Tae Kwon Do: More than Just for Self Defense

Since the days of the old, the value of self defense has already been appraised by society as essential. Then, as it is today, there are dangers which lurk around the corner, often in the form of muggers and robbers, with the intentions of depriving citizens off their money and other valuables.

Arm yourself against these societal threats with Tae Kwon Do, a martial art form known to yield to truly effective results.

At its most basic, Tae Kwon Do is also commonly referred to as Taekwondo, or Taekwon-Do or Tae Kwon-Do, and stands to be the national sport of South Korea. It is basically a combat sport, treasured not only for its sport value, but for its self defense value as well. Its name is derived from a number of Korean words: Tae, which means to destroy with one's feet, kwon, which means to smash with the hand, and do which means the way or path. Tae Kwon Do could be loosely translated as "the way of the feet and the fist".

Aside from its sport and self defense value, Tae Kwon Do is also practiced for its exercise value, allowing for positive fitness, its entertainment value to those watching and participating in Tae Kwon Do events, and for its philosophy, which basically fuels a Tae Kwon Do practitioner's mindset towards the elements which define the world.

There are many combat and self defense doctrines and teachings involved in Tae Kwon Do, but the most emphasized would be that of kicks, particularly kicks thrown form a mobile stance. In Tae Kwon Do, the use of one's leg in self defense and combat is brought to greater power, enabling Tae Kwon Do practitioners to disable opponents from a distance. In Tae Kwon Do, reverse turning, side, turning, and front kicks are commonly used. More advanced kicks like jump kicks, spin kicks and jumping spin kicks are also known in the martial art form.

Also, Tae Kwon Do has a system of blocks, which come in handy when in combat. Tae Kwon Do also features other self defense and combat techniques like joint locks, throws, take-downs, open handed strikes, and punches, making it an overall comprehensive martial art, covering all the basics of an ideal martial art.

As a form of self defense, Tae Kwon Do is sure to kick away the various dangers which come to a Tae Kwon Do practitioner's path.