U.S.A. Korean
Tae Kwon Do
Welcome!
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www.usakoreantkd.net
Loyalty - Honor - Obedience - Confidence
As a student of the Martial Arts and a member of the U.S.A. Korean Tae Kwon Do Association, I pledge to bring honor to the organization, my school, instructor and self, to maintain my physical and mental well being, and observe all rules and regulations of the U.S.A. Korean Tae Kwon Do Association.

Training in the martial art of Tae Kwon Do can begin as young as five years of age. Perhaps the most attractive aspect of a martial arts program is each individual conditions his or her body at their own pace.  This idea of "self pace" allows the individual to study and practice martial arts for a variety of reasons including: physical health and fitness, discipline, mental and spiritual development, self-defense and competition. Therefore, the personal development of each individual is determined by how much they want to learn, improve, and progress in the study and practice of Tae Kwon Do.

A beginner in our program is first taught mental and physical techniques as well as basic self-defense maneuvers. Basic skills can be acquired after a few lessons. Upon mastering the basics, the student is then ready to move on to more advanced aspects of Tae Kwon Do.

Learning the martial art of Tae Kwon Do allows the student to...

  • Build Confidence
  • Develop a positive attitude
  • Learn Discipline and Self-Control
  • Increase Awareness and Perseverance
  • Improve the ability to make rational decisions quickly
  • Develop loyalty and respect for self and others
  • Increase Endurance and Stamina
  • Improve Balance & Coordination
  • Practice Stretching & Calisthenics

Tae Kwon Do students can learn skills in the areas of...

  • Tae Kwon Do Forms
  • Sparring
  • Weaponry
  • Board Breaking
  • Competition
  • Self-Defense

What is Tae Kwon Do?


Literally speaking, Tae means "to strike with the foot", Kwon means "destroying with the hand or fist" and Do means "the way or method".  So, Tae Kwon Do etymologically means "the art of kicking and punching".


Tae Kwon Do is based on two principles. The first is the principle of Um and Yang. The second is the principle of Ki, or vital energy. In looking at the Um and Yang symbol, we see that the circle represents the Unity of the forces in the Universe. This Unity is made up of two opposite but complementary forces which we find in every object and process. These are the forces of Um and Yang, light and darkness, left and right, ebb and flow, etc.


The curved boundary between Um and Yang is the Ki. Ki means "vital life force". Ki is the cosmic ocean in which everything exists. It is kept in balance by the Um and Yang, working in rhythm. It is at its best when it flows freely being neither too active, not too passive, but in perfect harmonic balance. It is important to understand that Ki, being energy, cannot be created or destroyed. It exists. It can be changed, transmuted or transformed only when you understand how to tap into it.


Tae Kwon Do recognizes that there is no separation of body and mind. Instead there is a balance between the physical, the emotional, and the intellectual. Once you are truly aware, you can see a situation for what it is and see how it can be transformed to achieve your goal.


The concept of Um and Yang leads in Tae Kwon Do to hard and soft techniques. Examples in nature we can learn from include: a soft summer breeze which is pleasant and friendly compared to the winds of a hurricane which can drive a sliver of straw six inches into solid oak. In Tae Kwon Do, we learn the dual attributes of the wind - its force and speed as well as its elusiveness and invisibility.
The U.S.A. Tae Kwon Do Association has school locations in both South Dakota and Minnesota. Call or visit a school location near you to find out more about our program and the classes we offer.