The most common martial arts practiced in North America are karate and taekwondo. It is developed in Korea and is a combination of combat technique, exercise, self defense. It is treated as the national sport of Korea and also as the Olympic sporting event.
Most Taekwondo and Karate practitioners wear the same type of white soldier uniforms with multi colored belts. The colored belt designates various ranks of karate practitioners with white representing novices and black representing instructor levels and above. However, there are other intermediate color ranges. Some of the more Americanized schools use uniforms with other colors such as red, black, and blue. Many schools began to practice black belt level representation by adding a black line to white uniforms. Also, a V-neck top is a symbol of affiliation with the World Federation.
Taekwondo has two styles, one under the International Federation and the other under the World Federation. It teaches punches and kicks and is categorized into four sections: Toning, Combat, Forms, and Self Defense. It is an exercise program that encompasses muscle toning, stretching and flexibility, increasing strength and endurance through aerobic combat. The kicks used in Taekwondo combat are more striking than in any other martial art.
The combat is classified into two: one-step combat and free combat. In one-step combat, it involves prearranged moves performed by the participants. When one of the participants uses punching and kicking techniques, the other uses various combinations of blocking and counter techniques. The practical application of self defense techniques is called free combat.
Taekwondo martial arts competition takes place in a controlled environment and is called sparring. It requires all participants to wear protective equipment: helmet, gloves, shin guards and foot protectors. Many people enjoy Taekwondo, or any martial art, because it is an all-inclusive exercise program. It’s fun, it’s challenging, and it’s a great way to get into or stay in shape.
Taekwondo is all about the development of moral character, the pursuit of perfection, and self-discipline.