Taekwondo is a Korean martial art involving the way (“do”) of the foot (“tae”) and fist (“kwon”). It combines striking and holding techniques for fitness and self-defense, as well as meditation. It is one of the most widely practiced martial arts (over 70 million practitioners across 200 countries), as it is suitable for people with many different levels of fitness and goals.
Taekwondo emphasises on kicking techniques over hand techniques (3:2 ratio), as the leg is the longest and strongest weapon in unarmed combat. Many schools of Taekwondo also teaches non-striking techniques, such as grappling and throwing, to increase the repertoire for varying situations.
The curriculum differs between clubs, but they generally include the following:
- Learning the various techniques.
- Self defense.
- Fitness and flexibility.
- Sparring.
- Throwing and break falling.
- Board breaking.
- Etiquette, confidence, respect and discipline.
- Patterns.
The style practiced by the clubs is Chung Do Kwan, which is the first of the nine kwans (schools). The training mainly focuses on the traditional aspects of Taekwondo, including techniques, drills, self-defense and fitness.
The club operates at University of South Australia, in the city west campus. The clubs have been in operation since 1996 and is conducted by Grand Master Hitch.
Below is an episode of The Third Degree showing the UniSA Taekwondo club: