Taekwondo is the art of self defense that originated in Korea. The name is descriptive of the art: Tae (foot), Kwon (hand), Do (art). Taekwondo has grown in popularity as a martial art, and more recently, as an international sport. There are 2 main governing bodies, and Swordsmen belong to the World Taekwondo (WT) federation as this is the body that governs access to the Olympics. Today World Taekwondo counts more than 200 separate countries as its members, millions of practitioners. Taekwondo became a full medal sport competition beginning in 2000 at the Sydney Olympics.
Taekwondo has two basic elements, Poomsae and Kyorugi. In order to progress through the ranks, the Student must master the various forms relevant to their current rank as well as other aspects of the Art, such as self-defense, sparring, leadership and fitness. Training is modified to meet the capabilites of the individual Student. As one‘s abilities change, so does the level of expectation. The sense of achievement obtained as one progresses down the path is one that stands the student in good stead through all of their life. Taekwondo is also a good family activity with all members of the family being able to be part of a common activity that can assist in maintaining the strength of the family unit. For the Student who wishes to undertake a Sport with International opportunities, Taekwondo provides many opportunities to achieve this aim.
The Taekwondo uniform is called a Dobok. The pants are neither tight nor loose and the jacket is a long-sleeved “pullover” style with a “V” neck. The Dobok is usually white and hard wearing. Colored belts typically wear an all white Dobok while Black Belts have a black band around the “V” neck. The belt colour denotes the actual rank of the practitioner. At a competition, you may see some athletes wearing different coloured pants or jackets. These color variations denote a specific group to which the athlete belongs, and only applies to Poomsae competitors.
Safety is paramount in all aspects of training. Students are taught from the beginning, with continual reinforcement, that you must at all times treat the art and your fellow Students with respect. Students are taught how to perform the various patterns (Poomsae), self-defense (Ho Sin Sul) holds and throws, and sparring (Kyorugi) techniques with complete safety for themselves and others around them. The appropriate use of protective equipment (hogu (chest protector), gloves, groin guards, mouth guards, arm and leg guards, and helmets) is reinforced to ensure maximum safety at all times.
Taekwondo patterns (forms) are properly identified by the name “Poomsae” and are collections of movements starting with simple combinations and progressing through increasingly complex combinations. Each movement presents a specific form of defense or attack. Patterns require the Student to develop balance, concentration, and strength. Patterns may be performed individually, in Pairs, or as Teams. Pairs and Teams add the requirement for synchronization thus increasing the difficulty. In order to grade to the next level, the Student must demonstrate a level of proficiency in executing the appropriate forms.
Sparring is the component recognized at the Olympics. It consists of three 2 minute rounds with points awarded for strikes at the torso or head. Protective equipment is worn. In competition, electronic scoring equipment may be used. This consists of sensors in the Hogu, Helmet, and socks which when make “contact” trigger a score. The trigger effect is varied based upon the division according to the range of pressures required in order to score. The position of the sensors in the socks also mean that a Hogu kick must be technically correct in order to permit a score.
As of Monday June 1st, 2020, Swordsmen are reopening for training under the QLD Government Stage 2 restrictions. We encourage all of our Members to return to training as well as anyone interested in Martial Arts. The time table for classes can be seen here
The Belgian Open for 2020 has been cancelled. Click here
UPDATE! The 5th Oceania Mulimpia Championships that was to be held in Tauranga New Zealand on 10-11 October, 2020, has been cancelled due to the impact of the Corona Virus.
However, keep these dates free as it is planned to hold a local competition.
