DEFINITION OF TAEKWON-DO
“Tae” – jumping or flying – to kick or smash with the foot. “Kwon” – fist, chiefly to punch or destroy with the hand or fist. “Do” – an art or way, the right way built and paved by the saints and sages in the past.
“Thus taken collectively “Taekwon-Do” indicates the mental training and the techniques of unarmed combat for self-defence as well as health, involving the skilled application of punches, kicks, blocks and dodges with bare hands and feet to the rapid destruction of the moving opponent or opponents.” – Gen. Choi Hong Hi (Vol-1, p.21)
BASIC PRINCIPLES FOR THE TECHNIQUES OF TAEKWON-DO
“1. All movement should be designed to produce maximum power in accordance with scientific formulas and the principle of kinetic energy. 2. The principles behind the techniques should be so clear that even those ignorant of Taekwon-Do will be able to distinguish correct from incorrect movement. 3. The distance and angle of each movement should be exactly defined in order to achieve more efficient attack and defense. 4. The purpose and method of each movement should be clear and simple, in order to facilitate the teaching and learning process. 5. Rational teaching methods should be developed so that the benefits of Taekwon-Do can be enjoyed by everyone, young and old, men and women. 6. Correct breathing methods should be devised, enhancing the speed of each movement and reducing fatigue. 7. Attack should be possible against any vital spot on the body and it should be possible to defend against all varieties of attack. 8. Each attacking tool should be clearly defined and soundly based on the structure of the human body. 9. Each movement should be easy to execute, enabling the student to enjoy Taekewon-Do as a sport and recreation. 10. Special consideration should be paid to promoting good health and preventing injuries. 11. Each movement should be harmonious and rhythmical so that Taekwon-Do is aesthetically pleasing. 12. Each movement in a pattern must express the personality and spiritual character of the person it is named after.
Adherence to these basic principles is what makes Taekwon-Do a martial art, an aesthetic art, a science and sport.” – Gen. Choi Hong Hi (Vol-1, pp.42-43)