Why Taekwon-Do?

It's not about fighting || Improve fitness || Learn self-defence || Learn a Martial Art

Taekwon-Do is a version of unarmed combat designed for self-defence. It is more than just that, however. It is the scientific use of the body in the method of self-defence; a body that has gained the ultimate use of its facilities through intensive physical and mental training.

Taekwon-Do is a martial art that has no equal in either power or technique. Though it is a martial art, its discipline, technique and mental training are the mortar for building a strong sense of justice, fortitude, humility and resolve. This mental conditioning separates the true practitioner from the sensationalist, content with mastering only the fighting aspects of the art.

Translated literally "Tae" means jumping or flying, to kick or smash with the foot; "Kwon" denotes the fist - chiefly to punch or destroy with the hand or fist; "Do" means art or way.

It's not about fighting

Taekwon-Do emphasised the importance of mental conditioning and defines a moral code for its practitioners with the Tenets of Taekwon-Do and the Student Oath.

The Tenets of Taekwon-Do:

• Courtesy
  respect for all people and all cultures; to live according to etiquette
  
  
• Integrity
  not to compromise our quality of being honest and having strong moral principles
  
  
• Perseverance
  the quality of being someone who continues to make an effort to pursue one's own goal
  
  
• Self-Control
  the ability to manage oneself, particularly one's physical capacity, emotions and desires, especially in difficult situations. 
  
  
• Indomitable Spirit
  having the courage to stand up for your beliefs and to stay strong in those beliefs and convictions no matter what the odds against you

The Student Oath:

• I shall observe the tenets of Taekwon-Do
• I shall respect the instructor and seniors
• I shall never misuse Taekwon-Do
• I shall be a champion of freedom and justice
• I shall build a more peaceful world

Improve fitness

The physical components of our training are designed to improve the following fitness elements:

• Balance
• Coordination
• Agility
• Strength
• Power
• Stamina
• Speed
• Flexibility
• Cardio endurance
• Accuracy

Learn self-defence

We have a holistic approach to self-defence, teaching both psychological and physical aspects. Our instructors teach their method of reality-based self-defence, and we believe self-defence starts (and hopefully ends) well before a physical confrontation occurs. If events do become physical, respond quickly and effectively – and be prepared for what may come afterward. Yes, you were defending yourself. Is that what the police will believe? What happens if you meet the attacker’s friends a week later, how will they react to you? Consider these self-defence issues in advance, and you will be better equipped to deal with them.

Self-defence for children

We teach self defence that is appropriate for the different age groups of our classes, including safely diffusing and dealing with bullying for children. Our number one self defence tip: trust your intuition. If you ever get the feeling that something is wrong, listen to yourself. Do not let your ego override your gut with, “I’ll be fine, I’m being silly.” If you feel that something is wrong, it may be that you noticed something sub-consciously that you haven’t notice consciously. React accordingly – if you are right, it may save your life. If you are wrong and you reacted sensibly, you can move on safely anyway.

Self-defence and New Zealand law

We have a very effective law of self defence in New Zealand. If you honestly believe you are in trouble, and your response is reasonable in the circumstances, the law will be on your side. The best thing about our law is you don’t have to know it or understand it for it to work for you. You don’t have to warn your attacker before you react. You don’t have to retreat before you attack. And if you hold a black belt in a martial art, you do not have to register yourself as a weapon with the police. Isn’t it funny how these urban myths spread!

Learn a Martial Art

Broadly, martial arts can be categorised as weapon styles or unarmed styles. Weapon styles are very cool, but we can’t carry weapons around for self-defence. We have laws against that in New Zealand. Unarmed styles of martial arts can be further classified into striking styles and grappling styles. Here it comes down to preference. International Taekwon-Do is a striking style of martial art – we kick and punch (and strike and thrust and block and cross-cut). We also practice releasing from grabs and break-falls; we don’t spend a lot of time grappling.

The "Art" of Martial Arts

Of course, martial arts are more than just self-defence. They are an art form, and the art of International Taekwon-Do is beautiful to watch. We have a set of 24 patterns, or tul (kata in Karate, or forms in some martial arts), which together are called the Chang-Hon style. It takes years to learn and master all 24 patterns – we learn the final pattern at 6th Dan black belt.

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