Board breaking is an important part of training because it builds focus, power, technique, control, and accuracy; it also shows that you can preform the technique properly. I would recamend practicing with rebrakable boards, I like using them because you don't have to have a stack of would every time you want to practice. You also have to be very careful not to hurt yourself, because it is possible, if not easy, to break fingers/toes or even chip the bones in your knuckles. It's a good idea to start small, which is also another good reason to use rebrakable boards, because they have half board equivalents.

You need math for everything in life, so yes ... If you need to learn lets say Tai Chi you need to know the 108 movements of the form ... A basic understanding of math is always helpful.

Who is the "greatest American Taekwondo athlete of all time" is a matter of opinion. There have been many outstanding competitors over the years in different weight classes, different regions of the country, and competing in different circuits or tournaments hosted by varying organizations. There is no way to rightfully quantify who is the "greatest," although many people have their favorites.

The same holds true for expert Masters who teach the art. There have been many, many "great" ones, but there is no way to put one above the other, and a genuine Taekwondo Master would decline such a designation.

This depends on how many times a week they teach. Most Taekwondo instructors either do it as a hobby or those that are professional are self employed so the more classes they teach the more money they earn.

I'll put in my part based on a typical part time instructor in one of my schools. I pay my instructors between $10-$15 per 40 minute class as Independent Contractors based on their degree. Additional bonuses are tied to student motivation, pass/fail stats and student attendance. If you're talking about making the jump to Professional School owner make sure you have a STRONG business background- good luck!

Well, it depends when you work. I used to be in taekwondo, and i had 3 instructors. be prepared to split with 3 people. and u have to b a blackbelt

"Most Schools that I've encountered don't focus on weapons. Tae Kwon Do is largely an unarmed combat style, focused on powerful kicks, and hand/fist strikes. The only weapon that I've ever seen used in Tae Kwon Do is the Bo Staff. That's not to say that other weapons aren't used, just that weapons in general aren't common."

i would say that this answer is pretty much right on, but i would add that nunchakus are also a popular weapon in many other martial arts as well as tae kwon do

There really isn't a 'real' Tae Kwon Do. Taekwondo is derived from the ancient Korean fighting techniques and was influenced by both Chinese and Japanese Martial Art systems over centuries of development - - with most modern changes coming about in the mid 20th Century.

The ITF, and the WTF are not comparable since they are not the same thing.

The International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) is a "Kwan" (family of schools under the direction of one founder), which was started by General Choi Hong Hi, who had formerly taught the Korean Military in his Oh Do Kwan system. There were many Kwans in post WWII Korean, the first official Kwan being the Chung Do Kwan, founded in 1944 by Won Kuk Lee. The main Kwans were united in the Korea Taekwondo Association, the numbered and officially dissolved (although they are still actively promoting their own Kwan systems today).

From the KTA in South Korea, the Kukkiwon building (world headquarters) was built. The WTF was created, not as an instructional institution, but as a link between Korea and foreign countries for Black Belt, and Instructor certification as well as sport competition rules. In more recent years, the mandate of the WTF has been split to just oversee the sport aspect of Taekwondo (including Olympic Taekwondo), and the rank certificates are obtainable directly through the Kukkiwon. The WTF does not teach a Taekwondo curriculum, nor do they deal with rank promotions from white belt on up. The WTF is made up of national Member Associations the regulate the sport in each country.

Kukki Taekwondo is the official curriculum of Korean Taekwondo at the Kukkiwon in Seoul Korea. All other associations and variations are personal preferences of individual instructors, and constitute a Kwan or independent school or association. Most legitimate Taekwondo practitioners can trace their lineage back to one of the 5 original Kwans of 1955.

In W T F (Olympic style) taekwondo sparring the following techniques are allowed

Players can punch (with a clenched fist).
And kick with any part of the foot below the ankle.
And that's it. No other techniques are allowed only punches and kicks.

Players can kick to two places: the opponent's chest protector or head.

Players can punch the opponent's chest protector. (Although it's got to be a very powerful punch to score!)

Punches to the head or face are not allowed.

