What is Taekwondo?

     Loosely translated, Taekwondo means "the art of kicking and punching (with the hands and feet)."  The literal translation is: Tae - pushing, jumping, or crushing with the foot; Kwon - hitting or crushing with the fist or hand; Do - the Way, the story, the art, or the Path (Lee, 1996).

     Taekwondo is a martial art and a way of life that has been taught all over the world.  Although it is clearly a martial (fighting) art, modern Taekwondo is intended to be used only for defense or sport.  Taekwondo emphasizes the growth of the mind and body together, so it is an ideal tool for personal improvement.  Taekwondo emphasizes respect, confidence, self-control, discipline, concentration and patience.  At the same time, the body will gain balance, speed, flexibility, strength ,and endurance.

     Although Taekwondo was an official Olympic medal sport at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia, the sport part of Taekwondo is a small part of the whole. Taekwondo is a way of life and a means to personal improvement.

The Martial Arts Club

names and phone numbers

events that the MAC is evolved in

events that are happening in the community

History of Taekwondo

Tenets of Taekwondo

A tenet is a principle, doctrine, or belief that is held as a truth by some group (www.dictionary.com, 2002).  In Taekwondo there are five tenets that we hold as true:

• Courtesy
• Integrity
• Perseverance
• Self-Control
• Indomitable Spirit

Aside from the tenets, Taekwondo also has five student oaths; which are:

• I shall observe the Tenets of Taekwondo.
• I shall Never Misuse Taekwondo.
• I shall Respect Instructors and Seniors.
• I will be a Champion for Freedom and Justice.
• I will build a more Peaceful World.

Orientation Class and Basics

     The orientation period consists of 5 classes to introduce the beginner to Taekwondo. There is no formal test to graduate from the orientation class, but the student is expected to know the basic terminology, stances, and kicks. The class is divided into five sections. The first two classes consist of an introduction to Taekwondo, general etiquette, dojang (training hall) rules, the brief history of Taekwondo, basic stances, and punching. The third class is a review of the first two classes and adds front stretch kick, crescent kicks, and front snap kick. The fourth class includes round-house kick, and the fifth class adds side kick. The classes are cumulative and by the end of the fifth class, the student should have a fundamental understanding of the basics.

The Basics

Terminology and the Korean Language

     Terminology sheet for students and information about the Korean language

Kicho Sogi (Basic Stances)

•      Charyot Sogi (Attention stance)
•      Joonbi Sogi (Ready stance)
•      Choo-chum Sogi (horse riding stance)
•      Ahp Kubi (Forward stance)
•      Dwi Kubi (Back stance)

Kicho Chagi (Basic Kicks)

•      Ap Chagi (Front kick)
•      Dolyo Chagi (Round kick)
•      Yup Chagi (Side kick)
•      Naeryo Chagi (Axe kick)
•      Dwi Chagi (Back kick)
•      Huryo Chagi (Hook kick)
•      Dwi Huryo Chagi (Spinning Hook kick)

Kicho Makki & Kong gyok ki sul (Basic Blocks & Attacks)

•      Arae Makki (Low Block)
•      Elgul Makki (High Block)
•      Ahn Momtong Makki (Inner Block)
•      Bakkat Momtong Makki (Outer Block)
•      Jirugi (Punch)
•      Bandae Jirugi (Reverse Punch)

Promotion Requirements

     For each belt level, there are different requirements. These requirements may change as more is added to the curriculum.

Poomse

     Students at the MAC are expected to learn both the Palgwe poomses and the Taeguek poomses prior to achieving a first degree Black Belt. Descriptions of the poomses required are given below. For an overview of the meanings of the poomses please click here.

     They should be used for general guidance only. All students are expected to learn the poomses from class, not from these illustrations. These illustrations and descriptions are for reference purposes only. The ultimate reference is the instructors, not this, or any other web site.

Links to other interesting sites

    Other Taekwondo resources on the Web!

All Comments and Suggestions are welcome.

Please email me at: mac@calstatela.edu

This Student Guide is just that, a guide.  Many sources and hours have gone into the design and upkeep of this site.  If you have any questions or suggestions, please don't hesitate to ask.

This Student Guide was created to assist the student at Cal State LA in there training in Taekwondo.  This guide is not a replacement for actual instruction by an instructor.

© Copyright 2002 by MAC@CSULA