What is TaeKwon-Do and where did it originate?

TaeKwon-Do is the modernized way of an old Korean art of self-defense or un-armed combat. It was first developed 1300 years ago in Korea when it was known as “TaeKyon”. TaeKyon was a form of foot fighting. Through the centuries hand techniques were introduced and the combination is now called TaeKwon-Do, however, in the more advanced techniques the use of the legs becomes more valuable. This makes TaeKwon-Do more effective and spectacular than other oriental self-defense arts because the legs can develop more power and reach farther than the hands.

TaeKwon-Do is the name of a Korean free-fighting, self-defense art that employs the bare hands (and feet) to repel an enemy. In earlier times, people living simple lives were small, had limited strength and weapons were not available. To compensate for limitations in their strength and lack of weapons, the people used TaeKwon-Do as a mean of self-protection during enemy attacks. Since, TaeKwon-Do was developed in this nature its activities are based on defensive tactics. TaeKwon-Do, as as being a Martial Art, is also recognized as one of the most effective methods for improving health, physical fitness, flexibility, balance, and poise.

TaeKwon-Do is an exact system of symmetrical exercises designed for unarmed self-defense and counter attack. The significance of this definition,however, is only physical and superficial, for TaeKwon-Do means, more importantly, a way of life. Thus, self-control, kindness, and humility must accompany physical strength and skill. TaeKwon-Do develops in a person the power to kill instantly with the bare hands and feet. It is also the discipline of this art to develop in a person the ability to control himself and the devastating techniques of TaeKwon-Do. A TaeKwon-Do master is able to smash several boards or bricks with a single strike or kick, yet with the same techniques demonstrate the precise control necessary to touch a piece of rice paper without breaking it.

TaeKwon-Do training instills the desire to handle confrontation without violence except when the safety of oneself or others in ones care is in jeopardy. When physical contact is unavoidable, TaeKwon-Do assures the safety of the student while minimizing injury to the attacker.

The Korean word “Tae” means kicking, jumping, flying with the feet; “Kwon” means punching or striking with the fists; “Do” means art, technique, or “way”. TaeKwon-Do, the art of kicking and striking, incorporates abrupt, linear movement of Karate and the flowing circular patterns of Kung Fu with its own incomparable kicking techniques to form the most effective and scientific use of the body in methods of self-defense.

What is unique about the “Fox System Of TaeKwon-Do?

Many TaeKwon-Do schools tend to place an inappropriate emphasis on one area of training while neglecting or ignoring another. Many schools, which are motivated by “competition” in the Martial Arts, tend to emphasize the “fighting” part of TaeKwon-Do. This “combat” or “sport” aspect of TaeKwon-Do training is only valuable when it is combined with the other four areas of the art. Placing too much emphasis on one of the five components of TaeKwon-Do while neglecting or ignoring another can produce negative results and be dangerous for the student. A balance between the five areas of TaeKwon-Do training combined with an overall disciplined, yet friendly instructional approach, is by far the most beneficial for the student and will likely produce a true “Martial Artist”.

“Correction” is often necessary in the TaeKwon-Do educational process. While many instructors employ a negative and harsh method of correction and instruction, “Fox” TaeKwon-Do instructors concentrate their energy on encouragement, firm friendly discipline, quality communication and positive reinforcement. Fox TaeKwon-Do Schools employ a system of education which places equal emphasis on each of the five areas of training:

TaeKwon-Do, like many martial arts, has its roots and traditions in history. Many instructors refuse to stray in any way from these traditions and out-of-date methods of instruction. Our society continues to advance, develop and evolve, and so should TaeKwon-Do. Fox TaeKwon-Do Schools holds dearly to the traditions of this art and its history, however, when instructional methods become out-of-date or inappropriate, or older traditional techniques or exercises are discovered to be unhealthy or dangerous, we adapt, upgrade, and evolve. Fox TaeKwon-Do instructors continue to seek the most beneficial and effective methods of TaeKwon-Do while holding on to the traditions of the art. Advances in the fields of education, communication, physiology, health and physical fitness dictate that we allow and encourage the continued evolution of TaeKwon-Do.

How many levels are there in TaeKwon-Do?

There are 10 Gup (grade) Color-Belt levels and 9 Dan (degree) Black Belt levels. In addition to these traditional rand levels, the Kopperrud/Fox TKD System has developed Junior Rank levels for children. Both the child and adult begin at white belt (10^th Gup) level, however, where the adult student would then proceed to the Yellow Belt (8^th Gup) level, the child would proceed through the junior levels before transferring to the traditional rank level.

Junior levels include: Junior level Yellow, Green, Blue, and Red, Junior Yellow Belt, etc. The first four junior levels are indicated by colored stripes on a white belt. The Junior Yellow Belt will have a white stripe on one end while the adult Yellow Belt (8^th Gup) has no stripe. The adult rank levels include White Belt (beginner), Yellow Belt (8^th Gup), Green Belt (6^th Gup), Blue Belt (4^th Gup), Red Belt (2^nd Gup), and 1^st to 9^th Dan Black Belt. 7^th Gup, 5^th Gup, 3^rd Gup, and 1^st Gup ranks are indicated by the next color stripe on the existing belt, ie: A yellow belt with a green stripe on the left end indicates 7^th Gup which is half way between the yellow and green belts.

The Fox Junior Level Rank System is designed to ensure that CHILDREN DO NOT FAIL. At a minimum, children will advance one junior rank level per exam, however, if their ability dictates, they can be promoted two or even three junior rank levels at one time.

i.e: Children can earn their junior yellow, green, and blue stripes in one exam. Adults seldom fail an exam, since they do not take an examination until they are ready. Occasionally, if there is a significant possibility of failure, the instructor will discourage the student from taking the examination.

Some students can attain their 1^st DAN BLACK BELT in as little as three years, however, the average length of time in the adult program is between three and four years. The 4^th Dan Black Belt is considered a Chief International Instructor and must have at least ten years experience. 7^th Dan Black Belts can be considered Masters and the minimum experience necessary for the 7^th Dan is 24 years. These 24 years represent the 24 hours in a day and the 7^th Dan Black Belt is considered to have reached the final level, and is ready to begin a new day. 8^th and 9^th Dan Black Belts are honorary, based on age, time, dedication, and experience.

W.T.F.? I.T.F.? What are we?

There are two basic styles of TaeKwon-Do, the “world” style and the “international” style. The “world” style emphasizes free-fighting and the sport component of the art while the “international” style places its emphasis on traditional techniques and exercises. These styles differ greatly with respect to their advantages, however, they are both limited in the way they cling to their tow separate traditions, policies, procedures and teaching methods. Fox TaeKwon-Do Schools have been members of UNIFIED TAEKWON-DO INTERNATIONAL since its start in 1990.

How is “Unified” TaeKwon-Do different from “International and World” TaeKwon-Do?

Unified TaeKwon-Do Internationals' goal is the unification of TaeKwon-Do on a voluntary basis. Our objectives are to provide quality education, training and resources to our affiliated schools and individual members. We recognize and incorporate both the “International” and the “World” techniques and methods, however, we encourage a traditional, yet progressive, approach to training and education. Unified TaeKwon-Do International is made up of dedicated Martial Artists from around the world working together to preserve the reputation and standards to TaeKwon-Do. Membership in Unified TaeKwon-Do International assures recognition and support through an international network of TaeKwon-Do instructors and practitioners dedicated to their advancement and education. Unified TaeKwon-Do is free from the politics that have hindered other associations.