Players can't kick or punch their opponent's spine or below the chest protector.

Taekwondo sparring rules - scoring points

One point for a basic attack to the chest protector (for example a basic turning kick).
Two points for a kick to the chest protector if the kick involves a spinning technique - (this includes back kick).
Three points for a head kick.

To score a point the punch or kick has to be accurate and powerful.
Light tapping kicks do not score.


In major competitions, chest protectors now have electronic scoring systems in them.
These are adjusted to take into account the weight category of the competitors.
(Heavier players have to kick harder to score a point.)

For head kicks and if non-electronic hogus are used then at least 3 judges have to see the point and score it at the same time.
The judges push a button when they see a point.

How is the winner decided?

At the end of 3 rounds (2 for juniors) the winner is the player with the most points.

A knock out is also a win.

If it's a draw after 3 rounds then there is a golden point round. The first player to score a point wins.
If no-one scores a golden point then the winner is the player who shows the best technique in the golden point round.

While all four styles incorporate moves that utilize the entire body, they each have specific functions and restrictions and have origins in different countries. * Tae Kwon Do is a Korean martial arts that places emphiasis on the legs. While it does incorporate punches, it focuses mainly on kicking your opponent. It has incorporated many aspects of Karate and uses almost identical forms. * Karate is an Okinawan style which places emphiasis on strikes. It is often viewed as a very basic style, which it is, but if used correctly it can produce some of the most powerful attacks that can be performed with a fist. It's based on a combination of Chinese styles and Okinawan fighting arts. * Kung Fu is not a style. It is often misunderstood to be a style because it is so loosely used as a general term for Chinese martial arts. What it means is similar to saying "achievement through great effort". A style that most are looking for when they think "Kung Fu" is "wushu". Wushu utilizes strikes, kicks, locks, throws, and the use of weaponry. * Ninjitsu is not necessarily a martial art either. Many believe it to be because of what they read or see on TV. The name itself also sounds like a really cool style of fighting. But truth have it, the way of the "ninja" isn't to stand and fight (though they can and will if needed). Rather, they incorporate matial arts and unconventional warfare tactics in espionage. The term comes from Japan and is was applied to people who performed these acts of espionage because they were considered below the social classes or non-human.

The term "style" does not accurately apply to Taekwondo. Following the Japanese occupation of Korea during WWII, several "Kwans" (family of schools like a clan), each under the leadership of a different founder, began teaching a variety of Martial Art methods. The first was the Chung Do Kwan, which was first opened in 1944, and became the largest civilian Kwan. In an effort to unite the various Kwans, the Korean National Martial Art was restructured, and named "Taekwondo" on April 11, 1955. This was completed through the recognition, and unification the main Kwans into the Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA), in 1961.

Even though the Korean government ordered the recognition of nine Kwans (plus a 10th administration Kwan) to be numbered then dissolved into the Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA), the subculture of Kwans remains in existence today. It is often said that there are not different "styles" of Taekwondo, but each Kwan has variations on their own curriculum for teaching Taekwondo. With the growing popularity of Taekwondo worldwide, and the creation of a multitude of Federations and Associations, as well as independently run schools, there are many interpretations of what Taekwondo is.

As for different "moves" in Taekwondo, this can vary from one organization to the next, and involves a very in-depth answer as to the full curriculum of Taekwondo techniques and tactics. The basics are stances ("seogi" and "gubi"), blocks ("makgi"), hand strikes ("chigi" and "jirugi"), and kicks ("chagi"). Practice includes basic movements ("gibon undong"), forms ("teul," "hyeong," and "pumsae"), self defense tactics ("hoshinsul," "hapkido," and "yudo"), breaking skills ("Kyeokpa"), one-step sparring ("Ilbo-gyorugi"), and free-sparring ("Jayu Gyorugi").

Rather than a "style" or structured curriculum like we see in modern Martial Art schools, Taekwondo was developed by merging several influences from ancient Korean grappling and hand fighting of Subak, kicking of Tae Kkyeon, military training and character cultivation of the 7th century Hwarang Knights, and Chinese hand fighting of Tangsudo (aka: Tang Soo Do).

