Taekwondo

Taekwon-do was introduced to the world in its present form on April 11th 1955. It has since taken two distinct routes - ITF and WTF. We practice ITF style. General Choi Hong Hi, the founder, taught the man who brought Taekwon-do to the UK in the 60s and who, in turn, taught the now-President of our assocation, Grand Master Oldham (9th Degree) - and he teaches us. Taekwon-do hasn't been passed down too far to get from the founder to our own students.

Unlike grappling martial arts such as Judo and Aikido, or weapon based arts like Kendo and Ninjutsu, Taekwon-do teaches mostly hand to hand, striking techniques - punches, kicks and blocks. The weapon used is always the human body - no other paraphernalia is required. During the course of training, students learn a lot about themselves - about their strengths and weaknesses, about how to dig deep and overcome challenges. Students learn "good spirit"; with elements of positive thinking, self confidence, self motivation and self reliance.