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What is Tae Kwon-Do?
Tae Kwon-Do is a Korean Martial Art with a two thousand year history. Originally, it was a fighting skill used for self-defence. Over the centuries it has evolved into an art, sport and a winning way of life. Translated from Korean, Tae literally means to jump, kick or smash with the foot. Kwon Means a fist, chiefly to punch or destroy with the hand or fist. Do means art, way or method.
Tae Kwon-Do is rightly called a "martial art" because it has actually been employed by the Korean military. Even in these days of long-range weaponry there are times when the soldier engages in hand-to-hand combat and it is under these circumstances that Tae Kwon-Do proved itself effective. It is also an exciting combat sport in which skills are tested in rigorously controlled competitions. Like other T.A.G.B clubs, it is not compulsory for all students to take part in competitions. Tae Kwon-Do is a activity which everyone can do to keep fit (get fit), have fun, meet people and learn good skills!
Tae Kwon-Do was inaugurated in South Korea on April 11th 1955 following extensive research and development by the founder Major General Choi Hong Hi 9th Degree Black Belt. Tae Kwon-Do was introduced into the United Kingdom in 1967.
In Tae Kwon-Do, you'll learn to stretch and exercise nearly every muscle group in your body. That aspect alone distinguishes the sport from most others. But emphasis on improved concentration, stamina and self control is what really sets Tae Kwon-Do apart from other disciplines. To develop these skills, you'll exercise your mind at least as much as your body. Naturally, the positive effects of the exercise will carry over into other areas of your life to.
The Tenets of Tae Kwon-Do
COURTESY: To be polite to one's instructors, seniors and fellow students.
INTEGRITY: To be honest with oneself. One must be able to define right and wrong.
PERSEVERANCE: To achieve a goal, whether it is a higher grade or any technique, one must not stop trying; one must persevere.
SELF CONTROL: To lose one's temper when performing techniques against an opponent can be very dangerous and shows lack of control. To be able to live, work and train within one's capability shows good self control.
INDOMITABLE SPIRIT: To show courage when you and your principles are pitted against overwhelming odds.
The T.A.G.B
Bala & Corwen Tae Kwon-Do Clubs are proud to be affiliated to the T.A.G.B., the biggest and best Tae Kwon-Do association in the U.K. with over 20,000 members! The Tae Kwon Do Association of Great Britain (TAGB) is a nationally recognised Tae Kwon Do organisation in this country. It was formed in 1983 and has since become the founding member of the British Tae Kwon Do Council (BTC) which is recognised by the United Kingdom Sports Council.
TAGB instructors are highly qualified, accredited individuals with many years experience in teaching mixed classes, which often include young children and disability groups. Training in Tae Kwon Do can start at any age. TAGB members start as young as five and recently one of our members gained his fifth dan black belt on his 70th birthday!
Because of its high-kicking, fast-paced style Tae Kwon Do is a thoroughly modern way of getting fit. The TAGB is a great advocate of fun and fitness at an early age and TAGB instructors often work with local schools to teach self-defence. The T.A.G.B.'s national competition squad in one of the most successful in the world. They are regularly invited abroad to represent Great Britain, often enjoying tremendous success. The reputation held by the T.A.G.B. means that they hold regular international competitions encouraging participation from all around the world.
In spite of the T.A.G.B.'s sporting success, it is well appreciated that top competitors are like any other top athletes, totally committed to their training being able to devote almost all their time and effort to Tae Kwon-Do. The majority of people are not super fit and have other commitments. In fact only approximately 10% of the T.A.G.B. members enter the national competitions.
The T.A.G.B. gradings syllabus is designed to gradually develop a person's fitness and confidence. The training environment is structured and disciplined, the self-defence techniques taught can be adapted for each individual.
With clubs throughout the country the TAGB is the ideal organisation for learning a martial art that has evolved through a 3,000 year history to become an Olympic sport.
Corwen Tae Kwon-Do Club
The club launched in January 2006 with Instructor Mr Ian Morton 2nd Dan. The club has a membership of over 25, from boys and girls of six years and men and women. The club is a friendly place to train and anyone is always welcome to come down to a class and see what Tae Kwon-Do is all about. We cover all aspect of Tae Kwon-Do; Floor work, Pad Work, Patterns, Sparring.
Bala Tae Kwon-Do Club
This club is due to launch later on this year with a demonstration and introduction class. There will be students and instructors from across North Wales taking part in this event to really so Tae Kwon-Do at it’s best!
Bala & Corwen Instructor
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Bala & Corwen Tae Kwon-Do Club Instructor, Mr Ian Morton 2nd Dan, started Tae Kwon-Do in 2001 with Mr Martin Williams 5th Dan at Mold Tae Kwon-Do Club. "I was looking for an activity to do to have some fun and get fit because I was bored with going to the gym" Ian says. "Right from the very first class I was hooked". Ian is still training regularly with his Instructor, Mr Williams and also at other local clubs including Ruabon with Mr Ady Jones 5th Dan, Ruthin with Mr Gareth Pritchard 3rd Dan and also at Saltney with Mr Chris Hunt 4th Dan. Ian has competed at local and National level and has collected a few trophies and medals over the years. Ian was awarded the Mold Student of the Year award in 2003 by Mr Williams. Ian took his black belt grading at the Bristol Academy in October 2004 and passed his 2nd Dan grading in October 2006.
Have you always wanted to be an Instructor?
Since starting Tae Kwon-Do back in 2001, my first goal was to become a black belt. Once I had gained this grade, it was then that I started to think about becoming an Instructor and was very excited to open up in Corwen.
What do you enjoy about being an Instructor?
The best thing about being an Instructor is to see the progress of your students. It's great to see my students competing in National competitions and even better when they come back to the club with medals! Teaching Tae Kwon-Do helps me improve my own skills and it's great to introduce new people to this exciting sport.
Who can attend your classes?
Everyone is welcome to come down to the clubs. In the TAGB with have children as young as five years old training and men and women in their 70’s! Tae Kwon-Do is a martial art anyone can benefit from. Bala and Corwen have mixed classes with children and adults training together, however we do have children only and adult only classes held in Corwen on Saturday mornings which students can attend.
Being a Good Student
10 POINTS TO BECOMING A GOOD TAE KWON-DO STUDENT
- Never tire of learning; a student must always be eager to learn and ask questions. A good student can learn anywhere anytime. This is the secret of knowledge.
- A good student must be willing to sacrifice for his art and his Instructor. Many students feel that their training is a commodity bought with monthly fees, and are unwilling to take part in any demonstrations, teaching, or work around the Dojang. An instructor can afford to lose this type of student.
- Always set a good example to lower ranking students. It is only natural that they attempt to emulate their seniors.
- Always be loyal and never criticise the Instructor, Tae Kwon-do, or the teaching methods.
- If an Instructor teaches a technique, practise it and attempt to utilise it.
- Remember that a student's conduct outside the Dojang reflects on the Art and on their Instructor.
- If a student adopts a technique from another Dojang and the Instructor disapproves of it, the student must discard it immediately, or train in the Dojang where it was learnt.
- Never be disrespectful to the Instructor, although a student' s allowed to disagree with the Instructor, he must first follow the Instruction, then discuss the matter later.
- Always arrive before training is due to start, and ensure that you have a good attendance record.
- Never break a trust.