TaeKwonDo is a bare-handed defensive art and sport that uses the hands and feet for attack and defense. The focus of TaeKwonDo is on training the mind along with the body. The art of TaeKwonDo traditionally plays four different roles:

 

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TaeKwonDo as exercise - TaeKwonDo is good exercise for children who are still growing as well as a good way for adults to increase their physical endurance. TaeKwonDo’s movements require extensive use of the joints, which increases the limberness of one's body. And because there is kicking, jabbing, and shouting involved, it is also a great way to relieve stress.

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TaeKwonDo as a form of martial arts - TaeKwonDo defends from the opponent with bare hands and feet. What sets it apart from other martial art forms are the powerful and varied leg movements, distinguishing it as a worldwide martial art. While TaeKwonDo’s movements are aggressive, its focus is more on the defense aspect. This focus can act positively for people wanting to learn TaeKwonDo as a way of self defense.

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TaeKwonDo as a sport - TaeKwonDo is an official competitive category in major world sporting events such as the Olympics, Pan Am Games, Asian Games, All American Games, and South American Games. Competitive TaeKwonDo involves safety gear and set attacks and defenses, which limit the potential for injury. Martial Artists can enjoy the thrill of competing in TaeKwonDo without the high risk of injury.

 

TaeKwonDo as a form of education - TaeKwonDo trains the body, but does as much, if not more, to develop the mind. The objective of learning TaeKwonDo is to foster growth in both areas in order to become a more mature human being. TaeKwonDo’s disciples receive defense skills along with repeated etiquette lessons to build character.

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No matter why a student chooses to learn the art of TaeKwonDo, he/she must understand some fundamental knowledge about TaeKwonDo. Three important areas of study are Belt Coloration, History, and other Essential Knowledge.