TAEKWONDO
What is TKD?
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art. I fell in love with this martial art in 2005. I started training for self-defense, but it became a love affair that never ended. Taekwondo is known for its forms and high, fast kicks.
There are a few versions of Taekwondo; International, World, American, and there may be a few more. These organizations outline the rules and styles of this martial art. The basics are essentially the same, in my opinion, but the order of some components varies. So, whatever the version of taekwondo, we are all kicking together. The Taekwondo I train and will reference is World. This form is also associated with Kukkiwon, which is the governing body of all things Taekwondo.
What is involved in Taekwondo?
This art is composed of 8 basic forms in World. I learned these while I was a color belt and still practice them on repeat to this day. There is a set of forms that predate the Taeguek forms that I learn and those are called Palgwe. I intend to learn these at some point along my martial arts journey. Below you will find the 8 Taeguek forms and thier meaning as I was taught.
Il Jang – Heavens, sky
Ee Jang – Lake
Sa Jang – Fire
Sam Jang – Thunder
Oh Jang – Wind
Yuk Jang -Water
Chil Jang – Mountain
Pal Jang – Ground, Earth
Each form teaches a new strike, block, kick, or stance. Forms are a fundamental component of training along with kicking/striking, sparring, and internal growth. These basic forms create the foundation for the degree forms. The degree forms are:
Koryo – Deputy
Keumgang – 1st Degree
Taebaek – 2nd Degree
Pyongwon – 3rd Degree
Sipjin – 4th Degree
Jitae – 5th Degree
Cheonkwon – 6th Degree
Hansu – 7th Degree
Ilyeo – 8th Degree
Chon-Ji – 9th Degree
(See More about forms and their importance HERE)
Aside from the 8 basic forms, there are 9 basic kicks. All other higher-level kicks stem from these beginner kicks.
Front Kick
Roundhouse Kick
Side Kick
Axe Kick
Inner Crescent Kick
Outer Cresent Kick
Back Kick
Spin Kick
Hook Kick
These kicks become more advanced when jumps and extra spins are added. However, kicks and forms are not all there is to learn in taekwondo, the art also includes hand strikes such as knife strikes and elbow strikes. These are learned either from the forms or through formal classes.
Weapons training begins as you achieve higher ranks. Weapons such as bo staff and nunchaku are the ones that I started with.
Where are we now?
This martial art has grown through the ages as Korea developed as a country. It has transformed from a traditional art to what it is today.
Tae Kwon Do is the art that I practice and have grown in. There are many different types of martial arts from all over the world. If Tae Kwon Do is not for your you, there are many other options to choose from and explore.
Whatever you chose, chose a martial art.
