Tae Kwon Do
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Tae Kwon Do
We have often been asked to define what Tae Kwon Do is, to encap-
sulate in a few words that which for many is a vague and elusive
concept. When answering such a question, the first thing we try to im-
press upon the person is that Tae Kwon Do is not just self-defense train-
ing or punching and kicking. The art is far more than simple physical
conditioning, mental training and philosophical study. It has to do with
the development of the Tae Kwon Do spirit, which carries over into all
aspects of a student’s life. And when we refer to students of the art, we
include all teachers of the art as well, for we too are always growing and
learning through Tae Kwon Do. This concept of the spirit of Tae Kwon
Do is where the elusive answer to our question is found, for this is in
essence the definition of Tae Kwon Do.
In English, the literal translation of Tae Kwon Do is “the art of kick-
ing punching.” Tae means “to kick,” Kwon means “to punch” and Do
means “art.” But this is only a superficial translation. Do in Korean
implies a philosophical viewpoint or way of approaching life—a means
by which enlightenment is achieved. This is the ultimate aim of Tae
Kwon Do. Through rigorous physical training students of the art seek to
improve themselves, physically, mentally and spiritually. On the pages
of this book you will see only the physical techniques explained and
demonstrated. Yet this is simply the veneer of our art, the only part
of our art that can be captured and demonstrated by words and pic-
tures. That which is truly the essence of Tae Kwon Do cannot be seen,
touched, smelled, tasted or heard. It can only be experienced.
You may have noticed that we still have not yet answered the ques-
tion of what Tae Kwon Do is. Our answer is to invite the questioner
to experience Tae Kwon Do by studying with us. This third edition of
Tae Kwon Do, now in full-color with more than 740 new photographs
and with updated appendixes covering rules of competition, referee
signals, and weight and belt divisions, offers a unique opportunity to
do so. We now extend that same invitation to you. Come, study and
experience with us.
—Master Yeon Hee Park
Master Yeon Hwan Park
Jon Gerrard
We have often been asked to define what Tae Kwon Do is, to encap-
sulate in a few words that which for many is a vague and elusive
concept. When answering such a question, the first thing we try to im-
press upon the person is that Tae Kwon Do is not just self-defense train-
ing or punching and kicking. The art is far more than simple physical
conditioning, mental training and philosophical study. It has to do with
the development of the Tae Kwon Do spirit, which carries over into all
aspects of a student’s life. And when we refer to students of the art, we
include all teachers of the art as well, for we too are always growing and
learning through Tae Kwon Do. This concept of the spirit of Tae Kwon
Do is where the elusive answer to our question is found, for this is in
essence the definition of Tae Kwon Do.
In English, the literal translation of Tae Kwon Do is “the art of kick-
ing punching.” Tae means “to kick,” Kwon means “to punch” and Do
means “art.” But this is only a superficial translation. Do in Korean
implies a philosophical viewpoint or way of approaching life—a means
by which enlightenment is achieved. This is the ultimate aim of Tae
Kwon Do. Through rigorous physical training students of the art seek to
improve themselves, physically, mentally and spiritually. On the pages
of this book you will see only the physical techniques explained and
demonstrated. Yet this is simply the veneer of our art, the only part
of our art that can be captured and demonstrated by words and pic-
tures. That which is truly the essence of Tae Kwon Do cannot be seen,
touched, smelled, tasted or heard. It can only be experienced.
You may have noticed that we still have not yet answered the ques-
tion of what Tae Kwon Do is. Our answer is to invite the questioner
to experience Tae Kwon Do by studying with us. This third edition of
Tae Kwon Do, now in full-color with more than 740 new photographs
and with updated appendixes covering rules of competition, referee
signals, and weight and belt divisions, offers a unique opportunity to
do so. We now extend that same invitation to you. Come, study and
experience with us.
—Master Yeon Hee Park
Master Yeon Hwan Park
Jon Gerrard
