WHAT IS TAEKWONDO?  Taekwondo is a Korean self defence martial art which in English translates as foot and hand way. It dates back from the 19 th century, and is well known for focusing on a variety of kicking techniques derived from martial arts styles such as Karate and Kung Fu.

THE COMMANDS  Charyot: Korean meaning “Attention”  Gyeongnye: Korean meaning “Bow”  Choon Bee: Korean meaning “Ready Stance”  See-Jak: Korean meaning “Begin”  Keu-Mahn: Korean meaning “Finish (Stop)”

THE BELTS 1  White signifies a stage of innocence such as that of the novice student with no prior knowledge of Taekwondo.  Yellow signifies the earth from which a plant sprouts and takes root as the Taekwondo foundation is being laid.  Green signifies the plants growth as the Taekwondo seed begins to develop, so the students skill develops.

THE BELTS 2  Blue signifies the heaven towards which the plant matures into a towering tree as the training in Taekwondo progresses.  Red signifies danger, cautioning the student to exercise self-control, and warning the opponent to stay away.  Black is the opposite of white, signifying both maturity and proficiency in Taekwondo. It also symbolises the wearer’s imperviousness to darkness and fear.

THE STANCES 1  Front Stance:  Back Stance:

THE STANCES 2  Ready Stance:  Riding Stance:  Tiger Stance:

THE STRIKES  Punch  Palm-Heel Strike  Knife-Hand Strike  Spare-Finger Strike  Arc-Hand Strike  Ridge-Hand Strike

THE KICKS  Ap Chagi/Front Kick  Dollyo Chagi/Turning Kick  Yeup Chagi/Side Kick  Naeryeo Chagi/Axe Kick  Dwi Chagi/Back Kick  Bandal Chagi/Cresent Kick  Huryeo Chagi/ Hook Kick

THE BLOCKS  Low Section Block  High Section Block  Inner Block  Outer Block  Wedging Block  Cross Block

POOMSE  Poomse Is the Korean meaning for “Pattern”. This is a short display that uses specified sequences including strikes, kicks, and blocks demonstrating a students knowledge of Taekwondo.