These are answers to the questions beginners and parents ask most about taekwondo, from its founder and the Olympics to belts, forms, sparring rules, uniforms, safety and cost. For Korean terms used in class, see the taekwondo terminology guide.
What is taekwondo?
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art known for fast, high and spinning kicks. Students also learn punches, blocks, forms (patterns of moves), sparring and board breaking. It is practiced as self-defense, as a sport and as a way to stay fit (see taekwondo kicks).
Where does taekwondo come from?
Taekwondo grew out of Korean schools that mixed native traditions such as taekkyeon with karate after 1945. The name taekwondo was adopted in 1955 (see the history of taekwondo).
Who founded taekwondo?
No single person created taekwondo. It grew out of several Korean schools, called kwans, that opened after 1945. General Choi Hong-hi is often called the father of taekwondo: he is credited with the name, adopted in 1955, and he founded the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) in 1966. The Kukkiwon, founded in Seoul in 1972, became the headquarters for the World Taekwondo style (see General Choi Hong-hi).
Is taekwondo in the Olympics?
Yes. Taekwondo was a demonstration sport at the 1988 Seoul and 1992 Barcelona Games and has been a full Olympic medal sport since Sydney 2000. Olympic taekwondo is sparring only, under World Taekwondo rules, with eight weight categories: four for men and four for women (see taekwondo and the Olympic Games).
When is Taekwondo Day?
Taekwondo Day is September 4. The World Taekwondo Federation picked the date in 2006 to mark Sept. 4, 1994, when the International Olympic Committee voted to add taekwondo to the Olympic program (see International Taekwondo Day).
What are the five tenets of taekwondo?
The five tenets are courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit. They come from General Choi Hong-hi’s teaching and are recited in many schools, especially ITF schools (see the five tenets of taekwondo).
What are the belts in taekwondo?
Students start at white belt and work through colored belts toward black belt. The exact colors and order differ between World Taekwondo (Kukkiwon), ITF and ATA schools, and some schools add stripes between belts. Black belt has its own levels, called dan, or poom for juniors in Kukkiwon schools (see taekwondo belt order and taekwondo black belt levels).
How many belts are there in taekwondo?
Most World Taekwondo-style and ITF schools have 10 color-belt ranks, called gup (or kup), counting down from 10th gup to 1st gup before black belt. The number of belt colors you see depends on the school, since some use stripes or extra colors for in-between ranks. ATA schools have nine color-belt ranks. Black belt then has nine degrees, called dan, in all three systems (see ITF belt order and ATA belt order).
How do you tie a taekwondo belt?
Most schools use a double wrap. Center the belt on your stomach, wrap it around your waist twice, then tie a flat square knot in front so both ends hang to the same length. Some schools use a single wrap instead, so ask your instructor which they prefer (see how to tie a taekwondo belt).
How long does it take to get a black belt?
At many schools it takes about three to five years of regular training. The time depends on how often you train, your school’s testing schedule and the rules of its organization. Be wary of schools that promise a black belt on a fixed short timeline.
How do you move up in rank?
You pass a belt test, usually in front of your instructor or a panel. Tests commonly cover forms, kicks and other techniques, sparring and sometimes board breaking, plus a minimum time at your current rank. Requirements vary by school and organization (see taekwondo board breaking).
What is poomsae?
Poomsae are forms: set patterns of blocks, kicks and strikes performed against imaginary opponents. In World Taekwondo (Kukkiwon) schools, color belts learn the eight Taegeuk poomsae, starting with Taegeuk Il Jang, and black belts learn nine more, starting with Koryo. ITF schools call their forms tul and use 24 patterns. Forms are also a competition event (see principles of poomsae training).
What is sparring in taekwondo?
Sparring, called kyorugi in Korean, is controlled fighting with a partner while wearing protective gear. It teaches timing, distance and reactions. Rules and scoring differ by organization, as the next two answers explain (see tips on sparring).
How do you score points in taekwondo sparring?
