What is Taekwondo?

Taekwondo, which is interpreted as "the way of the hand and foot," is a South Korean martial art formally introduced after the Korean War but derived from centuries-old systems of unarmed self-defense. Like any martial art properly taught and properly practiced, Taekwondo is entirely non-aggressive and encourages ethical and disciplined behavior.

What Does It Involve?

The physical component of Taekwondo consists primarily of blocks, strikes and kicks (Taekwondo is particularly famous for its dynamic kicking techniques), which are practiced through forms, one-steps and free-sparring.

Forms, or poom-se, are dance-like choreographed patterns of movements executed individually with an emphasis on fluidity, precision and concentration. As students progress through the ranks, they learn increasingly complex forms: in the Songahm style, the white belt form has 18 moves and includes very basic techniques; the first-degree black belt form has 81 moves and consists of much more difficult techniques.

Like forms, one-steps are choreographed, but they are considerably shorter and there are three one-step sequences for each rank. Unlike forms, one-steps are practiced with a partner, and they emphasize timing, targeting, and self-control.

Free-sparring is a non-choreographed, non-contact (or light contact, depending on the practitioner's rank) game of "tag," the object of which is to demonstrate one's ability to execute challenging techniques in a strategic manner while reacting to their partner's strategy; the emphasis is on control, respect and calculated-yet-flexible movements.

Songahm Taekwondo also incorporates practical self-defense techniques such as joint manipulation, ground-fighting and pressure point control tactics. In addition, students have the opportunity to practice with weapons such as bahng mahng ee (short sticks), ssahng jeol bong (nunchaku) and jahng bong (long staff).

What is the American Taekwondo Association?

Since its introduction to the West in the 1960s, Taekwondo has grown in popularity and now is the world's largest martial art. The American Taekwondo Association (ATA), which Grand Master Haeng Ung Lee founded in 1969, currently has over 150,000 students ranging in age from three to over eighty years old. These students train in over 800 affiliated ATA schools and clubs throughout the country, and in World Traditional Taekwondo Union schools throughout the world. The ATA provides instructor training and certification, belt rank testing, supervision of competitive contests, and much more.

What is Songahm Taekwondo?

ATA members practice a style known as Songahm Taekwondo, which is a traditional system of Taekwondo introduced by Grand Master Lee. The Songahm style is distinguished by its integration of traditional values and martial arts techniques with modern training and management methods; by its system of challenging forms, which facilitates learning difficult kicks at an early level; and by the rigor of its instructor training requirements, which ensures highly professional instruction. The term Songahm is interpreted as meaning "pine tree and rock," which symbolizes continuous growth (the evergreen pine tree) from a solid historical and traditional foundation (the rock).

Who Can Benefit From Taekwondo?

The ATA philosophy is that anyone can excel at Taekwondo and enjoy doing so. ATA students range in age from pre-schoolers to octogenarians, and the ATA has the largest number of active women black belts of any martial arts organization in the world. The number of women in ATA Taekwondo has more than tripled in recent years and today represents more than 30% of all practicing students. In addition, the ATA makes a special effort to accommodate the needs of people with physical or other disabilities.

Taekwondo is more than a physical sport. It also develops a combination of balance, coordination, and flexibility while instilling a sense of self-discipline that can carry over into all aspects of your life. Students progress at their own pace, and the ATA program is designed to help people meet individual goals rather than judging them in comparison to other students.

As we age, our flexibility and agility often tend to diminish. This decreased level of flexibility can have a negative effect on the activities we do or on the style of life we lead. When people first see Taekwondo techniques, they are fascinated by the strong, high kicks. Not everyone can achieve super flexibility, but flexibility gained by practicing Taekwondo techniques can benefit anyone, no matter what age they start.

So why has Taekwondo grown so popular? Because it's a comprehensive martial art than can benefit anyone and help them meet their own individual goals.

How Do I Get Started?

Each student progresses at their own pace, so you can start classes at any time. The introductory lesson is free, and if you decide to enroll then you should begin by attending class two or three times a week. Each class lasts about about 45 minutes.

Because Taekwondo requires you to use your body in unfamiliar ways, you may feel awkward or uncoordinated during your first few classes. Even highly-experienced athletes are surprised by this feeling when they begin Taekwondo. It only takes a short time, though, for you to begin to feel completely comfortable executing techniques that were completely foreign to you only a month before. By the time you leave Harvard, you may be wearing a black belt and helping new students to learn techniques that once seemed complex and alien to you.

[ Home ] [ Up ] [ Contents ]

Last modified: June 12, 2000

The American Taekwondo Association holds a copyright on the Songahm Taekwondo curriculum. Unauthorized use is prohibited.
For more information regarding the American Taekwondo Association, contact ATA Headquarters