BTKD Tae Kwon-Do

Sunday's 16:30 - 17:30 at The Larruperz Centre, Ross on Wye

What is Tae Kwon-Do?

It is a version of an ancient form of unarmed combat practiced for many centuries in the Orient. Tae Kwon-Do became perfected in its present form in Korea.

Translated from Korean “Tae” literally means to jump, kick or smash with the foot. “Kwon” means a fist – chiefly to punch or destroy with the hand or fist. “Do” means art, way or method. Tae Kwon-Do indicates the technique of unarmed combat for self-defence, involving the skilled application of punches, kicks, blocks, dodges and interception with the hand.

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

In these days of violence and intimidation, which seems to plague our modern societies, Tae Kwon-Do enables the weak to possess a fine weapon to defend himself or herself and defeat the opponent as well. When wrongly applied it can be a lethal weapon.

The Foundation of Tae Kwon-Do

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

Tae Kwon-Do was first introduced into the UK in 1967.

Tae Kwon-Do Terminology

Tae Kwon-Do terminology is based on the Korean language, although some words were developed specifically for Tae Kwon-Do and do not otherwise appear in Korean vocabulary.

Using these terms enables a student to train anywhere in the world, over-riding all language difficulties.

The BTKD Syllabus

The Tae Kwon-Do syllabus is a set of carefully graded exercises and training skills that develop a Students abilities over time.

The following is a brief overview of the key syllabus areas.

Patterns

A Pattern, or ‘tul’ in Korean, is a set of fundamental movements, mainly defence and attack set in a logical sequence to deal with one or more imaginary opponents. Patterns allow students to develop sparring techniques, improve flexibility of movement and co-ordination, to master body shifting and direction changes, develop muscles, balance and breathing control. They also enable students to learn the use and application of new stances and techniques. Many of these techniques cannot be obtained from other forms of training. There are 24 Patterns because the founder Major General Choi Hong Hi compared the life of man with a day in the life of the earth and believed that people should strive to bequeath a spiritual legacy to future generations and hence gain immortality.

As the founder wrote:

‘ Here I leave Tae Kwon-Do for mankind, as a trace of a man of the late 20th Century. The twenty-four Patterns represent twenty-four hours; one day or all of my life.’

The Patterns are named after figures in Korean mythology or history.

The following points should be considered when performing Patterns:

Patterns should begin and end on the same spot. This will indicate the performer’s accuracy.
Correct posture and facing must be maintained at all times.
Muscles of the body should be tensed or relaxed at the proper critical moments in the exercise.
The exercise should be performed in a rhythmic movement with the absence of stiffness.
Each Pattern should be accelerated or decelerated according to instruction.
Each Pattern should be perfected before moving on to the next.
Students should know the purpose of the movements.
Students should perform the Pattern with realism.

Sparring

Club sparring and competition sparring (optional) are way for a student to put their training into practice. Sparring matches are semi-contact with the student using full safety equipment. The pace is fast and furious and is an exciting way to learn and develop Tae Kwon-Do skills. Winners are decided on a point stop or continuous system with referees constantly monitoring the bout to keep strict control on contact.

Self Defence

This is taught from the very first lesson with pre-arranged movements before moving to more realistic situations as the student’s training progresses. Self defence training improves confidence and prepares the student to deal with dangerous situations.

Terminology and Theory

Although many martial arts have become more and more westernised with the importance of theory abandoned by many styles, we believe theory is an important part of training and that the student should understand the movements and the reason for doing each. This is apparent in the early stages of training, when students are taught the purpose of the exercises and what they have been developed for.

Destruction

This element of Tae Kwon-Do is strictly for adult black belts and involves the breaking of boards with bare hands and feet, thus displaying a high level of discipline and skill.

The Five Tenents of Tae Kwon-Do

Courtesy

To be polite to everyone. You must always be courteous 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.

Conduct in the Dojang

Every Student must observe the following conduct in the Dojang in order to maintain an orderly and effective training class.

Bow upon entering.
Bow to the Instructor at a proper distance.
Exchange greetings between students.
Bow to the Instructor upon forming lines prior to training.
Bow to the Instructor upon forming lines prior to dismissal.
Bow before leaving the Dojang.

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