Under World Taekwondo rules, used at the Olympics, a punch to the trunk scores 1 point, a kick to the trunk 2, a kick to the head 3, a turning kick to the trunk 4 and a turning kick to the head 5. Each penalty, called gam-jeom, gives your opponent 1 point. Matches have three two-minute rounds, and the first athlete to win two rounds wins the match. ITF and other organizations score differently (see sparring and tournament rules).
Can you punch in taekwondo?
Yes. Every taekwondo style teaches punches and other hand strikes for forms and self-defense. In World Taekwondo sparring, punches count only to the trunk and score 1 point, and punches to the head are not allowed. ITF sparring allows punches to the head (see taekwondo punches).
What do you wear for taekwondo?
Students wear a uniform called a dobok, with loose pants and either a V-neck top or a wrap-front jacket, depending on the style. Your belt shows your rank. For sparring you will also need protective gear such as a mouthguard, headgear and pads (see how to buy a taekwondo uniform).
Does taekwondo use weapons?
Taekwondo is mainly an empty-hand art, and Kukkiwon and ITF training focuses on kicks and hand strikes. Some schools, including ATA schools, add weapons training such as the bo staff (see taekwondo weapons training).
What are the benefits of taekwondo?
Regular training builds cardio fitness, flexibility, leg strength, balance and coordination. Many students also gain focus, discipline and confidence (see dynamic vs. static stretching).
Is taekwondo good for self-defense?
It can help. Taekwondo teaches you to strike from a distance, move quickly and stay calm under pressure. It spends less time on grappling and close-range fighting, so some students add another art. No martial art guarantees your safety, and avoiding a fight is always the best option (see is taekwondo effective in a street fight).
Is taekwondo good for MMA?
Its kicks and footwork carry over well, and UFC fighters such as Anthony Pettis and Benson Henderson hold taekwondo black belts. On its own, though, taekwondo lacks grappling, so MMA fighters pair it with wrestling or Brazilian jiu-jitsu (see is taekwondo good for MMA and taekwondo cross-training).
How often should you train?
Two or three classes a week is a common schedule and enough to make steady progress. Training more often can speed things up, but rest days matter too. Build up slowly and listen to your body.
Can you learn taekwondo at home?
You can practice stretching, basic kicks and forms at home, and it will help you progress faster. You still need an instructor to correct your technique, spar safely and test for new belts (see taekwondo at home).
Is taekwondo safe?
Taekwondo is generally safe when taught by a qualified instructor with proper warm-ups and protective gear. Bruises and sprains are the most common injuries, especially in sparring (see common taekwondo injuries). This is general information, not medical advice; check with your doctor before starting if you have a health condition.
What age can kids start taekwondo?
Many schools take children from about age 4 or 5, often in shorter classes built around basic skills, listening and fun. Readiness matters more than age, so watch a class first (see the best age for kids to start taekwondo and how taekwondo benefits kids).
Can adults start taekwondo?
Yes. Adults start at every age, and a good instructor will adjust kicks, stretching and sparring to your fitness level (see taekwondo for adults).
How is taekwondo different from other martial arts?
Taekwondo puts more weight on kicks, especially high and spinning kicks, than most styles. Karate uses more hand techniques and lower stances, and kung fu covers a wide range of Chinese styles (see taekwondo vs. karate and taekwondo vs. kung fu).
What is World Taekwondo?
World Taekwondo is the international federation that governs taekwondo as an Olympic sport and runs the World Taekwondo Championships. It was called the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) until it changed its name in 2017. The International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) is a separate organization with its own forms and rules.
How much does taekwondo cost?
It depends on the school and the area. Most schools charge monthly tuition, plus a uniform, belt testing fees and, later, sparring gear. Ask about contracts, testing fees and cancellation terms before you sign up (see how much taekwondo lessons cost).
How do you find a good taekwondo school?
Visit two or three schools and watch a class. Ask about the instructors’ rank and teaching experience, class sizes, costs and contracts, and how they handle safety and sparring. A good school will let you try a class first (see how to choose a taekwondo school).
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