In modern times, the founders of Taekwondo were influenced through the forced occupation of Japan, and their native martial art systems of Shotokan Karate, Judo, and Aikido. These influences contributed a structured teaching method with training aids of forms called "kata" in Japan, and "tul," "hyung' or "poomsae" in Korea, and a belt grading system shared by most modern schools of Martial Art. After WWII, the re-emergence of native Korean methods, inspired primarily by the predominant kicking weapon of Tae Kkyeon (aka: Taekyon).

Soo Bak Do (Developed by Yi Sung Kye) 1392 A.D.

If by "stages," you are referring to the levels of progress in learning, they are generally divided in three parts (student, Instructor, & Master), which are each subdivided into three parts:

1. '''student'''

A. Beginner

B. Intermediate

C. Advanced (includes high grade color belt & all levels of Black Belt)

2. '''Instructor''' (teacher of students)

A. Assistant Instructor

B. Instructor

C. Senior Instructor (aka: head or chief Instructor)

3. '''Master''' (teacher of teachers)

A. Junior or Associate Master

B. Master

C. Grandmaster

Although a practitioner of Taekwondo is considered a "student" for their entire life, the color belt level is designed to lay the foundation, and prepare the student for a life time of learning which begins at the Black Belt level.

The color belts are divided into "geup" (grades). The belt colors are a visible representation of the progress of a student. The novice begins at the white belt level, which is called "mu geup" (no grade), or sometimes referred to as "sip geup" (10th grade). Students at this level are taught the very basics of customs, courtesies, and classroom procedures. They learn simple exercises for health, strengthening, and stretching for flexibility and agility. White belts are introduced to basic posture, breathing, stances, and some of the initial blocks, punches and kicks. After a student has shown a grasp of the basics, they are tested at an official promotion test, and graded by Senior Instructors or Masters.

The first promotion is to "Gu geup" (9th grade), usually represented by a yellow belt. The grades progress in decreasing number (9th, 8th, 7th, 6th, 5th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, & 1st grade) with each belt getting gradually darker in color. Each level of promotion brings about more challenging exercises, techniques and strategies.

Students typically learn a pattern of prearranged movements known as Poomsae (also tul or hyung), where the soloist demonstrates simulated defensive and offensive counter strikes against imaginary opponents. These patterns, also called "forms," are designed to provide unique conditioning exercise that can be practiced alone, outside of class. They also help develop mind/body coordination, and reflexive responses to real-life attacks.

Other skills taught at increasingly more advanced levels include one-step sparring as a pre-arranged attack and defense with a partner, hoshinsul and hapkido tactics for close-quarter fighting, yudo skills for ground-fighting defense, free-sparring for both sport and self defense applications, and board breaking to challenge proper technique, and demonstrate the devastating power of Taekwondo.

Once a student has gained sufficient understanding, and ability to perform the basics (about 3 to 5 years), they are tested for the 1st Degree of the Black Belt (Il Dan). This is where the culmination of basic knowledge comes together, and they are drilled on the many philosophies, strategies, and tactics of unarmed combat. At this level, Master Instructors may introduce any kind of challenging skills that apply to current, real-life self defense scenarios, including defense against multiple attackers in a variety of environmental conditions, and against any type of conceivable weapon an attacker might use. As the Black Belt student's knowledge, understanding, and skills increase, the levels of rank are tested from 1st Degree to 9th Degree after require time between tests has elapsed for maturity and full development.

Throughout the entire education of the student, the most important feature of Taekwondo is a balance. Maintaining an ideal balance in everything. In training, there is a balance of mind, body, and spirit. The student is skillfully guided by an experienced and qualified instructor to keep them on track. The character development which teaches proper attitude, respect, courtesy, and a set of morals and ethics to guide the student in daily life are all an integral part of Taekwondo training, and must never be neglected by student or teacher.

Taekwondo originated and was named in Seoul, South Korea, but Taekwondo schools and organizations exist in North Korea today.

