What style of martial art is Taekwon-Do?
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 practise releasing from grabs and breakfalls; we don’t spend a lot of time grappling. Learn 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 Japanese, 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 degree black belt.
We have great patterns in New Zealand, and a number of World Champions from New Zealand, such as Master Graham Patterson, Mark Trotter and Carolina Dillen, to prove it! The art of International Taekwon-Do also contains beautiful and devastating flying kicks It is possible to fly high in the air and throw two, three or even four kicks before you land! International Taekwon-Do comes from Korea
Martial arts may also be classified by origin. Taekwon-Do comes from Korea. It is a new martial art, named in 1955, and it is heavily based on scientific principles: we develop power by understanding how the human body works, and understanding the physics of what power is.
At International Taekwon-Do Riccarton, our approach to the martial art is holistic. We learn about every aspect of International Taekwon-Do, including the art, the sport, the way of life, and developing a better and more peaceful world. There is a lot to learn, and we have tremendous fun learning it.
If you are in Riccarton, Burnside or the wider Christchurch area, come along and learn more about International Taekwon-Do. We would love to see you! |