Taekwondo (TKD) is an unarmed Korean military martial art, which was established in 1955. One of the key things that sets Taekwondo apart from other martial arts is the Theory of Power. We use scientific principles to generate the most power and effectiveness in every technique. The result is a practical form of self-defense, which is devastatingly powerful.
As part of your journey you will learn about the five tenets of Taekwondo, which are moral values that shape your daily life. These tenets are; Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control and Indomitable Spirit.
Taekwondo translates to ‘the art of kicking and punching’ and is most noticeable for it’s impressive and devastating kicks. Taekwondo has developed a reputation as one of the most powerful martial arts, with a bias towards use of the legs.
Taekwondo will improve your fitness, flexibility, confidence, discipline and more, and you will get to meet and become part of an incredible team of people.
The Korean Flag
Background
The Korean flag was introduced at the end of the 19th century. It is believed that Young-Hyo Park came up with the first concept:
Eum Yang
The red and blue symbol is known in Korean as the ‘Taeguk’ and represents the philosophy of Eum-Yang (or Yin-Yang in Chinese). The colour blue symbolises ‘Eum’ which represents dark, cold and all things negative. The colour red is ‘Yang’ and represents bright, hot and all thing positive. Eum-Yang refers to the origin of all things/harmony/balance and can be applied in many ways, for example Spring is Yin with respect to Summer and it is at the same time Yang with respect to the winter.
Trigrams
The white background of the flag symbolises peace and the four trigrams at the corners (‘Kwe’) represent opposites and balance, these are:
During the Japanese occupation (1910-1945), the Korean flag was outlawed in public places. The flag is now a great source of pride representing independence and freedom.
Taekwondo in the UK
Taekwondo was brought to the UK in 1967 by Grandmaster Rhee Ki Ha. He was one of the twelve original masters of the Korea Taekwondo Association and contributed to many Taekwondo demonstrations across the world. He came to the UK after some of his students in the Royal Airforce invited him to come to the UK and teach Taekwondo.
The British Taekwondo Council was formed on the 21st April, 1988. The BTC has thirteen member organisations: UK I.T.F, TAGB, English Taekwondo Federation, UKTDC, GTUK, UKTA, BTF, Traditional TKD Association, B.I.T.F, TTF, BTMA, AETA and UKTI.
The International Taekwondo Federation founded on March 22, 1966, by General Choi Hong Hi (Founder of Taekwondo), this organisational body is the parent body of UK I.T.F. The Taekwondo Association of Great Britain (TAGB) was formed in August of 1983. Our club is a member of the TAGB.
M&M Academy 