History

What is Taekwon-Do?

Taekwon-Do is a martial art of Korean origin that combines combat and self-defense techniques with sport and exercise. While there are differences between organisations, the art in general emphasizes kicks and punches thrown from a mobile stance. Taekwon-Do training generally includes a system of blocks, kicks, punches, and open-handed strikes and may also include various take-downs or sweeps, throws, and joint locks. Taekwon-Do is popular with people of both genders and of many ages. Physically, Taekwon-Do develops strength, speed, balance, flexibility, and stamina.

Where did it come from?

Prior to the Korean war nine primary kwans (or schools) of martial arts existed in Korea, some of the kwans were many hundreds of years old. In 1952, during the Korean War, a martial arts exhibition was conducted in which the kwans displayed their skills. After viewing this demonstration South Korean President Syngman Rhee instructed Choi Hong Hi to introduce the martial arts to the Korean army. Syngman Rhee ordered that the various schools unify under a single system and the name Taekwon-Do was accepted on April 11, 1955. In the Korean language Tae means ‘to strike or break with foot’, Kwon means ‘to strike or break with fist’ and Do means ‘way or method’

What are the differences between Sport Taekwon-Do and Traditional Taekwon-Do?

Traditional Taekwon-Do refers to the Korean martial art as it was created and then established in the 1950s-60s for the use of the South Korean military. Traditional Taekwon-Do is focussed on self-defence and combat. The names and symbolism of the traditional patterns often refer to elements of Korean history and culture.

Sport Taekwon-Do is a further development of traditional Taekwon-Do, it was created in the decades since the 1950s and it emphasizes speed and competition. Sport Taekwon-Do was introduced as an Olympic demonstration event at the 1988 olympic games in Seoul, South Korea and became an ongoing official event at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.

What are the differences between the ITF and the ATF?

The International Taekwon-Do Federation was founded in 1966, they claim the name Taekwon-Do was coined by Choi Hong Hi who is claimed to be the founder and creator of Taekwon-Do by the International Taekwon-Do Federation.

The World Taekwondo Federation was founded in 1973, they claim that Taekwon-Do development was a collaborative effort.

The History of Northside Traditional Taekwon-Do

In 2002, NTTKD was formed to allow for training in an environment that focussed on quality, individualism and the concept of learning through experience.

The Chief Instructor brought almost 20 years of training experience in variations of International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) curriculum to the start of the school. During his own training he learned respect for all forms of martial arts and, to this day, builds relationships with other schools and styles to allow for cross-training and to ensure that the students of NTTKD can experience a rich variety of skills, structured around a traditional curriculum. His respect of other styles and dedication to blending contemporary skills in a traditional format has also earned him the respect of other senior black belts from taekwon-do and other styles.

This respectful and dynamic philosophy has allowed NTTKD to develop, attract and retain highly skilled black-belt instructors and to develop well-rounded students, including many through to black belt and instructor status. The school has a high instructor-to-student ratio to help ensure that students are well-supported and learn good technique. All classes are taught by experienced black belt instructors and in a typical class students have over 40 years of black belt instructor support at their service. This ensures that students learn techniques correctly the first time and that the needs of individual students; based on age, skills or fitness types can be properly accommodated.

The school aims to provide students not only with the ability to defend themselves, but also the other benefits including improved self-confidence, self esteem, discipline, fitness and sense of wellbeing. All of this is delivered in a safe, dynamic, friendly and supporting environment. While each student has their own objectives, one external measure of the school is when student choose to enter championship tournaments. Over the last five years, NTTKD has had a long list of students that have qualified for National championship status by placing at State level competitions. This is a notable feat for a small boutique school.

If you want to learn some seriously good technique, from an experienced boutique local school that does not treat you like a commodity; if you want to learn in a challenging but fun and supportive environment, then you should visit NTTKD.

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