Rhoose student Mared Roberts has written an excellent article for her school magazine about Tae Kwon Do and her training.
You can read her article below. Well done Mared.
Tae Kwon Do
My hobby is Tae Kwon Do (TKD) – which is a form of martial art originating in Korea. It began more than 2000 years ago. We know this because archaeologists have found pictures of people doing TKD on the ceiling of an ancient tomb.
Translated from Korean, Tae means to jump, kick or smash with the foot, Kwon means to punch strike or destroy with the hand, and Do is art, method or way. It is one of the most powerful forms of self-defence.
General Choi Hong Hi(1918-2002) is recognised as the father of TKD as he made it what it is today. TKD was introduced to Great Britain in 1967.
There are many rules to TKD and they are based around the five “Tenants of TKD. The five Tenants are:
- Courtesy – being polite and respectful.
- Integrity – being hones
- Perseverance – sticking to what you are doing
- Self control – not losing your temper
- Indomitable Spirit – being brave and having courage.
The training is very strict and you have to work hard. You also have to wear an uniform called a dobok (looks like white pyjamas) and a belt.
You move up in TKD by doing “gradings” or tests. At your grading you have to do the “pattern” that you have learnt and answer questions about Tae Kwon Do history. There are 24 patterns because there are 24 hours in a day. Each grade has a different coloured belt. Your belt is important to show everyone how much you know and what level you are. A pattern is a collection of different kinds of TKD moves, kind of like a dance. Each pattern has a different name and meaning which you have to learn and know.
I was five when I started TKD as a “Tiger”. I have done it for three years now. My instructor in the Rhoose club is Mr Schembri. He has been World and European Champion several times. I am now a “red tag” (blue belt with red stripe). Soon I will take my red belt grading. I only have 2 more gradings before my black belt grading so I have to work extra hard. I go three times a week.
I do TKD because I want to be able to defend myself against strangers and bullies. It also gives me confidence to believe I can overcome anything that stands in my way. It is also great fun and lots of my friends do TKD.
