, physical flexibility, agility, and posture of those who practice the sport.

Tae Kwon Do is a form of oriental martial arts composed of diverse offensive and defensive movements, in which one's hands and feet are used as weapons.  It employs both graceful movements and powerful quick techniques at once.  It is helpful for balanced physical development.  The practice of Tae Kwon Do has the effect of increasing muscular power, springing power, and improving the functions of heart and lung.  All the movements of Tae Kwon Do require precision and speed at the same time.  Rhythmical change between strength and restraint is also needed in the performance
of its techniques.

One important feature of Tae Kwon Do is that it is a free-fighting combat sport in which bare hands and feet are used to repel the opponent.  Persons trained in Tae Kwon Do possess a special kind of self confidence in their physical ability as well as their mental discipline.  These individuals have developed superior techniques for personal defense by skillfully using their entire body.

The "Do" in Tae Kwon Do means, "the right way of doing something", "the path of justice", or "what is right".  The meaning of Tae Kwon Do is roughly "the right way of fist and foot fighting -- the art of feet, hands and mind".  Tae Kwon Do, however, has some philosophical implications other than mere techniques and skills of fighting.  The word "right" means "when and where to fight for what cause and purpose" as well as "how to fight".

Sincere Tae Kwon Do practitioners should always bear in their mind that they must use their power and techniques for the great cause of resisting evil forces, and defending the weak and the just.  Reaching this state of righteousness and integrity will not be as difficult as it sounds, if we develop a tremendous power somewhere inside our body.  Maintaining equanimity of mind, and remaining restrained in critical situations are other respectable characteristics of the Tae Kwon Do person.  Only those who possess inner strength can elect to avoid resorting to unnecessary violence without a pain of conscience or disgrace of defeat.  If you are a parent, give more thought about how much better it would be for our children to be educated in such a courageous atmosphere in their formative years!

- Excerpts from blackbeltacademy.homestead.com

The Five Precepts of Tae Kwon Do
Courtesy
To be thoughtful and considerate of others. Tae Kwon Do practitioners (both students and instructors) should be polite, and show consideration for others.