Tae: To use the foot
Kwon: To punch with the fist
Do: An art, a way of life

TAEKWONDO is a martial art that originated from Korea and has a history of over 20 centuries. The main feature of Taekwondo is that it is a free-fighting combat sport using bare hands and feet to repel the opponent. Besides this, practicing Taekwondo serves to improve health, physical fitness and poise. On the mental side, it also builds up one self-confidence, will power, and mental discipline.

The reasons for practicing Taekwondo, therefore, can be summarized briefly as follows :

• to learn self-defence technique and gain fighting skill;
• to exercise for good health, physical strength, physical balance, etc.
• to improve mental strength; and
• to participate in competitions and become an excellent athlete.

In recent years, Taekwondo has become a modern amateur sport. It has become a modern world sport maintaining the tradition and spirit of martial science. Taekwondo has also become a major entry in annual athletic meets. In the 2000 Olympics, Taekwondo was one of the competing events.