What is Taekwondo?

About Taekwondo

Taekwondo is an international martial arts form that began in Korea. The art form is steeped in tradition and has a very long history. The term "Taekwondo" is made up of three characters: "Tae" means stepping, thus standing on the foot, "Kwon" means the fist or striking by the fist, and "Do" means a way, signifying the righteous way of human life.

Taekwondo is a whole-body exercise that uses various techniques to defend against an enemy's attacks by turning all parts of the body into weapons. Basically, all movements of Taekwondo begin with the instinct of self-defense, turning from passive actions to active ones -- that is, shifting instantly from the defensive to the offensive in order to overpower an enemy.

It should be emphasized, however, that the true value of training in Taekwondo is found in the philosophical aspect of the art. Taekwondo students aim to reach a stage of complete self-control and higher self by mastering the art, thereby moderating the human aggressive instinct and elevating themselves to the highest level of excellence. In short, Taekwondo aims to cultivate a person into a righteous and true human being.

THE STUDIO is committed to providing the highest quality martial arts training anywhere.

Master Amitis Pourarian is an eighth degree Black Belt and has more than 30 years of experience in Taekwondo. Her focus is on helping individuals develop strong bodies and clear minds. She aims to help children in our programs to become strong, independent human beings capable of making the right decisions in life, and she instills in her adult students the importance of valuing themselves.

THE STUDIO takes pride in being a member of the Moo Do Taekwondo Association (MDTKD) and in teaching Kukkiwon Taekwondo poomsae (forms).

 

Moo Do Taekwondo Association

The Moo Do Taekwondo Association (MDTKD) provides gup (color belt) rank through Moo Do Taekwondo as well as Dan (Black belt ) rank through the Kukkiwon.

The MDTKD is lead by a group of dedicated traditional martial artists who were disappointed in the direction and quality standards set forth by some of the larger martial arts organizations. It was their belief that these organizations had lost the traditionalism associated with the meaning of a true martial arts lifestyle and journey. This can be seen in the lack of genuine respect, courtesy, discipline, and self-control.

Under the guidance of Grand Master Jack Corrie and the Seniors, MDTKD provides direction for a traditional Taekwondo Journey. It is an organization that THE STUDIO is proud to be a part of.

The goal of MDTKD is to practice, live, and teach Taekwondo in the tradition of the Sacred Warrior. This tradition is rooted in the ancient principles of practicing martial arts in dedication to a higher purpose.

Taekwondo is practiced in over 142 countries by more than 40 million people. In 1988, Taekwondo was accepted as a demonstration sport in the summer Olympic games. Today, Taekwondo is now an official event in the Olympic games.

MDTKD Tournament Circuit

The MDTKD operates regional and national tournaments. Regional or state tournaments are held quarterly. National tournaments are held twice a year with the Summer Nationals and Fall Grand Nationals.

Black Belt students accumulate points by competing in regional and national events as part of the MDTKD "Top Ten,” “Final Eight,” and National Championship competitions.

MDTKD tournaments are considered an extension of a student's training.

Standardized Teaching Curriculum

MDTKD supports a standardized student training curriculum as well as a structured teaching system, and it provides instructor certification for the system. All instructors must be certified to teach at a MDTKD school and must maintain their certification through ongoing professional recertification programs.

 

Kukkiwon

Kukkiwon, also known as the World Taekwondo Headquarters, is an organization in the Gangnam-gu district of Seoul, South Korea. It was established on November 30, 1972. The Kukkiwon serves as the issuing body for Taekwondo Dan rank (Black Belt degree) promotion and certification. In addition, the Kukkiwon conducts research and instructional seminars and is home to the World Taekwondo Academy, which trains and certifies Taekwondo instructors through its leadership course. The Academy is also entrusted to conduct two instructor courses by the Korean Ministry of Culture and Sports. One is the course for second-class coaches and the other is one for third-class instructors. Nearly 5,400 people are now instructors and coaches registered with the Korean Ministry of Culture and Sports through these courses. Kukkiwon is also involved in technical development and research of Taekwondo, the collection of related materials, public relations and publications, and the training of coaches and students.

In 1998, 93 non-Koreans from 32 countries (including 14 Americans) were issued Graduation Certificates by the Academy at the first Foreigner Instructors Course. This began the Foreign Instructors Training Qualification Course. The curriculum for belt promotion is specified and certified by the Kukkiwon, including required and compulsory poomsae (or forms), sparring, and breaking techniques.

The Kukkiwon is the only Taekwondo organization whose Dan ranks are recognized by World Taekwondo Federation (WTF). The WTF governs the competition aspects of Taekwondo as the International Federation of Taekwondo of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The WTF does not issue Dan ranks or Black Belt certifications. As noted in September 2007 issue of the Korean/English Taekwondo Magazine, the Kukkiwon and the WTF are separate organizations, although the two are often confused with each other. As a result, the term "WTF" is sometimes used to refer to the Kukkiwon-style Taekwondo.

Note about the WTF: The WTF was the bridgehead to promote Taekwondo sparring as an international sport, now having made it an official sport of the 2000 Summer Olympics after participation in the 1988 Summer Olympics and 1992 Summer Olympics as a demonstration sport.

 

Korean Taekwondo Terminology

Makki (Block)

Arae Makki (Low Block)

• Two fist lengths between blocking fist and the thigh
• Non blocking hand is on waist

Momtong Makki (Body Blocking)

• The hand and wrist must be kept at the center of the body
• The elbow is to be bent 90-120 degrees
• The blocking fist is kept as high as the shoulder
• The blocking wrist should not be bent

Olgul Makki (Face/High Blocking)

• Blocking wrist is one fist distance
• Blocking hand comes from outside