Taekwondo

The question of who has a "higher duty of care" sounds like an issue for legal advice, in which case a licensed attorney might be the best source. The following answer is not legal advice, but a general statement about the responsibility of Taekwondo officials.

Ultimately, everything that occurs during a Taekwondo event is the responsibility of those who host the event, with the tournament host, and/or director at the head of that chain. Within any particular ring, and during a match, the center referee is in charge of match management, and the one who is primarily responsible for enforcing the rules of safety.

It depends on the school of taekwondo; for example, the WTF forms are named after things such as strength, understanding, etc., whereas the ITF forms are named after Korean historical figures and events.

If by "flips" you mean back flips, then that would be gymnastics and some Taekwondo practitioners have incorporated those moves into what is commonly called "extreme Taekwondo."

If by "flips" you mean throws such as are done in judo and jujutsu, then yes, we do use those as part of Taekwondo's curriculum. Keep in mind that when Taekwondo was formed as a complete Martial Art in the 1950's, many of the Kwan (school) founders had backgrounds in yudo/judo, hapkido/Aikido, and other influences that combined to make Taekwondo a complete system of self defense. We do not put an emphasis on flips and throws like is done in Judo, but they are a viable option that is supposed to be included in a complete Taekwondo curriculum.

The name "taekwondo" was either submitted by Choi Hong Hi, or Song Duk Son of Chung Do Kwan and was accepted on April 11, 1955.

While Taekwondo is primarily an unarmed Martial Art, there are many weapons, both traditional and modern, that are often integrated into the training for the purpose of well-rounded self defense, and traditional experience. A student can learn how to fight against weapons, as well as use them for self defense (although less common in modern times). Tournament competition is also a consideration when choosing to study Martial Art weapons.

In Korea and around the world, some of the terms and names of organizations are registered trademarks, but the art of the sword in Korea is known as Gumdo. The traditional methods of sword fighting are organized in a modern curriculum such as the Haedong Gumdo (also Haidong Kumdo). While some literature, and videos are available, a serious student would be best to find a Taekwondo Master who is certified to teach the sword through a recognized Haedong Gumdo association.

If you are asking about tournament officials, the number one priority is safety. After that, officials, such as referees, are charged with the duty of enforcing the rules of the tournament to ensure fair play, and match outcome consistent with the skills of the competitors. The official is also responsible for helping to create a smooth, and efficiently run event that is fun, and enjoyable for all.

Depending on their assignment, officials might have the duty of helping competitors and coaches be where they are supposed to be, check ID badges, keep accurate records, keep time, transfer documents, and escort groups of competitors on and off the competition floor. At the conclusion of a division's matches, some officials may have the duty of presenting awards either in the ring, or at an awards platform. Some officials make announcements over a PA system, including announcing the winners in each division.

Finally, it is the duty of all officials to look, speak, and act professionally at all times. Their appearance should be neat and clean and wearing appropriate attire. Their posture when standing or sitting should be proper and show signs of alert attention to their judging duties. The official should watch what they say, and should never talk in a negative fashion about any competitor, instructor, coach, or another official. According to World Taekwondo Federation, and Olympic rules, tournament officials are forbidden from discussing the outcome of a match with anyone except with appropriate tournament officials in connection with the performance of their duties (IE: judges consultations, or arbitration due to protest). Officials should refrain from ever indicating that a competitor was cheated, or the outcome of a match was wrong. Negative comments are damaging to the spirit of competition. Legitimately identified errors must be handled through proper channels, and properly filed protests.

Basic Form Number One was created for school which have more than 8 grades below black belt. There are 8 tae guk forms to learn before black belt. If your school has more than 8 belts before black belt, then they may have added some "basic forms" to teach in preparation for the first belt test. At one contibutor's school, Basic Form Number One consists of low blocks and middle punches all in walking stance. It included both front foot turns and back foot turns.

The names of each of the following kicks might be different at your school, and each instructor or Taekwondo organization might list different numbers of basic or advanced kicks, and teach them at different rank levels. The answer to this question will vary from school to school, therefore you should ask your instructor if they require a specific answer for test purposes.

In Korean terminology, the word for kick is "Chagi" 차기

Basic Kicks: The basic kicks use either the front leg (nearest the target), or the back leg (further from the target) in the case where stance prior to kicking is not parallel to the target. Front leg kicks may be performed stationary on the rear foot position, or by stepping the rear foot up near the front foot before kicking. In most applications, both front leg and back leg kicks may be modified to cover more distance by sliding the rear foot along the floor as you kick. It is part of the basic training of Taekwondo to learn the various foot positions, and optional striking tools (ball, instep, bottom of heel, back of heel, inner arch, or outer blade) for each kick, as well as the motions of chambering the kick, the path that the foot follows, and the muscles and joints that are involved in the mechanics of the kick.

