TAEKWONDO

Tae kwon do is a martial art that in today’s form of self-defense has evolved by combining many different styles of martial arts that existed in Korea over the last 2,000 years and some martial arts styles from countries that surround Korea.

Tae kwon do incorporates the abrupt linear movements of Karate and the flowing, circular patterns of Kung-fu with native kicking techniques. Over fifty typically Chinese circular hand movements can be identified in modern Tae kwon do. Tae means “to kick” or “to smash with feet”, Kwon implies “punching” or “destroy with hand/fist” and Do means “way” or “method”.

The sport became the most practiced martial art in 1989 and has been an Olympic event since Sydney 2000. Deli 2010 was the first Commonwealth Games include the sport. Master Jin Young Jung, a Korean native introduced Tae kwon do in Trinidad and Tobago in 1976. During his 16 years as president of the Trinidad and Tobago Tae kwon do Association, Master Jung produced 31 black belts, some up to the rank of third Dan.