Many of the roots that influenced the development of modern Taekwondo have their origins in the entire peninsula of Korea between the 1st century BC, and the later part of the 19th century AD, prior to the Japanese occupation of Korea, and before the split of North and South Korea. Back then, Korea was one country, and the citizens were one people sharing a single culture.

After WWII, a political struggle resulted in some political leaders choosing to side with the communist influences of China, with others choosing a democratic system of government. This led to the Korean war (1950 - 53), which was halted with a cease-fire agreement, and a heavily guarded zone was established at the 38th parallel separating the Communist North Korea from the Republic of South Korea.

Taekwondo was named as the official Martial Art of Korea on April 11, 1955 in Seoul, South Korea. The first organization unifying the various Kwans (schools), the Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA) was established in Seoul in 1961, and the national academy, the Kukkiwon, serving as the World Taekwondo Headquarters was completed in 1972 in Seoul, South Korea. The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) was established in 1973, and serves as the sport governing body, and the International Federation for Olympic Taekwondo.

Taekwondo has since spread to most countries around the world, including North Korea, and each country has member National Associations recognized by the WTF, and teams that compete in international competitions, world championships, and the summer Olympic Games.

The question of who is the "best" is a matter of opinion. There are many qualities of a student or master of Taekwondo that could be used to decide who you "think" is the best, but answers to this type of question are likely to be based more on a personal relationship a student has with a particular individual, or organization where the natural inclination would be to name your own Master or Grandmaster.

There have been many knowledgeable, highly skilled and talented Masters in Taekwondo throughout the years. Many are no longer living, and even more are being created with each generation. It would be more appropriate to note their particular skills, character traits, lifetime achievements, and their contributions to Taekwondo, but not to single one out as a fabricated "best." Any genuine Taekwondo Master would decline such a designation.

(Supervisor's note: Since there are likely to be many personal opinions to this question, let us place those on the "Discussion" page for this question. Naming individuals here will be removed and placed in the Discussion area where members can state why they agree or disagree with those named.)

Karate and taekwondo are still popular today for the same reasons that other sports are still popular today. They are a lot of fun.

Like gymnastics and fencins, karate and taekwondo were originally developed as a way for soldiers to fight on the battlefield. Rifles and tanks have rendered most such skills almost obsolete (but not entirely). Soldiers still use martial arts as away to train their bodies to be prepared for hand to hand combat.

As a sport, karate and taekwondo are impressive to watch.

A place where you practice Taekwondo is called a Dojang 도장 (pronounced "doe - jahng). It can be defined as a "gym" or "hall of the way," and applies to the practice room, as well as the building itself.

Taekwondo first became a medal sport at the 2000 Games in Sydney after having been a demonstration sport at the 1988 Games in Seoul and the 1992 Games in Barcelona.

Taekwondo made its Olympic debut in 1988 at the Seoul, Korea Games (appropriately enough). It continued as a demonstration sport at 1992 Games in Barcelona, Spain. Taekwondo was not part of the 1996 Atlanta Games. The International Olympic Committee voted against inclusion of demonstrations sports. Taekwondo became a medal sport at the 2000 Sydney, Australia Games. It continued as an Olympic sport in 2004 at the Athens, Greece Games and in 2008 at the Beijiing, China Games.

Following several controversial scoring decisions and upsets and the very unsportsmanlike behavior of the athlete from Cuba, there was fear that taekwondo would be cut from the roster in 2012, but taekwondo has been confirmed as an Olympic sport for the 2012 Games in London and also for the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

[Note: While debates can rage on with personal opinions, these are best served on the discussion page for this question.]

The answer to this question might be expressed in personal opinions by many students of various skill levels in a variety of Martial Art systems. Nevertheless, the facts can be supported by scientific testing, however there has been no conclusive, scientific tests that verify which kick is the most "powerful", but an experienced Master will know what results come from each kick. The question can be misleading since "power" deals more with the science of physics where power is the rate of work done, or force applied as energy is transferred over a distance in a specific amount of time. In other words, fast kicks might have power, but could lack in the total force penetrating the target. The important factor is not so much the "power" of the kick as it is the maximum total force generated.

