TaeKwon-Do is one of the newest martial arts in the world. It was created in the late 20th century by General Choi Hong Hi (1918-2002) from Pyongyang, North Korea, who is considered the father and inventor of TaeKwon-Do. General Choi Hong Hi is also the founder of the ITF (International TaeKwon-Do Federation).
It is with great sorrow that we mourned his passing (June 15, 2002) but we strive to make sure his legacy will live on! Some of the instructors in this class had the opportunity to practice TaeKwon-Do with the General - in fact, his last International Instructor's Seminar was held right here in Colorado in April, 2002...just two months before his death.
Grand Master Hups had a strong relationship with the General over many years and was lucky enough to have called him "friend".
Jumping, flying, to kick or smash with the foot
Fist, to punch or destroy with the hand or fist
The art or way
The mental training and techniques of unarmed combat for self-defense as well as health. It involves the skilled application of punches, kicks, blocks and dodges with bare hands and feet for the rapid destruction of a moving opponent or opponents.
TaeKwon-Do, as we practice it, consists of four distinct disciplines. As a student progresses through the different belt levels, these disciplines become increasingly more challenging. To advance to new levels of challenge, a student must demonstrate proficiency in his/her techniques at the existing level.
Choreographed sequences of movements that simulate combat situations
Fundamental foot and hand techniques for strikes, blocks, and kicks
Controlled practice with a partner to develop timing and distance
Self-defense techniques for real-world situations
In TaeKwon-Do, there are two belt classifications: colored belts and black belts. Within each of these classifications, there are several levels of expertise. Each level must be mastered before advancing to the next level. The belt levels and their meanings follow.
White signifies innocence as that of a beginning student who has no previous knowledge of TaeKwon-Do.
Yellow signifies the earth from which a plant sprouts and takes root as in the TaeKwon-Do foundation that is being laid.
Green signifies the plant's growth as the TaeKwon-Do skill begins to develop.
Blue signifies the heaven toward which the plant matures into a towering tree as training in TaeKwon-Do progresses.
Red signifies danger, cautioning the student to exercise control and warning opponents to stay away.
Black is the opposite of white, therefore, signifying the student's maturity and proficiency in TaeKwon-Do. It also indicates the wearer's imperviousness to darkness and fear.
There are two classifications within each level for colored belts (low and high). Once a student has mastered all of the color belt requirements, they can test to become a black belt. There are nine levels of Black Belt (1st through 9th degree Grand Master). It takes a minimum of over 40 years to become a Grand Master.
I shall observe the tenets of TaeKwon-Do.
I shall respect my instructors and seniors.
I shall never misuse TaeKwon-Do.
I shall be a champion of freedom and justice.
I shall build a more peaceful world.
Ye Ui
Yom Chi
In Nae
Guk Gi
Baekjul Boolgool
Finally, to participate in TaeKwon-Do, all students must abide by the TaeKwon-Do student oath. Keeping one's life in step with this oath will also serve that person well.