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Taekwondo

What is Taekwondo?

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that emphasizes head-height kicks, jumping and spinning kicks, and fast kicking techniques. It combines combat and self-defense techniques with sport and exercise. The name "Taekwondo" is derived from the Korean words "tae" (foot), "kwon" (fist), and "do" (way or discipline), which together mean "the way of the foot and fist."

Taekwondo is known for its dynamic and powerful kicks, and it also includes hand strikes, blocks, and various forms of sparring. It is both a physical and mental discipline, promoting physical fitness, self-discipline, respect, and self-confidence.

The sport is governed by various organizations, including the World Taekwondo Federation (WT) and the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF), each with its own set of rules and competition formats. Taekwondo is also an Olympic sport, having been included in the Olympic Games since the year 2000.

Related Article: Taekwondo: The Korean Martial Art of Kicks and Strikes

The medal from an old grappling tournament will not serve me today, but the courage I developed in its acquisition will. By investing in yourself, by using all endeavors as a vehicle to shape who we are, we exist in the present moment with a lifetime of growth behind us. I have loved many vehicles throughout the years, Jiu Jitsu more than any other, but the vehicle has, and always will, be a distant second to the driver.
Chris Matakas

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Other Glossary terms

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Mixed Martial Arts
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a full-contact combat sport that allows a wide variety of fighting techniques and skills from a mixture of other combat sports to be used in competition.
M
Metsubushi
Metsubushi, often translated as "eye closers" or "eye blinders," are tools or techniques used in traditional Japanese martial arts, particularly ninjutsu, to temporarily blind or disorient an opponent.
M
Uechi-Ryu
Uechi-Ryu is a traditional style of Okinawan karate founded by Kanbun Uechi in the early 20th century.
U
Pull-up Bars
Pull-up bars are pieces of exercise equipment designed to help individuals perform pull-ups and other upper body exercises.
P
Shaolin Monks
Shaolin monks are Buddhist monks associated with the Shaolin Temple, a historic monastery located in the Henan province of China.
S
Taekwondo
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that emphasizes head-height kicks, jumping and spinning kicks, and fast kicking techniques.
T
Horse Stance
The Horse Stance, also known as "Kiba Dachi" in Japanese, is a fundamental stance used in many martial arts, including American Kenpo.
H
Katame-Waza
Katame-Waza refers to the grappling or groundwork techniques in Judo.
K
Dōzukuri
Dōzukuri is an essential step in Kyudo, the Japanese martial art of archery.
D
Battojutsu
Battojutsu, also known as Iaijutsu, is a traditional Japanese martial art focused on the technique of drawing and cutting with a katana (Japanese sword) in a single fluid motion.
B
Qwan Ki Do
Qwan Ki Do is a Vietnamese martial art that combines various techniques and philosophies from traditional Vietnamese and Chinese martial arts.
Q
Choice Reaction Time (CRT)
Choice Reaction Time (CRT) is a measure of the time it takes for an individual to respond to one of several stimuli by selecting the appropriate response from multiple options.
C
Jogo do Pau
Jogo do Pau is a traditional Portuguese martial art that involves the use of a wooden staff, typically around 1.5 to 2 meters (5 to 6.5 feet) in length.
J
Daoshu
Daoshu (刀术), also known as Broadsword Technique or Swordsmanship, is a traditional Chinese martial art focused on the use of the dao (刀), a single-edged Chinese broadsword.
D
Bogu
Bogu is the protective armor worn by practitioners of Kendo during training and competition.
B
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