Tae Kwon Do is the Korean art of self-defense.  It translates to: The Art of Kicking and Punching.

                                                                                TAE means to strike with the foot

                                                                                 KWON means to strike with the hand

                                                                                 DO means the Way or the Art.

Tae Kwon Do roots go back many centuries.  This unique martial art was developed by General Choi Hon Hi who is the principal founder of Tae Kwon Do.  General Choi is the originator of the ITF which dates back to March 22, 1966.  Tae Kwon Do incorporates both the quick, straight line movement of various Japanese systems and the flowing circular movement of many Chinese styles. What distinguishes Tae Kwon Do is its varied and uniquely powerful kicking techniques.  These techniques set Tae Kwon Do apart from all other martial arts.

There is more to Tae Kwon Do than just kicking and punching.  Tae Kwon Do is an art, a sport, and a way of life.  It is with out question the most popular martial art in North America today, and with 25 million Tae Kwon Do practitioners, makes it the most widely practiced martial art in the world.  Tae Kwon Do was admitted into the Amateur Athletic Union of the United States in 1974 and was recognized by the US Olympic Committee in 1978.  It is also a Jr. Olympic sport and part of the Pan Am Games.  Tae Kwon Do is now an official sport of the Olympics.

Tae Kwon Do is an art that strengthens the mind and body while teaching valuable philosophies and lessons. It includes physical techniques and mental discipline.

The benefits of practicing Tae Kwon Do are:

                Physically- develops coordination, gains strength, increases flexibility, improves cardiovascular conditioning

               Mentally- builds self-confidence, self esteem, improves self control, develops self-discipline

               Philosophically- honesty, respect, integrity, courtesy