The History of Tae Kwon Do
The techniques of Tae Kwon Do is derived from many martial arts, but mainly Okinawan karate. During World War II, Korean soldiers were trained in Japan. They learnt karate while they were there and then took their new skills back to Korea. During Japan’s occupation of Korea, the Japanese tried to get rid of all Korea culture, which included their martial arts. After the war, many martial arts know as “kwans’ sprang up in Korea. To standardise all different styles, a meeting for kwan masters was held in 1955. They chose the name Tae Kwon Do, which describes both foot and
hand techniques. In 1980, World Tae Kwon Do Federation was recognised by the International Olympic Committee. In 1988, Tae Kwon Do become a demonstration sport at the Olympic games and at 2000 Olympic Games it became an Olympic sport.

Dress code

The Tae Kwon Do uniform is called a dobok. Like most other martial arts uniforms, a dobok looks like loose-fitting white pyjamas with a belt around the waist. The dobok is lightweight and comfortable. There are no zips, buttons or pockets that might cause injury. Uniforms are kept clean and pressed. When students need to adjust their belt, they must turn and face the back of the hall. All jewellery, such as rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets, are removed before entering the dojang. This is to ensure the safety of both yourself and the person you might be training with. Toe nails and finger nails must also be cut to an acceptable length.

Etiquette

Tae Kwon Do schools require students to show proper respect for their instructors and training hall (dojang). Bowing is the most common way of showing this respect.

Bowing is done
* When entering and leaving the dojang
* When wanting to speak to an instructor (you must wait for a return bow before you start speaking)
* When receiving awards

Fitness and training
Beginners are not usually for serious training. Fitness needs to be built slowly where basic self-defence techniques are taught.

Stretching: As well as fitness you will need to gain flexibility. You will need to loosen and warm tight and cold muscles. It is important to keep each stretching movement gentle and slow. You should not use jerking or bouncing movements. Stretching has many purposes. It:
* Increases heart and lung capacity
* Helps you practise movements you are about to perform
* Helps avoid injury from pulled muscles
* Gives you greater flexibility

Sparring: Sparring is when students pair off and exchange techniques with each other, usualy without the partner knowing the next move. Sparring is prectised in training and it is important as it teaches students which techniques will work in real-life (as well as in competitions). Students should know how to take a hit, as well as how to deliver one. Full contact sparring is not allowed. Injuries can occur if students do not have control of their actions. Students will have to wear protective equipment when sparring. Tae Kwon Do Techniques There are dozens of kicks, punches and strikes to learn in Tae Kwon Do.
Students should practice techniques that they do not like as part of the training program. Every technique defends and counter-attacks an imaginary opponent.
Breaking: Breaking techniques are demonstrations of kicking and punching
techniques. They are practiced to demonstrate the student’s understanding
of power.

Striking: Striking is done with both hands and feet. When striking, pads are used to focus your attention on an object. Pads can be moved around to sharpen the attacker’s reflexes.

Punching: Beginners learn simple punching techniques. Always strike with the first two knuckles, because these are the biggest and strongest. Never bend your wrist when you strike.
Forms (Hyungs): Forms, called hyung are set routines where students practised the skills they have learnt. Hyungs are a set sequence of moves. Students learn the moves by repetition. Different hyung teach new hand and foot techniques.
Hyungs are also performed as exams. To reach black belt status, student usually need to know at least ten hyungs. They must show their understanding of each move and execute it with focus and strength.

Self-defence: Tae Kwon Do relies mainly on kicking ad punching, although close contact work, known as self-defence is usually taught to higher grade students. The aim of self-defence is to immobolise your opponent so that they cannot strike you.
The purpose of self-defence is to recognise and avoid dangerous situations. If a confrontation arises, you can unbalance your opponent in a controlled way. This is usually followed up by a strike of some kind, or an armlock or headlock. The aim is to immobilise your opponent in the most efficient way possible.

The belt system
The colour of a Tae Kwon Do belt indicates the standard the wearer has reached. Most martial arts have a belt system but the colours of achievement often vary.
In Tae Kwon Do, white belts are worn by beginners and black belts are worn by advanced students. For each colour level there are different grades that students have to pass through.

Student Oath
We, as members train our spirits and bodies according to the strict code.
We, as members are united in mutual friendship.
We, as members will comply with regulations and obey instructors.

Student Motto

Honesty in the heart
Knowledge in the mind
Strength in the body

The Ten Tenets of Taekwondo
Be loyal to your country
Be a good son or daughter to your parents
Be faithful to your spouse
Be on good terms with your brothers and sisters
Be loyal to your friends
Be respectful to your elders
Respect and trust your teachers
Use good judgment before killing any living thing
Never retreat in battle
Always finish what you