What is United Taekwondo?
United Taekwondo is not just another martial arts school or exercise studio. While our classes include all the dynamic and traditional techniques you expect from a martial art, together with practical self-defence skills and fitness training, we offer much more than that.
Our aim is to help our students enjoy learning the art of Taekwondo in a safe environment and develop confidence which we believe is the key to achieving in all areas of life. Taekwondo also offers many physical benefits such as increased fitness and flexibility.
Our training sessions are open to everyone, from individuals to families to come and watch and get a better understanding of what we do. We also encourage people to trial us free of charge and obligation. Whether you want to get in shape or achieve other personal goals, we provide the experience, expertise and a friendly, supportive environment to help you realise your goals.
Who can join United Taekwondo?
Anyone who has the enthusiasm to learn United Taekwondo is welcome to join and our doors are always open. Ages range from 5 years to over 50s and we care about our students as individuals, not just another member in the training centre. At some locations we also have Tiny’s classes for 4-6 year olds.
The respect, discipline, self-confidence, hand-eye co-ordination and healthy lifestyle that United Taekwondo training promotes, becomes a valuable asset to any student. Many parents credit the training with assisting the development of good attitudes and work ethics for their children. Adults often find that the art becomes a way of life for them.
If you would like a FREE trial lesson please contact Master Paul or visit you nearest location.
What can I get out of United Taekwondo training?
United Taekwondo will help you improve your Fitness, Concentration, Flexibility, Strength, Self-Confidence and Self-Awareness. You will feel empowered as we find and discover your true potential.
At any location we create an inclusive environment, where like-minded people share their knowledge and experience and help one another smash through their aims and goals.
During class you will be provided with continual encouragement and feedback, which will help you build unstoppable confidence.
One of the great things about United Taekwondo, as opposed to other forms of physical activity, is its emphasis on mental health and well-being.
What happens during United Taekwondo training?
Each training session runs between 30 – 60 minutes depending on age and ability. In order to help students improve and to keep the classes interesting, the content of each class is different. However, as an indication a typical training session in United Taekwondo may include elements such as:
- Warm up / stretching
- Instruction and practice of techniques
- Set patterns
- Non-contact sparring
- Self-defence techniques
- Strength and cardio work
- Focus mitt training
Are there any examinations?
Gradings are held four to five times a year. A grading is where a student applies for promotion to the next grade and participates in an examination in front of the Master Examiner.
The coloured belt gradings are a recognition of the students’ commitment to their training. A grading represents that a student has reached a competency skill level. This includes improving their current techniques while fostering a positive attitude by following the Tenets of Taekwondo.
Each students’ application for grading is done with a recommendation by their instructor. There is no pressure for students to grade, however all students are encouraged to apply to be promoted, when their instructor believes they are ready.
Grade level recognition will always be at the discretion of the Master Instructor.
What do I need on my first night?
Wear something comfortable that you can exercise in such as tracksuit pants or shorts and t-shirt. Students train in bare feet. Bring a water bottle. You should have drunk at least two glasses of water during the afternoon before training.
The first training session is complimentary and obligation free. Talk to the class instructor as they will be keen to meet you and find out more about your expectations and experience.
The class will be shouting on certain techniques during up and down activities and sparring – usually on every attack. There is no pressure for you to shout if you feel uncomfortable, however there are good reasons why we do this.
Visit one of our locations, or contact United Taekwondo today
Taekwondo History
Taekwondo arose following the end of the occupation of Korea by Imperial Japan. New schools, called Kwans, were opened by Korean martial artists who had studied in Japan. Taekwondo as it is known today did not really exist at this time; each Kwan taught its own techniques. These varying techniques were subsequently adopted by the South Korean military and began gaining popularity among civilians.
Impressed by a military demonstration, South Korean president, Syngman Rhee, declared that the Kwans contrasting styles be unified into one form, which later became known as Tae Soo Do – tae meaning to stomp, su meaning hand, and do meaning way or discipline.
South Korean Army General, Choi Hong Hi, proposed the name be changed to Tae Kwon Do, replacing Su, meaning hand, with Kwon, meaning fist. And in 1959, the Korean Taekwondo Association (KTA) was formed to solidify the unification of Korean Martial Arts. Followed by the establishment of the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) by General Choi Hong Hi in 1966, a standard form was introduced worldwide.
To avoid North Korean influence on Taekwondo during the Cold War, South Korea withdrew its support for the ITF in 1973. The ITF continued to operate independently and published the Encyclopaedia of Taekwondo in 1987. The ITF now operates as three separate federations.
Also in 1973, the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) was established to promote the sport worldwide. And Taekwondo is now one of only two Asian martial arts to become an official Olympic event – the first medal being given out just a few kilometres from Macarthur, at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
Taekwondo Techniques
Taekwondo is a martial art form that emphasises striking techniques, particularly head kicks, jumping and spinning kicks. In competition, more points are awarded for the use of spinning kicks.The base stance of Taekwondo is different to other styles because it employs a narrow stance for fast kicking techniques rather than a wide stance which provides more balance.
Much of Taekwondo’s teachings are founded in what’s known as the Theory of Power. This theory, popularised by General Choi Hong Hi, suggests that the power of a strike is increased exponentially by the speed of the strike, rather than the mass of the person throwing the strike. Therefore, speed is more important than size.
Choi was also a proponent of the relax/strike principle – meaning practitioners should allow their muscles to relax in between striking and blocking – and tense only when throwing techniques at the opponent. This also helps to conserve energy.Unlike other martial arts, ranks vary depending on the style of Taekwondo that is taught. Ranks can be separated into junior and senior belts. These belts range in colour from the lowest rank of white to the higher ranks of red or brown. How many belts there are is dependent on the style.
The senior ranks are known as the black belts and can vary in “dans” or “degrees” e.g. a third degree black belt is equivalent to a third dan. Black belts typically have stripes to indicate which degree black belt you are, you must ‘earn your stripes’ to advance to a higher degree.
To advance to the next highest rank, you must demonstrate your skills in front of your teacher which can include the execution of patterns, a demonstration of power and technique e.g. board breaking, sparring, physical fitness and answering questions about the art to demonstrate your knowledge.Improving your rank can take anywhere from months to years to accomplish.
Ranks
Unlike other martial arts, ranks vary depending on the style of Taekwondo that is taught. Ranks can be separated into junior and senior belts. These belts range in colour from the lowest rank of white to the higher ranks of red or brown. How many belts there are is dependent on the style.
The senior ranks are known as the black belts and can vary in “dans” or “degrees” e.g. a third degree black belt is equivalent to a third dan. Black belts typically have stripes to indicate which degree black belt you are, you must ‘earn your stripes’ to advance to a higher degree.
To advance to the next highest rank, you must demonstrate your skills in front of your teacher which can include the execution of patterns, a demonstration of power and technique e.g. board breaking, sparring, physical fitness and answering questions about the art to demonstrate your knowledge.Improving your rank can take anywhere from months to years to accomplish.