Translated literally,

TAE: stands for Jumping or flying, to kick or smash with the foot.

KWON: denotes the fist - chiefly to punch or destroy with the hand or fist.

DO: means the ' way ' the right way built and paved by sages in the past.

Thus taken collectively, Taekwon-Do indicates the mental training and the techniques of unarmed combat for self-defence as well as good health, involving the skilled application of punches, kicks, blocks, and dodges with bare hands and feet to the rapid destruction of the moving opponent or opponents.

To put it simply Taekwon-Do is a version of unarmed combat designed by General Choi, Hong Hi, on 11th April 1955 for the purpose of self-defence, utilising the body in a scientific way.

It is based not only on physical development, but also on mental conditioning, with a strong emphasis on the cultivation of moral culture as a way of life.

It is this application of science that makes Taekwon-Do a truly modern art.

›› read more about the history of TKD here
›› read more about General Choi Hong Hi here