Tae-Kyon is a form of foot fighting. Through the centuries, hand techniques were introduced and the combination is now called Taekwon-Do, but in the more advanced techniques, the use of the legs is still more important. This makes Taekwon-Do more effective and spectacular than other oriental self-defense arts, because the legs can develop more power and reach farther than the hands. The Korean word "Tae" means kicking, jumping, stepping or flying of the feet; "Kwon" means punching, striking or beating of the hands or fists; and "Do" means art, technique or way.

TaeKwon-Do training is divided into four parts:

• Basic fundamental exercise
  • Basic blocks and punches
  • Basic stances and kicks
• Pattern - A memorized series of moves for self-sparring practice. Affords practice in defending yourself in all directions against multiple attackers. Pattern develops patience and improves concentration by the process of bilaterally exercising both hemispheres of the brain. Concentration is the foundation of our entire learning system.
• Sparring - is a competitive sport requiring speed, accuracy, balance, coordination, endurance and judgment. You will learn to use combinations of offense and defense techniques in rapid succession.
  • One-step sparring or guaranteed sparring.
  • Free-sparring
• Self-defense techniques - are applied to all personal attack situations. Emphasis is on effective blocking techniques which resist an attack, turning the attacker's strength and momentum against himself.

Modesty - A combination of courtesy and integrity. Being able to define right and wrong and have the ability to act accordingly towards others and in your training methods.

Perseverance - Based on the oriental saying, "Patience leads to virtue or merit." To achieve a higher degree of perfection of a technique, one must set a goal, then constantly persevere.

Self-Control - It is very important to practice self - control inside your Taekwon-Do school and outside while conducting your personal affairs.

Indomitable Spirit - Not to be easily discouraged when you and your principles are pitted against overwhelming odds.

Self-defense dates as far back as human history. Humans always felt a need for protection against nature's animals and other humans. In Korea, several thousand years ago, a form of self-defense was started in the Buddha Temple. Monks practiced Buddhism many hours a day. They realized a need for exercise and self-defense for protection from robbers and looters. Since Buddha philosophy does not permit the use of weapons in the temple, their only source of protection was the use of their bare hands and feet. Thus came the invention of a few very brief self defense techniques. Along with the yoga that was practiced, these techniques were found to be very good exercise as well as a means of protection.

1300 years ago during the Silla Dynasty, there was a very select group of youths called Wha Rang Do, who attended what is similar to our military schools. They adopted these self-defense techniques as their basic army military training. They called their techniques Tae-Kyon. These were then taught by word of mouth down through the generations.