Taekwondo is derived from the Korean words “Tae” meaning foot, “Kwon” meaning fist, “Do” meaning way or art.  The name Taekwondo, however, has only been used since 1955 while the art roots began 2,300 years ago in Korea known as martial art and way of life.

Tae Kwon Do is the world's most widely practice martial art.

It is an Olympic sport, an artistic discipline,

a system of self-defense, and a way of life.

An Olympic Sport

Tae Kwon Do is an Olympic sport. It was introduced to the Olympics in Korea in 1988. Unlike many of the other sports that young people are involved with today, Tae Kwon Do competitors are required by rule to demonstrate respect for officials coaches and their fellow competitors. What a concept!

An Artistic Discipline

Tae Kwon Do is an artistic discipline. The techniques are done with graceful and powerful movements. Students continuously strive to improve the artistic presentation of each technique. The art of Tae Kwon Do develops posture, graceful movement, excellent coordination, and attention to detail. We believe that everyone can benefit from exposure to this artistic discipline.

Self-Defense Training

Self-defense skills are safety skills. We believe that it's important for everyone to learn these self-defense skills. When a person learns and develops self-defense skills, the chance of sustaining an injury due to a fall or an attack is greatly reduced; and the chance of escaping from a mugging, a rape or an abduction attempt is greatly increased! Learning these safety skills does not promote violence; rather, it enables one to avoid becoming a victim of violence and to minimize injury during a fall.

Tae Kwon Do is a way of life.

Students are encouraged to live according to the tenants of Tae Kwon Do.

The Tenets of Tae Kwon Do

Courtesy: To be thoughtful and considerate of others. Taekwondo students and instructors should be polite, and show consideration for others.

Integrity: To be honest and good. Taekwondo practitioners should live by a code of moral values and principles

Perseverance: To never give up in the pursuit of one's goals. Students should welcome challenges, because challenges cause us to grow and improve.

Self-Control: To have control of your body and mind. A Taekwondo student should practice controlling his actions and reactions.

Indomitable Spirit: To have courage in the face of adversity. A Taekwondo student should never be dominated by, or have his spirit broken by another.

Tae Kwon Do is excellent exercise.

When exercise is done consistently, invaluable physical and mental improvements occur. Students develop real and lasting self-confidence. Taekwondo students do exercises which develop strength, flexibility, endurance, speed, balance, memory, concentration, coordination and self-control; to name a few. One of the keys to the success of Taekwondo is that the exercises are fun, the students see results, and they are inspired to do more.

Tae Kwon Do Training Develops Self-Confidence

Success in a personal development program, such as a Taekwondo class, where the students experience noticeable increases in strength, flexibility, memory, coordination, and self-defense skills, as the result of a dedicated effort, is an excellent foundation for self-confidence. It is self-confidence based on physical and mental self-improvement, as opposed to self-confidence based on one's athletic performance. This self-confidence is deep; it is not subject to the results of tomorrow's game. It is not reserved for the best players on the team; it is available to everyone, because everyone experiences improvement with Taekwondo training.

WHAT TAEKWONDO CAN DO?

Enhance self-esteem by heightening your physical and mental powers.

Build confidence by encouraging you to succeed and to take control of your life.

Develop discipline by thoroughly training your body and mind in the tenets and techniques of Taekwondo.

Teach self-defense by training you to recognize situations in which physical self-defense may be necessary, and teaching you how to control such situations to your advantage.

Strengthen your mind and body through increased physical coordination and mental discipline.

THE FAMILY & TAEKWONDO

Respect, trust and open communication are the foundations of strong families. Taekwondo training promotes values such as honesty, courtesy, loyalty, and cooperation. Each is an essential component in maintaining a good family structure.

We (Lagro Kyukpa Taekwondo Chapter) provides quality instruction and service with a view toward the overall health and well-being of every participant. Our philosophy ensures that learning will take place in a safe, nurturing environment. We care about our students, families, and staff, and we provide a supportive environment for learning and personal growth.

