We study Tae Kwon Do

"Karate"....most Americans equate every martial art with this term. While seemingly harmless on the surface, blanketing all martial arts with the name "Karate" robs each of them of their own unique characteristics, history, and essence.


Karate is the Japanese martial art that was imported heavily into the US after the Second World War by US servicemen returning from the war, and Japanese nationals immigrating to the states.  It is ubiquitous in our language and thinking when it comes to the martial arts.  


So what is Taekwondo?  First off, it's a Korean martial art.  That's why the Korean flag hangs on the dojang (training space) wall, and on our uniforms, and why all the commands are in Korean.


If you break the word down into its three syllables:


Tae         Jumping, kicking with the foot
Kwon      Punching, smashing with the fist
Do           The Way



Taekwondo is a complete, integrated, and unique system of self-defense and personal improvement. We strengthen our bodies through the seemly endless series of kicks, punches, blocks, stances, push-ups, and sit-ups.  We also work to improve our minds and our personal character by following the rules of Taekwondo and the dojang, and trying to always live by the 5 Tenets of Taekwondo:  Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit.  And by combing the physical and mental/character improvements, we work to change the world by making it a better place.



I get asked all the time by prospective students or their parents, "What's the difference between Karate and Taekwondo?"  I have developed a standard response over the years that consists of three things:  1) Taekwondo is a Korean martial art, while Karate is a Japanese art.  2) Taekwondo is a competitive sport not only a martial art.  3) Taekwondo is a kicking martial art, with some of the most powerful and dynamic kicking techniques in the world.


And finally, that it resonates with me.  


One of the reasons there are so many different martial arts, is the same reason there are so many different types of ice cream.  Not everyone likes, or is looking for the same thing.


Want to learn more about Taekwondo?  Your first stop should be the ATLU TKD Student Handbook.  Search the Internet.  Go buy some Taekwondo books.  Read as much as you can.


Is there anything wrong with Karate?  Of course not.  But we should be knowledgeable and proud that we study Taekwondo, and of its Korean origins and influences.


Have you ever been asked if you studied Karate?  If so, smile, be proud, and politely correct the questioner.  Explain the differences.
And tell them, "I study Taekwondo!"