Some kicks increase their applied force through rapid acceleration in a short time. This results in a greater impact, and extensive visible damage to a target. However, all kicks are either linear or circular, and use one of three hip positions: Front, Side, or Back. For example, a front kick can be thrust on a straight line into the mid-section while using a front hip position (kicker's abdomen facing the target). A crescent kick also uses a front hip position, but travels on a circular path. The side kick follows a linear path with the hips facing to the side. The roundhouse kick and hook kick also uses the side hip position, but they both travel on a circular path.

While the circular kicks can deliver a great deal of force through rapid acceleration, and a somewhat pendulum like pivot with added extension or retraction of the knee joint, the applied force is not supported by the bone structure which considerably reduces the amount of reaction force capable of returning into the target. This can cut the potential total force nearly in half.

The side kick is the only kick (regardless of which Martial Art system employs it), that uses the most sound geometric shape and structure of the human anatomy to reinforce the applied force. The side kick can be applied numerous ways, and some are more suited for taking advantage of the rapid acceleration, mechanics of the muscles and joints, and the reinforced locking of the body which is supported by the rear foot securely planted on the floor.

The basic rotation of a front leg, or back leg side kick contains good reinforced position, but is not able to utilize the greatest amount of acceleration and mechanics. The skipping side kick has a better rotation of the hips from the beginning of the kick, and adds the momentum of the body to help reinforce the initial impact. The flying side kick can be equally as forceful with the forward motion of the body to support the kick, however the body is not planted on the ground, thus some initial applied force dissipates.

Probably the most powerful kick able to be delivered by the human body, when all kicks are mastered, is the spinning (or turning) side kick. This kick uses the most ideal hip position, mechanics of combining hip and knee extension simultaneously, the necessary acceleration as the kick progresses, and is the still supported by a firmly planted rear foot for maximum use of the reaction force. Even this kick must be mastered to combine all proper alignment, timing of muscle contractions, targeting, and a forward thrust of the entire body which is supported by the rear foot and floor.

[please see the discussion page for personal experience and opinions of contributors]

Taekwondo is a Korean Martial Art whose techniques come from a variety of sources with the core curriculum being based on former native Korean combative methods of Subak and Tae Kkyeon. Although most of the modern techniques are of recent development, they are influenced by ancient origins, and the entire art is comprised of culture, philosophy, character development and warrior training that dates back to the 1st Century BC.

The key influence on Taekwondo techniques was the tactic of using the legs as the primary weapon, followed by hand strikes, then throws & take-downs, and finally grappling and ground-fighting. Thus, the Korean Tae Kkyeon was the impetus for kicking, which was supplemented by the Japanese Judo which was transformed into Korean "yudo"; Aikido transformed into hapkido; and the hand strikes of Korean Subak, Chinese Tangsudo (Tang So Do), and Japanese Shotokan Karate-do were combined to make Taekwondo a complete and balanced system of self defense.

Taekwondo had its curriculum of techniques and tactics initiated in 1944 with the opening of the Chung Do Kwan, the first official Korean school authorized during the Japanese occupation. The Korean Army training within the Oh Do Kwan (military off-shoot of the Chung Do Kwan), provided another source of influence. The art is still being refined and modified today. The modern establishment of the national Korean Martial Art of Taekwondo started with the naming of the newly unified system on April 11, 1955, and the official establishment of the Korea Taekwondo Association in 1961. With the creation of the Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquarters), in Seoul, Korea, in 1972, Taekwondo's international curriculum, along with Black Belt and Instructor certification became standardized worldwide.

It should be noted that over the first few decades of Taekwondo's development, several Kwans (family of schools) were created and branched out into organizations, which resulted both major federations, and independent schools that follow their own syllabus, and use a variety techniques, tactics, and strategies that differs in many ways from the origin of Korean Taekwondo, the KTA, and the Kukkiwon.

Exactly what it says - control of yourself.

For example; if you were sparring with a child, you would need self control to ensure you didn't go too hard on them or hurt them.