What Is Taekwondo? The Korean Martial Art Explained

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art best known for its fast, powerful kicking, its colour-belt grading system and its emphasis on character as much as combat. The name itself tells you what it is: Tae ("to strike or break with the foot"), Kwon ("to strike or break with the fist") and Do ("the way" or "the discipline"). Put together, Taekwondo means roughly "the way of the foot and the fist" — a way of training the body and the mind together. It is practised by millions of people worldwide, by complete beginners and Olympic athletes alike.

A brief history

Modern Taekwondo took shape in Korea in the 1940s and 1950s, when a number of martial arts schools (known as kwans) came together after the Second World War. It drew on older Korean fighting traditions as well as influences from Japanese karate and Chinese martial arts, and the various schools were eventually unified under the single name "Taekwondo" in 1955. Since then the art has spread across the globe. It appeared as a demonstration sport at the 1988 Seoul Olympics and became a full Olympic medal sport at Sydney 2000, where its spectacular high kicks made it an instant favourite with spectators.

The core components

Taekwondo is a complete system rather than a single skill. Across your training you will develop several distinct areas:

• Kicks and hand techniques — the heart of the art, from basic front and turning kicks to spinning and jumping techniques.
• Patterns (forms) — choreographed sequences of moves that build memory, balance and precision.
• Sparring — controlled practice against a partner, with protective gear and clear rules.
• Breaking — demonstrating power and focus by breaking boards, usually at higher grades.
• Self-defence — practical releases, blocks and counters.
• Theory and terminology — Korean vocabulary and the meaning behind techniques and the tenets.

Patterns and forms

Patterns are one of the things that make Taekwondo distinct. They are set sequences of stances, blocks, strikes and kicks performed in a fixed order, as if against imaginary opponents. In World Taekwondo / Kukkiwon-style schools these are called poomsae (the Taegeuk series for colour belts), while in ITF schools they are called tul (or patterns), named after important figures and events in Korean history. Whichever system a school follows, patterns matter because they refine your technique, teach you to link movements together smoothly, and form a central part of every grading and belt promotion.

Sparring

Sparring in Taekwondo is controlled and rule-based — it is nothing like the cage-fighting images people sometimes imagine. Depending on the style, it ranges from light, semi-contact point sparring to Olympic-style continuous sparring, and students wear protective gear such as head guards, gloves and pads. The goal is to develop timing, distance and control, not to hurt your training partner. Beginners ease in gradually and are never thrown in at the deep end.

ITF vs WT — the two main styles

There are two principal global Taekwondo organisations, and it is worth knowing the difference. The International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) follows the lineage of General Choi Hong Hi, uses the tul patterns and is known for its characteristic "sine-wave" motion. World Taekwondo (WT), together with the Kukkiwon, governs the Olympic sport, uses the Taegeuk poomsae and is known for full-contact, foot-led Olympic sparring (kyorugi). World Taekwondo was formerly known as the WTF and adopted its current name in 2017. The system taught at our Southport school is [SYSTEM — TBC], affiliated to [GRADING BODY — TBC].

The five tenets

What truly sets Taekwondo apart from a simple fitness class is its character core — the five tenets: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit. These are recited, discussed and, most importantly, practised in every lesson. They are the reason so many parents see Taekwondo not just as exercise but as a genuine education in how to carry yourself.

Is Taekwondo good for kids, fitness and beginners?

Yes — to all three. For children, it builds confidence, focus and respect (see our dedicated page on Taekwondo for children). For fitness, it develops strength, flexibility, balance and stamina. And for complete beginners of any age, the structured grading syllabus means you always know your next step. Women train alongside men in our adult and teen sessions, and in a mixed class this is normal, comfortable and effective. If you have never set foot in a dojang, our beginner's guide is the perfect place to start.

As a quick note for parents: because our club is a UK Children's University learning destination, children earn Children's University credits while they train. And because our classes run year-round, including school holidays, there is always a lesson to come to.

See it for yourself

The best way to understand Taekwondo is to come and watch a class in Southport. Book a free trial — no experience needed, no obligation — or call [PHONE].