THE CHILD & TAEKWONDO

HOW YOUR CHILD CAN BENEFIT FROM TAEKWONDO?

Taekwondo is a total learning activity. Lessons are tailored to your child's age and skill level. Your child begins by practicing basic patterns and forms, board breaking, kicking, blocking, striking, and punching. These fundamental skills increase your child's physical coordination, flexibility, balance, and mental acumen.

Taekwondo develops your child's athletic abilities and self-awareness, and improves the child's capabilities in self-defense.

THE ADULT & TAEKWONDO

Taekwondo strengthens your body and improves your health through physical exercise and conditioning. Isometric and dynamic tension exercises will allow you to gain better muscle tone and more strength. A gradual building process of safe and easy stretching techniques will enhance flexibility, while breathing and concentration exercises lead to sharper reflexes and senses.

The discipline of Taekwondo leads to increase energy, better health and fitness, greater coordination, and higher self-esteem. These qualities are vital to a happier, longer life.

Self Defense / Self Development

Learn to defend yourself through rigorous, comprehensive training. Develop your endurance, strength, flexibility, and balance along with your self-defense techniques.

Learn to defend yourself, not only physically, but mentally as well. Learn to unite your body in a single effort to achieve your goals. Develop an inner calm. Bring up deep-rooted, long hidden fears and weaknesses, face them, and conquer them. Bring out anger and frustration in a positive environment where you can learn to deal with them effectively. Rise above laziness and inner doubt.

Classes for Children

We ( Lagro Kyukpa Taekwondo Chapter) specialize in teaching children starting at age 4. Our intention is to make children feel good about them selves, and be in physical and mental control. Our teaching methods are sensitively tailored to meet the needs of individual learning differences. All children are taught at their own pace and are never pressured to perform beyond their capabilities

In some cases, our chapter may provide child therapy. For example, from the self-confidence gained learning how to defend themselves, a shy, withdrawn child may become more outgoing and confident, while an aggressive child will become calm and respectful of others. Parents are truly amazed at the positive difference in attitude child develops after beginning classes at Lagro Kyukpa. A child can walk proud with head held high. Each student learns to say "Yes I can' in life "

Overall Benefits:

TaeKwonDo is an excellent workout. In every class, you will punch with both arms, kick with both feet, and bounce on your toes as you practice sparring moves. The positive effect on your physical health will be seen right away.

After practicing TaeKwonDo for just a few weeks, many people feel calmer and better able to handle matters in their lives with greater clarity and focus.

Benefits For Children:

Children can start classes as early as 4 or 5 years old. In terms of physical fitness, coordination is developed as TaeKwonDo helps strenghten both sides of the body as the child learns to kick with both legs and block/punch with both arms. Class workouts start with warm-up runs around the dojang and stretching, followed by physical training to improve techniques. Concentration and focus is improved by studying TaeKwonDo forms, defined sets of body movements.

Local tournaments are an opportunity to meet others in the TaeKwonDo community. Our dojang is unique in the level of friendship and belonging that develops among our students. Children also benefit from being with others who value education and live by our class morals.

Class Morals

1. Obey and respect your parents.

2. Do your homework.

3. Exercise.

4. Do your best.

5. Practice Self-control.

Self-defense is another excellent reason for children to learn TaeKwonDo. There are many girls at our school, and in addition to getting good exercise, they are learning techniques that can help keep them safe, which of course applies to the boys as well.

Promotion through the belt levels gives each student a sense of accomplishment. As they achieve new goals, they learn that perseverance and dedication pays off. And as students progress in belt levels, they are given the opportunity to lead the class in warm-up exercises and stretching. Ultimately, they can become assistant instructors for forms and training, another way in which TaeKwonDo helps to increase confidence, self-assurance, and leadership.

A child with a sense of pride in his or her abilities, self-respect, and self-esteem earned through the discipline of TaeKwonDo is a child who is fully prepared to get the most out of life.