Taekwondo
From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Taekwondo (also spelled tae kwon do, taekwon-do, or taegwondo) is a Korean martial art (system of fighting). The people who practice taekwondo use mainly their hands and feet in fights, although some techniques use fingertips, elbows, or knees to strike the opponent.
[edit] Features
taekwondo is korean for "hand and foot art" and is famous for its use of kicks. This makes it different from other martial arts such as karate or certain forms of southern Kung-fu. Kicking is important because the leg is the most powerful and longest body part that the martial artist can use as a weapon. Therefore, a fighter who kicks well can hurt his opponent without hurting himself.
Taekwondo as a sport and as an exercise is popular among people of both sexes and many ages. Taekwondo develops force, speed, balance, flexibility, and stamina. It also involves mental focus. Breaking boards, for example, demonstrates a union of mental and physical discipline. Breaking a board with one's hand or foot requires both the physical mastery of the technique and a concentrated focus on one's force.
[edit] Taekwondo associations
Taekwondo has two main styles - WTF and ITF. Cont...
[edit] External links
