Taekwondo
태권도
Taekwondo (태권도) is a Korean martial art known for its fast, high, and spinning kicks. It is one of only two martial arts in the Olympic Games and is practiced by over 80 million people worldwide.
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Taekwondo develops explosive speed, flexibility, and kicking power. Kyorugi (겨루기, sparring) competition and poomsae (품새, forms) provide a clear international competition pathway from youth to elite level.
At a Glance
Who It's For
What You'll Learn
High, spinning, and jumping kicks
Poomsae (품새, patterns/forms) for solo practice
Olympic-style kyorugi (겨루기, electronic scoring sparring)
Board breaking — gyeokpa (격파) — for power testing
Self-defense applications — hosinsul (호신술)
Korean martial arts etiquette, dobok (도복, uniform), and philosophy
Your First Class
Wear a dobok (uniform) if available, otherwise athletic clothing. Expect stretching, basic kick drills (front kick, roundhouse), and possibly poomsae practice. Classes run 45-60 minutes.
Watch & Learn
Gallery
Legends of Taekwondo
Steven Lopez
Steven Lopez is the most decorated Taekwondo athlete in American history, with two Olympic golds and five World Championship titles. He competed in five consecutive Olympics from 2000 to 2016, establishing the Lopez family as American Taekwondo royalty.
Hadi Saei (هادی ساعی)
Hadi Saei is the most decorated Iranian Olympian of all time, winning two consecutive gold medals in Taekwondo. His powerful kicking style and tactical brilliance made him one of the most feared competitors in the sport's Olympic history.
Choi Hong-hi (최홍희)
General Choi Hong-hi is credited as the principal founder of Taekwondo, synthesizing Korean martial traditions with Karate into a distinct kicking art. He established the ITF and spent his life spreading Taekwondo worldwide, making it one of the most practiced martial arts on the planet.
Jade Jones
Related Styles
Karate
Karate is a Japanese striking art that uses punches, kicks, knee strikes, and open-hand techniques. Originating in Okinawa, it emphasizes kata (型, forms), kihon (基本, basics), and kumite (組手, sparring).
Tang Soo Do
Tang Soo Do (당수도, "Way of the China Hand") is a Korean martial art that blends Chinese and Japanese influences with native Korean kicking techniques. It places strong emphasis on hyung (형, forms), respect — ye (예) — and the development of character.
Kickboxing
Kickboxing is a stand-up combat sport that combines boxing punches with kicks. It encompasses several rulesets including full-contact, low-kick, and K-1 rules.
Hapkido
Hapkido (합기도) is a Korean martial art that combines joint locks and throws (similar to Aikido) with dynamic kicks and strikes. It provides a comprehensive self-defense — hoshinsul (호신술) — system covering all ranges of combat.
Popular With
Traditionalist
The ultimate aim of martial arts is not having to use them.
Showman
Martial art is a form of expression.
Fitness Fighter
Pain is weakness leaving the body.
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