Swanson's Academy of Tae Kwon Do

 
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Tae Kwon Do 

Tae Kwon Do & it's Meaning
Tae Kwon Do is the official martial art of Korea. The literal translation of Tae Kwon Do is: Tae (kick), Kwon (punch), Do (way). Tae Kwon Do is a way of life. It is based on the premise of peace through strength of mind, body and spirit.


The Art of Tae Kwon Do
Tae Kwon Do practitioners realize that the foot is more useful than the hand in defending oneself against an opponent. In general, a leg is longer and more powerful than an arm, Tae Kwon Do takes advantage of this fact. A combination of blocking, kicking and hand striking techniques are utilized in defending against an attacker. Tae Kwon Do is also known for its vertical and horizontal jumping kicks. We practice traditional Tae Kwon Do, placing an emphasis on the control of techniques and the skillful application of the art's various movements.

Tae Kwon Do training incorporates a broad range of cardiovascular exercise, self-defense techniques, balance drills, calisthenics and several other physical exercises. Training can improve your overall physical condition, strength, coordination, balance and muscle speed.


Tenets of Tae Kwon Do
There are five tenets of Tae Kwon Do
which all serious students learn to utilize both inside and outside the dojang:
Courtesy
refers to the student's ability to respect oneself, as well as others.
Integrity
refers to the student's adherence to a personal honor code of behavior.
Perseverance
refers to the student holding steadfast to a course of action, belief or purpose.
Self-Control
refers to the student's capability to keep their emotions and actions consistent and in balance over time.
Indomitable Spirit
refers to the student freeing their spirit in a manner which enables them to achieve their full potential.

All students learn to display the tenets, along with respect and discipline inside and outside of the training hall. Tae Kwon Do can make a real difference in the student's life.


Tae Kwon Do as a sport

As a sport, Tae Kwon Do has recently taken its place in the Olympics. Blocking, kicking and punching techniques all contribute to making Tae Kwon Do one of the most exciting and competitive sports in the world. Tremendous skill and control are required when participating in Tae Kwon Do tournaments. Special emphasis is placed on safety during all tournaments and special protective gear is worn for protection at the tournaments. A tournament environment is an excellent ground for testing a student's skills in Tae Kwon Do against others of the same age and rank.