What is Taekwondo?
Taekwondo is one of the most systematic and scientific Korean traditional martial art that teaches more than physical fighting skills. It is a discipline that shows ways of enhancing our spirit and life through training our body and mind. Today, it has become a global sport that has gained an international reputation, and stands among the official games in the Olympics.
-World Taekwondo Federation
Poomsae
The poomsae is a series of movements for offence and defence techniques which can be practiced and trained, even without presence of an instructor, in accordance with the fixed patterns. Therefore, the poomsae has the merits, by its practice, to make the trainee enhance the Kyorugi techniques and applied techniques including special techniques which can hardly be practiced by the training of each separate basic movement alone.
The poomsae can be trained along the imaginary or drawn poomsae line, which marks the position of foot and the line direction to move along. Freestyle Poomsae has become very popular with its introduction in the World Championship. It invloves kicks very similar to those used in Demonstration.
- World Taekwondo Federation
Simonne Meiers, Black belt 2nd Dan
Sparring (Kyorugi)
Kyorugi, also known as 'sparring' involves two athletes competiting against each other. Offences or defences learnt in Poomsae is applied and used in kyorugi one against another. Here, there are kyorugis where two participants participate under promised or 'set' routine of sparring commonly known as promised or Yak Sok (약속) kyorugi and (자유) free sparring which has no set routines and participants are free to use whatever techniques. Those whom practiced the techniques and tactics may compete against one another in a Taekwondo kyorugi matche under strict rules and regulations. Both kicks and punches are allowed on the body however only kicks are allowed to the face. All vital points of the body are covered with protective gears.
Demonstration
Demonstration is one of many ways of performing Taekwondo. Demonstration specifically emphasies the beauty of Taekwondo hence involves numerous gracious kicks and breaking boards. Typically, demonstration includes self-defence, board breaking, Poomsae and application of Poomsae. Taekwondo Demostration has become very popular among those wanting to learn amazing kicks and breaks and perform in front of a large audience. King Tiger Taekwondo Club is also actively participating in demonstrations throughout the year.
Education
Taekwondo not only provides physical and metal wellbeing but educational values as well. Taekwondo from the 20th Century has rapidly been recognised as one of the most effective method of education. Master Yang himself has conducted numerous research for his Masters thesis, on the impact on the students practicing Taekwondo, during his time teaching Taekwondo in Korea. Taekwondo mainly stresses five points; Courtesy, Integrity, perseverance, self control and indomitable spirit. Essential part of life as one thrives to achieve their best.
