Taekwondo

Gihap! This is a typical shout in the Korean martial art we know as “Taekwondo”. This popular sport is characterized by its emphasis on head-height kicks, jumping and spinning kicks, and fast kicking techniques. Taekwondo is a combination of combat and self-defence techniques for sport and exercise and was greatly popularized in the 1980s in movies starring Chuck Norris and Jean-Claude Van Damme.

What do you learn in Taekwondo?

Typically, students of Taekwondo learn “Poomsae” a detailed choreographed pattern of movements performed individually or in pairs, “Kyorugi” also known as sparring and “Breaking”. Breaking is probably the most exciting part of this martial art as you see boards, bricks and even blocks of ice being smashed to smithereens by a single blow. The basic techniques of taekwondo include kicks, blocks, punches, and strikes. There is also a whole lot of throwing and falling involved as well.

However, there is also a spiritual side of taekwondo which focuses on mental and ethical discipline, etiquette, respect and self-confidence. In fact, according to the Singapore Taekwondo Federation, the “ultimate purpose of Taekwondo, the true martial art, is the development of healthy bodies and virtues of modesty, benevolence, valour, wisdom, justice, courtesy and perseverance.” This is evident in the name Taekwondo itself. Tae means to kick or smash with feet. Kwon means to punch or destroy with hands or fists. Do means the art or the way that emphasises the spiritual aspect of the martial art. Hence, ‘Taekwondo’ literally means the art of foot and hand fighting and is a way of life for most of its participants.

Competitive Taekwondo

Typically, there are 2 events in taekwondo: Poomsae and Kyorugi. It is the Kyorugi event that we most often see on television. The contest involves 2 competitors, “Hong” (red) and “Chung” (blue). After bowing to each other, the 2 try to earn points by landing successful kicks to the opponent’s head and body. Penalty points are deducted for grabbing, holding and attacking the opponent’s face with your hands. Each contest consists of 3 rounds lasting 3 minutes per round for men and 2 minutes per round for women. You can also win by knocking out your opponent.

Of course, the goal is not to injure your opponent. This is why there is the mandatory use of head gear, body protector, groin guard, shin guard and forearm guard.

Taekwondo in Singapore

The Singapore Taekwondo Federation is Singapore’s national governing body for taekwondo. It aims to promote the sport and art and help all taekwondo participants achieve their potential. It has a training centre fully equipped with a wide range of training facilities at Lorong Limau, near Whampoa Drive. Here, members can join courses and get graded as well as watch live demonstrations.

This martial art is growing in popularity and is offered in many Singapore schools as part of their CCA programs. Every year, the National Schools Taekwondo Championships is held in April with over 190 primary and secondary schools and junior colleges taking part. The Kyorugi contest has been modified to 3 rounds lasting 1 minute per round with a 30 second break in between each round.

Many schools offer this CCA as it gives students a chance to learn discipline, courtesy towards seniors and peers and also resilience while building up their physical fitness.

If you are interested in trying the sport, but your school does not offer it as a CCA, you can always take a class at your neighbourhood community club (CC). Why not give it a go?