Taekwondo is a very popular martial art and is becoming more and more popular, especially among the youth. Most Taekwondo organizations publicly agree that Taekwondo was derived from other Korean martial arts. However, there is arguably a Japanese influence to Karate as a result of the prolonged Japanese occupation of Korea in the last century.

Taekwondo organizations have developed their own grading systems by which students progress. They also have their own qualifications, these are events where students of the art can progress through the ranks by demonstrating their skill in combat, performing patterns, and often demonstrating their ability to use the correct Korean terms. Taekwondo is often translated from Korean as “art of the foot fist”.

Taekwondo is famous for its emphasis on sophisticated high kicking techniques, which distinguishes it from other martial arts such as karate. If you are interested in fancy kicks then this is a very good martial art to choose.

The best way to score high points in taekwondo sparring is with kicks to the head area. Learning Taekwondo kicks requires a high degree of flexibility. So it really helps to be young and preferably female. If you are an older man you will have to work your flexibility with stretching exercises. It will take longer, but you will get there eventually.

Taekwondo is included in the Olympic Games. The 1988 games in Seoul were a demonstration event, but at the time of the Sydney Olympics, taekwondo was a full medal event. Olympic taekwondo sparring is a full contact event and the ring where the competitors fight is ten square meters. Taekwondo matches at the Olympic Games and elsewhere, such as at the club or national level, are held based on weight classes.

Students generally wear a uniform or dobok during classes and are differentiated by their belts, starting with the white belt and working their way up to the black belt. Sometimes classes are divided into youth and adults.

Classes usually have very strict discipline. Therefore, you should not mind this discipline if you are thinking of taking Taekwondo classes, otherwise you may find yourself doing a lot of push-ups as punishment for doing something wrong. Some Korean terms are used in the classes, but the instructions are generally not in Korean.

Taekwondo is a fun and social activity that anyone can participate in and make good friends in the process. Taekwondo is a modern martial art, well known for its striking kicks. Taekwondo is an Olympic sport and also a martial art. It has sparring, patterns, and is a useful way to learn some self-defense. If you are looking to get in shape and find the usual repetitive exercises in the gym boring, then you should consider taking up this sport.