Tae Kwon-Do

Tae kwon-do is a Korean martial art and the national sport of South Korea. It is the world's most popular martial art in terms of number of practitioners.

Tae kwon-do is loosely translated as "the way of the foot and fist" but some translate it as, "the art of kicking and punching."

Tae kwon-do's popularity has resulted in the varied evolution of the martial art into several domains: it combines combat techniques, self-defense, sport, exercise, meditation and philosophy. Tae kwon-do is also used by the South Korean military as part of its training.

Traditional Tae kwon-do is typically not competition-oriented but stems from military roots with great emphasis on offense. Under the guidance of the governing association, The Tae Kwon-Do Assocation of Great Britain (TAGB), however, you will be permitted to enter local, area, national and international competition on a frequent basis.

People train in Tae kwon-do for a variety of reasons - some enjoy the sparring aspect, whereas others like the idea of increasing their flexibility, fitness and therefore confidence as well as enjoying socialising with fellow students.