About Taekwon-do
These days, anyone interested in learning a martial art may feel spoiled for choice – there are a huge number of martial arts to choose between. From modern styles such as mixed martial arts, to far older traditional forms such as variations of Kung Fu and Karate, it can feel bewildering to know which style is best to choose. So, where does Taekwon-do fit into all of these?
We explain more about the principles of Taekwon-do, how it works, and why you may be interested to choose Taekwon-do when learning a martial art.
What is Taekwon-do?
Taekwon-do is a modern martial art, dating to 1955, when it was founded in Korea by General Choi Hong Hi. The General sought to develop a unique martial art based on the best principles he had experienced in his own extensive training in traditional disciplines, including Japanese Karate. However, the General also sought to add the best elements of modern sciences based on physics and physiology. This way, General Choi developed a new style that combined the discipline and structure of a traditional martial art – including uniforms, a belt system, patterns and a core syllabus – with a modern understanding of how to generate explosive power and smooth, natural movement.
Taekwon-do literally means "the art of the foot and the hand". That is to say, it teaches practitioners how to fight using powerful kicking and hand striking techniques. In ITF Taekwon-do tournaments, competitors may strike using kicks or punches to the body and head. In our training and patterns, we also learn knee and elbow strikes, plus locks and techniques to exploit pressure points and joints.
Taekwon-do for Fitness
If you're looking for a challenging, fun and engaging way to stay in shape and develop personal fitness, then Taekwon-do is an excellent choice. There are all sorts of elements of Taekwon-do training to raise the heartbeat, from challenging patterns to pad work (punching or kicking against pads held by a partner to develop technique) and one-on-one sparring.
Taekwon-do is also excellent for developing flexibility, hand-eye co-ordination and fast reactions.
Is Taekwon-do Good for Self-Defence?
Taekwon-do is an excellent martial art to choose for self-defence. From the moment a student begins training, core principles of defence and attack are taught.
These include everything from an awareness of which parts of the body to defend and how, to learning how to hold oneself against one or more opponents. As the student progresses through the Taekwon-do belt system, progressively more complex techniques are taught, both for defence and attack.
Taekwon-do also teaches the student core principles of mental discipline and self-awareness, which are essential in diffusing or avoiding potential self-defence scenarios.
Taekwon-do Uniform and Equipment
If you're joining us as a beginner for your first few classes, there's no uniform or equipment needed. Simply turn up in comfortable sports clothing such as a t-shirt and tracksuit bottoms.
Students joining the club will need to purchase a BUTF uniform, which can be arranged through the club. Belts are never purchased separately by students – rather, they are awarded by the club upon successful completion of a grading.
If you wish to spar at the club or in tournaments, you will need to purchase sparring gloves, foot pads and a helmet. All can be arranged via the club. Male practitioners must wear a groin guard during tournaments. Gum shields are optional, but advised.
We do not wear trainers or Taekwon-do shoes while training or competing. No jewellery, watches or fitness trackers may be worn while practicing Taekwon-do.
The Taekwon-do Belt System and Gradings
Taekwon-do students attain different-coloured belts to signify their rank and state of expertise in the martial art. A beginner student will wear a white belt, then progress to yellow, green, blue and red belts before they may attain a black belt.
It is important to emphasise that at Pinner Taekwon-do, none of these ranks are handed out merely for attendance of gradings, or for length of time a student may have trained. Nor may any rank be exchanged for monetary value. Every successful grading must be passed by merit, and a student will only progress to the next level by passing a set grading criteria for their current level. Our syllabus and grading expectations are set by our parent federation, the British United Taekwondo Federation, and we proudly hold our instructors and our students to these highest of standards.
In particular, we would emphasise that progression to the rank of black belt must never be assumed. Of one hundred students beginning their training in Taekwon-do, perhaps only one will show the perseverance and discipline to attain even their first black belt (1st Dan). The number of students who progress from that point onto their 2nd or 3rd Dan black belts is ever smaller. With this in mind, we are proud that our club is led by instructors including 4th Dan and 6th Dan level black belts.
Is Taekwon-do Right for You?
There's an easy way to find out – join us for a free taster lesson to experience Pinner Taekwon-do for yourself.