irish national tae kwon do association

The name Tae Kwon-Do means simply "WAY OF THE FOOT AND FIST". Tae Kwon-Do is termed as a hard or external style of martial art. The adjective is used to describe the muscular force used in the development of it's techniques, and it is therefore quite different from the softer Korean Martial Arts such as Hapkido. These respond to, rather than originate attacks, and use the opponent's strength against him or her. Tae Kwon-Do is, however, more than just a collection of military techniques. It is also a form of mental training. Tae Kwon-Do is not just about fighting and destruction, there is also a gentle and beautiful side to this skilled Asian Art. Patterns of "forms" as they are known, are sequences of combination techniques performed in a set order. They are representations of combat with imaginary opponents, attacking from different directions. There are many types of pattern each containing techniques in safety. the pattern helps the Tae Kwon-Do student to develop his or her concentration on the various techniques.