TaeKwonDo

Tae Kwon Do is practised one of two ways, through performing forms, or patterns of movement, or through sparring.

Forms really form the groundwork of Tae Kwon Do Training. A form is made up of many moves strung together in logical fashion.

Often times practicality is not the goal of practicing a form, instead the goal is to further one’s ability to perform the techniques present in the form.

The number of forms depends on the school and organization, though it is common to learn one new form per rank, and possibly more forms per rank at higher ranks. Forms vary in their complexity, and tend to get more complex as rank increases.

The first step in form practice is memorization. As the forms can often get quite complex, it is important to be able to perform them confidently from memory. Usually when learning a form, it is helpful to practice alongside an instructor or senior student who knows the form well.

After memorization comes refinement, refinement of both the techniques found in the form and also the pacing and structure of the form it’s self.

 Pacing is very important to a form, when you get off pace it can lead to difficulty performing the moves correctly and also to balance issues. Another important aspect of Tae Kwon Do in general, and forms specifically, is the Kihap.

 The Kihap is a loud yell done after certain points in the form. It improves the form overall, as well as showing the strength and power of the individual performing the form.

Sometimes it is helpful so film yourself practicing the form so as to review things you may be able to improve upon that you may not notice while performing the form.

 When the time comes to show the form to an instructor, usually as a test to gain rank, or in competition, you must be able to execute the form comfortably and confidently, performing kihaps at the proper time and showing energy and strength throughout.

 Keep these things in mind during training and on testing day and your form will be top notch.

The history of Tae Kwon Do can be traced back to around 50 . At this time the most common martial art was called Taek Kyon.

Many agree that proof of this can be found in ancient Korean cave paintings, although other dispute this, claiming that the subjects of the painting are simply dancing.

At the time there were three rival kingdoms vying for power in Korea, the Koguryo, Paekje and Silla kingdoms.

The Silla kingdom defeated the other two kingdoms in war around 660. This victory is due in large part to the Hwa Rang Do.

The Hwa Rang Do was an elite group of Silla youth, who focused on both mental and physical strength, and who lived by a strong code of honor. A rough translation of Hwa Rang Do would be “flowering youth” and their honor code forms the basic philosophical grounding for modern Tae Kwon Do.

As time went on, the HwaRang developed from a military organization into a group focused on art and society.

In 936 A.D. The Koryu dynasty was founded by Wang Kon.

The name Koryu is where the modern name for the country, Korea, was derived. Under the Koryu Dynasty, Soo Bakh Do, which was a sport used for military training, became very popular. However, the Joseon, or Yi dynasty, which was founded in 1392, erased this emphasis on military training.

Confucianism taught that martial arts was for the lower class, and as such there was a lack of emphasis on military training.

The 1910 invasion of Korea by Japan is what led to modern Tae Kwon Do. Many Koreans received training influenced by or in Japanese martial arts, and after the end of Japanese occupation there were several different types of common martial arts.

These disciplines agreed upon the name Tae Kwon Do in 1955, and joined under that name, to create the martial art commonly practiced today. Finally, in 2000, Tae Kwon Do became and olympic sport, securing it’s place among the world’s great martial arts.

 Once you have made the decision to begin training in Tae Kwon Do you must next begin attending regular training sessions at you’re local school or kwon.

  Class structure can vary from school to school, but usually the first part of class is the bow in. Bowing in is common across all martial arts and is a show of respect to you’re art, you’re instructor, you’re peers, you’re school and finally, to both the nations of the art’s origin and you’re own nation.

  It is common for a school to have an American flag as well as a South Korean flag hanging at the front of the class.

  After bowing in, a warm up is usually the next part of class. Warming up is important as it will keep you from pulling or injuring any part of you’re body, plus it prepares you mentally to train.

  Warmup usually consists of stretching, general technique practice, and sometimes conditioning through pushups, jumping jacks and in the case of a large kwon, laps around the floor.

 Stretching of the legs is the primary concern when stretching as much of the art is devoted to kicks. Splits, windmills and butterflies are all common stretches. After stretching, practicing general techniques is important.

 This is the practice of various kicks, punches and blocks.

These techniques are integral to every part of the art, as such it is important to spend time focusing on the technique removed from sparring or form practice. Practice of techniques is done by lining up and facing the front of class, following the instructor on his count.

 Often the instructor will offer tips and points to work on while practicing, and depending on class size may offer some individual instruction.

 Finally, conditioning is often the last part of warmups.

Not all schools will do this, but it can be beneficial to you’re mental state, fitness and strength. Conditioning, as stated above, is mostly done by pushups, crunches, sit-ups and other common exercises.

Warmups are important because they prepare you for class, as well as set the tone for the training session. As such you should always come prepared for this starting workout.