Taekwon-Do is the Korean art of self-defense, created by General Choi Hong-hi, who founded Taekwon-Do on April 11, 1955.  Its foundations are based on the ancient Korean martial art of T’aekkyŏn, as well as Japanese Karate. Although these ancient arts were used as references, the fundamental theories and principles of Taekwon-Do are entirely different from any other martial art in the world.  Taekwon-Do is a version of unarmed combat designed for the purpose of self-defense. Therefore, it is also practiced as a form of mental training and physical sport. The techniques of Taekwon-Do are based on Newton’s laws, which teach us how to create maximum power. Military tactics of attack and defense have been incorporated, as well. At a spiritual level, Taekwon-Do comes from ethical, moral and traditional principles of the Orient, and of course from its creator, General Choi Hong-hi.

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Translated literally, “Tae” stands for jumping, flying, or to kick or smash with the foot; “Kwon” denotes the fist, chiefly used to punch or destroy with the hand; and “Do” means “art” or “way.” Thus, taken collectively, “Taekwon-Do” indicates the mental training and techniques of unarmed combat for self-defense and health, involving the skilled application of punches, kicks, blocks, throws and dodges—with bare hands and feet—to the rapid destruction of the moving opponent or opponents.

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Taekwon-Do “Is a way of life.”