HISTORY OF TAEKWONDO
 
• TAE KWON DO  is a Korean martial arts which was developed around 200 years ago.     The ancient martial arts include the use of military weapons. However, the advantage 
  of unarmed combat were so emphasized and developed. 
  Consequently, Taekwondo  developed as a style of martial art limited to combat with       natural weapons of fist, hands and feet.
  Historically the origin of Taekwondo can be traced back to the three kingdoms of               Kogoryu (937 BC-668a)  Paekche ( 18 BC-6090 AD), and Silla 57BC-936AD).
  Archaeological findings such as mural paintings on the royal tombs of the Kogoryu  dynasty, the stone sculptures of pagodas of temples produce during Silla dynasty
 period, and also document written in the Paekche dynasty show many studies of 
 fighting stances, and formalized movement that resemble the stance and forms 
 for Taekwondo today.
 
 PHILOSOPHY
 Spiritually, the Korean martial arts were strongly influence by Buddhism and enriched
 by Hwarangddo, a military organization for noble youth that was instituted by Kim Jim
 Heung of the Silla dynasty. The unification of the three kingdoms was made possible
 by the spiritual influence of Hwarangdo.
 
 WHAT IS TAEKWONDO
 The art of kicking and punching with philosophy. Literally, it means, TAE  to kick with
 the foot. KWON  to punch or chop with the hand.  DO  the philosophy or the way of
 the art.
 All movements in Taekwondo are based strictly on the concept of self-defense.
 Training  in Taekwondo regularly improves over all well-being, brings about  a 
 healthy mental and physical balance, increases agility and flexibility. It improves
 discipline, focus and build self-confidence.
 
TAEKWONDO SKILLS CAN BE DIVIDED INTO THREE CATEGORIES:
 1.  Forms (poomse) a series of pre-arrange movement which improves good body 
      posture, focus, balance and power.
 2. Fighting (gyoroogi) actually lets you apply all the kicking and punching techniques
     that you have learn. Protective gears are worn during sparring to build your               
     confidence and provide safety.
 3. Breaking ( kyukpa)  Student learn to break a board  when they attain high yellow
     belt.  This teach you how to focus on a target and test your power.