■ WHAT IS TAEKWONDO?

Taekwondo is a native Korean form of unarmed combat. Literally, Taekwondo consists of three words: Tae means a system of foot techniques, Kwon means a system of hand techniques, and Do means the art of experiencing the ultimate being through physical and metaphysical enlightenment. The system of unarmed combat involves the skillful application of punching, jumping, kicking, dodging, blocking and carrying actions directed toward the goal of neutralizing an aggressor.

Taekwondo practitioners can develop strong bodies and minds by practicing a variety of techniques that include basics, Poom Se (forms), Kyuck-pa (breaking), and Kyo-roo-ki (sparring).