The Name - Taekwon-do
Taekwon-do (also known as Tae Kwon Do) is the art of self defence that originated in Korea. The name was selected for its appropriate description of the art. Literally Translated Taekwon-Do means “The Way of the Foot & Hand”
Translated from Korean:
TAE means to Kick or smash with the Foot,
KWON means to punch or destroy with the fist
DO means the Art or way of life.
General Choi Hong Hi is credited with the development of Taekwon-Do and is universally referred to as the Founder and father of Taekwon-Do on the 11th April 1955.
The Military Composition of Taekwon-do
The composition of Taekwon-do lends itself well to progressive instruction. Each aspect within the composition is closely related to the others enabling each phase of instruction to link effectively with the last. General Choi identifies the composition of Taekwon-do in Taekwon-Do (The Korean Art of Self-Defense) as:
- Fundamental movements – individual soldier’s techniques.
- Dallyon – maintenance of equipment.
- Patterns – Platoon tactics.
- Sparring – Field exercises in simulated combat conditions.
- Self-defence – Actual combat.
The Everyday Composition of Taekwon-do
The application of Taekwon-do as a military art of self-defence is clear in the progressive training program connected to the different levels of military training. In a civilian environment, training as though in the military may not be conducive to the range of students which can participate in Taekwon-do in a normal dojang. This is due to the range of ages and fitness levels of a normal population, which can be significantly different from those who are active in the military. However, the need to develop a student’s understanding and capability remains paramount. With this in mind, the composition of Taekwon-do can be re-aligned to link with a student’s learning without compromising the structure:
- Fundamental movements – individual moves done correctly.
- Dallyon – fitness and physical conditioning.
- Patterns – Linked moves against an imaginary opponent.
- Sparring – Simulated combat with use of techniques under limited response time situations.
- Self-defence – Actual application of the techniques in real world situations.
Additional Reading
Please utilise the links below if you want to read more about the history of Taekwon-do or the application of learning approaches.
R Thorley 4th Dan Thesis - Effective Learning in Taekwon-do
International Taekwon-do Federation website
British Taekwondo Federation Facebook