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Q: What is Taekwondo?
A: Taekwon-Do is a Korean martial art developed in the 1940s and 50s from other, more ancient Korean martial arts, as well as karate. It combines self-defense, sport, and artistry.

Q: How is it different from other martial arts?
A: Taekwon-Do places a greater emphasis on kicking than many other martial arts, as well as fast hand strikes and blocks. One of the most popular martial arts in the world, Taekwon-Do is practiced in over 130 countries and is one of only two martial arts featured in the Olympic games.

Like Karate practitioners, Taekwon-Do students perform a lot of upper body techniques like punching, blocking and striking. The superior kicking techniques of Taekwon-Do certainly helps to distiguish its practioners from other martial artists; however, the most distinguishing physical characteristic of Taekwon-Do is the incorporation of Newtonian physics and modern biomechaincs into the art's system of motion. As students, we learn to use our body to harness naturally-occuring forces to increase the amount of power our bodies can produce.    

But it may not be a physical part of the art that is its most powerful aspect. The art's founder, General Choi, embedded what he called "moral culture" as the bedrock of the Taekwon-Do community. In some ways, this moral culture draws heavily from the Korean tradition of Confucianism which remains a fundamental part of Korean society to the present day. General Choi understood that human avarice and weakness can prevail when an individual cultivates personal power without an equally-strong a moral compass. Thus, a martial artists without a moral compass is the same as a ship without a rudder. A quality Taekwon-Do dojang places equal aspects on the physical and moral aspects of the art.

Q: What does Taekwon-Do mean?
A: Literally translated Tae Kwon Do means ‘the way of the fist and foot.’ The most important part of the word is ‘Do’ as this translated means ‘the correct way.’ Learning to kick and punch are only physical attributes. By practicing Do and the principles of Taekwondo, students become overall martial artists both physically and mentally.

Q: What is the belt system in TaeKwon Do?
A: Depending on your club there are either 9 or 10 belts to black belt 1st Dan. Every beginner is known as a white belt, they then have to grade (do a physical examination) in front of high Dan grades who then decide if the student is good enough to pass. The belt system is generally the same, however some clubs may vary. White belt then yellow belt (some clubs is Greece) then blue belt then red belt then black belt. In between students Normally have tags on their belts to indicate which colour they are trying to be promoted to next.

Q: What happens when you reach black belt?
A: When you achieve your black belt you automatically become a 1st Dan. To qualify for second Dan you must train hard for a minimum of two years your instructor then decides if you are ready to apply for your 2nd Dan promotion. You may have to wait longer if you have missed training for any reason or if your instructor does not think you are ready. For 3rd Dan you have to train for an additional 3 years after achieving your 2nd Dan, the same rules apply, an additional 4 years for 4th Dan, 5 years training for 5th Dan and so on.

Q: How do you kick and punch faster?
A: Faster kicking and punching can be achieved by most importantly breathing correctly from your abdomen. Combine this with excellent technique, speed, focus, hip movement, breathing, relaxation and hard work and you will achieve extremely fast devastating technique. To get to this point takes years and years of dedication and hard work.

Q: What is the most powerful Taekwon-Do technique?
A: If done correctly all Taekwon-Do techniques should be devastating. However, spin kicks in particular spin side kick and back kick are incredibly powerful due to the speed and power you can get from the turn.

Q: What is a Taekwon-Do uniform called?
A: A Taekwon-Do uniform is called a dobok.

Q: What equipment do I need to start Taekwondo?
A: You basically do not need any equipment to start training in Taekwondo. Once you are sure that you wish to continue to train you will need a uniform (dobok) which are compulsory for official events such as competitions and gradings. When carrying out contact work of any description you will have to buy some protective equipment such as a head guard, body protector, forearm guard, shin guard and groin protection, etc.

Q: What are the basic movements in Taekwondo?
A: Most kicking in Taekwondo’s, even while jumping or flying, are based upon three techniques. They are front snap kick, turning kick and side kick. Once you have practiced these kicks, the rest will become much easier to perform correctly. And, although Taekwon-Do is renowned for its kicking techniques, we also learn and practice blocking, punching, and strikin , as well as some basic sweeping and throwing.