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"To put it simply Taekwon-Do is a version of unarmed combat designed for the
purpose of self-defence. |
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It is more than just that, however. It is the scientific use of the body
in the method of self-defence; a body that has gained the ultimate use of its
facilities through intensive physical and mental training. |
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It is a martial art that has no equal in either power or technique. Though it is
a martial art, its discipline, technique and mental training are the mortar for
building a strong sense of justice, fortitude, humility and resolve. |
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It is this mental conditioning that separates the true practitioner from the
sensationalist, content with mastering only the fighting aspects of the art. |
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This is one of the reasons that Taekwon-Do is called an art of self-defence. It
also implies a way of thinking and life, particularly in instilling a concept
and spirit of strict self-imposed discipline and an ideal of noble moral
rearmament. |
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The nearest description of it is almost a cult. 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 an art or way
- the right way built and paved by the saints and sages in the past. |
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Thus taken collectively "Taekwon-Do" indicates the mental training and the
techniques of unarmed combat for self-defence as well as 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." |
General Choi Hong Hi
Founder of Taekwon-Do |
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References: |
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Choi, Hong Hi, 1999. Taekwon-Do (The Korean Art of Self Defense) also known as
The Condensed Encyclopedia. 5th ed. Canada: Comdo. |