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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 heart of our karate is real fighting.There can be no proof without real fighting. Without proof there is no trust. Without trust there is no respect. This is a definition in the world of martial arts.
Mas Oyama

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Other Glossary terms

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Kai
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Dojo
A Dojo is a term used in Japanese martial arts to refer to a formal training hall or place where practitioners gather to train, study, and practice their martial art.
D
Duillian
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D
Baguazhang
Baguazhang, also known as "Eight Trigram Palm," is a traditional Chinese martial art that is part of the internal styles (neijia) of Chinese martial arts, which also includes Tai Chi and Xing Yi.
B
Nanquan
Nanquan (南拳), also known as Southern Fist, is a style of Chinese martial arts originating from the southern regions of China.
N
Wing Chun Stance
The Wing Chun stance, also known as "Yee Jee Kim Yeung Ma" or "Character Two Adduction Stance," is a fundamental aspect of Wing Chun Kung Fu.
W
Ninja
A ninja, also known as a shinobi, was a covert agent or mercenary in feudal Japan who specialized in unorthodox warfare.
N
Sandā
Sandā, also known as Sǎnshǒu, is a Chinese martial art that combines traditional Kung Fu techniques with modern combat practices.
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Enshin
Enshin Karate is a modern style of karate founded by Joko Ninomiya in 1988.
E
Nandao
Nandao (南刀), also known as the Southern Broadsword, is a traditional Chinese martial art that focuses on the use of the nan dao (南刀), a type of broadsword associated with the southern styles of Chinese martial arts.
N
Tai Chi
Tai Chi, also known as Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan), is a traditional Chinese martial art that is practiced both for its defense training and its health benefits.
T
Simple Reaction Time (SRT)
Simple Reaction Time (SRT) is the measure of the time it takes for an individual to respond to a single stimulus.
S
Russian Fistfighting
Russian Fistfighting, also known as "Kulachniye Boyi" (Кулачные бои), is a traditional form of bare-knuckle fighting that has deep roots in Russian culture and history.
R
Economy of Motion
Economy of motion is a fundamental principle in martial arts, particularly emphasized in styles like Wing Chun.
E
Kodokan
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K
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