1. Stomp Kick - 짓밟다 차기 - Jitpalpda Chagi ("Jee(t) - pal(p) - dah")

2. Front Kick - 앞차기 - Ap Chagi ("ahp - chah - gee")

3. Turning Kick - 돌려 차기 - Dolryeo Chagi ("dol - ree-yuh - chah - gee")

>(aka: "roundhouse kick" - turning refers to hips, not turning backwards)

>(note: the roundhouse kick has many variations, including a diagonal kick on an incline)

4. Downward Kick - 내려 차기 - Naeryeo Chagi ("nae - ree-yuh - chah - gee")

>(aka: "axe kick")

5. Crescent Kick 반달 차기 - Bandal Chagi ("bahn - dahl - chah - gee")

>(Inward Crescent Kick - 반달 안차기 - Bandal An Chagi ("ahn")

>(Outward Crescent Kick - 반달 바깥 차기 - Bandal Bakkat Chagi ("bah - kkaht")

6. Side Kick - 옆차기 - Yeop Chagi ("yuhp - chah - gee")

7. Hook Kick - 후려 차기 Huryeo Chagi ("hoo - ree-yuh - chah - gee")

8. Back Kick - 뒷차기 - Dwit Chagi ("dwee(t) - Chah - gee")

>(aka: mule kick)

9. Twist Kick - 비틀로 차기 - Biteulro Chagi ("Bee - teul - ro - chah - gee")

Advanced applications:

Skipping Kicks

Spinning or backwards turning Kicks

Jumping Kicks

Jump-Spin Kicks

Flying Kicks

Note: Some of the basic kicks are not typically used with every advanced application. For example, the front kick is not typically applied as a spinning kick. Also, the kick known as a "wheel" or "spin heel" kick uses a locked knee to complete a 360 degree circular whipping motion that is only able to be done as a spin kick, and not a basic movement.

The hardest part of taekwondo will be different for each person.

The skill in the pattern, you could just go through the motions, however if is not done correctly...whats the point?


Getting in the car is the hardest part. It's so much easier to just stay at home on the couch.

Taekwondo has become extremely popular in several places around the world. Perhaps the largest popularity is among the people of its birth country. Since Koreans identify the Martial Art as part of their national cultural identity, and historical evolution which helped them survive many feudal eras, Taekwondo has been adopted as their national Martial Art as well as national sport.

However, it is easy for a nation to take for granted something that is readily available, and already a part of their culture. Therefore, students in many foreign countries have looked upon all Martial Art training as something special, and even mystical. Learning segments of a new language, culture, philosophy, and history of fighting skills has made Taekwondo equally popular outside of Korea.

Since the early 1960's, Taekwondo has flourished in the United States, and become one of the most common forms of self defense training, replacing many the Judo, Karate, and Kung Fu schools of past decades.

Canada has a large Taekwondo following as well as the United Kingdom. Taekwondo is also very popular in Australia. It is difficult to say where it is "most popular" since you can find very dedicated, loyal, and skillful practitioners all around the world. Certainly Korea, the US, Canada, and the UK are all very close in their popularity and practice of Taekwondo.

Aside from taking regular classes, and learning the core curriculum and requirements to promote in rank and gain a solid foundation and understanding of the art, athletes train many additional hours under the guidance of a coach. The coach might be certified by a sport governing body, and might be their own Master, or one of the Black Belt Instructors or Assistant Instructors at their dojang (school).

Athletes first learn the techniques and skills used in competition, the learn the rules and regulations for what is permitted, prohibited, and used as criteria for scoring points. Some athletes focus on Poomsae (forms), while others spend more time on Gyorugi (sparring). Either way, they need the constant guidance and supervision of an experienced instructor/coach, and the indomitable spirit, perseverance, drive and will-power to train many hours every day.

Successful Taekwondo competitors work to maintain a healthy body through a proper diet, regular exercise for endurance and muscle tone, stretching for flexibility, and avoiding negative habits such as smoking, alcohol, drugs, or anything to excess or extreme that could have a negative or adverse affect on their performance or ability to participate in competitions.

The student practices individual kicks for speed, accuracy, timing, and deception. The work on kicking focus targets for speed, accuracy and control, and hit heavy bags and break boards for power, accuracy and control. The wear protective padding to avoid injury and unnecessary delays in training while sparring with partners to improve distancing, rhythm, timing, and coordination of both defensive and offensive attacks or counter-attacks. Once preliminary training is under way, one of the best methods for improving skills and gaining experience is to enter as many competitions as possible, starting with small tournaments, and working their way up to national, international and world championships.

There will likely be many losses in the early stages and along the way, but this is where the student should learn and gain valuable experience while keeping a positive attitude, and not becoming emotionally upset over being penalized, or a loss of a point, a match, or a championship. Using video is a good way to study your performance, and learn from your mistakes while focusing on what works. Videos should not be used to harp on perceived biased or poor judging, or make excuses as to why you lost. Pick yourself up, dust yourself, put a smile on your face, shake hands and bow to your opponent, the referee and the opponent's coach with earnest respect - - then go back to training with a renewed focus on improvement.

Yes, Tae Kwon Do is a very good martial; however, if you are trying to choosing a marital art to study yourself, the more important consideration is the quality of the instructors. There are good taekwondo instructors and bad taekwondo instructors. Shop around and find a great instructor.

Another factor is whether you want to learn a more offensive martial art or not. Tae Kwon Do was made for defence. It can be using in offence, but there are many close contact techniques that will help you defend yourself. Karate is a more offensive form.

Tae Kwon Do also uses more of the feet than other martial arts. There are many forms of kicks. There are less hand movements. The hand usually only do punches and blocks. They have a few other movements that are not used often.

Doing Tae Kwon Do also helps you think. Your mind seems to work better after starting Tae Kwon Do. This may only be the case for some people. It may improve concentration and memory. But this may not happen in all cases.

All in all, Tae Kwon Do is a good martial art.

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.