About Us – Taekwondo World Martial Arts

Taekwondo World Martial Arts

What is Taekwondo?

Taekwondo is one of the most systematic and scientific Korean traditional martial arts, that teaches more than physical fighting skills. It is a discipline that shows ways of enhancing our spirit and life through training our body and mind. Today, it has become a global sport that has gained an international reputation, and stands among the official games in the Olympics.

Let’s take a closer look at the meaning of the word “Tae” “Kwon” “Do.” It is composed of three parts as shown in the English spelling, though it is one word in Korean. “Tae” means “foot,” “leg,” or “to step on”; “Kwon” means “fist,” or “fight”; and “Do” means the “way” or “discipline.” If we put these three parts together, we can see two important concepts behind “Tae Kwon Do”.

First, Taekwondo is the right way of using Tae and Kwon ‘fists and feet,’ or all the parts of the body that are represented by fists and feet. Second, it is a way to control or calm down fights and keep the peace. This concept comes from the meaning of Tae Kwon ‘to put fists under control’ [or ‘to step on fists’]. Thus Taekwondo means “the right way of using all parts of the body to stop fights and help to build a better and more peaceful world.”

Taekwondo has been developing with the 5000-year long history of Korea, being called by several different names in the course. In Korea, Taekwondo began as a defense martial art called “Subak” or “Taekkyon,” and developed as a way of training body and mind in the ancient kingdom of Koguryo, under the name of “Sunbae.” In the Shilla period, it had become the backbone of Hwarangdo that

Taekwondo can be characterized by unity: the unity of body, mind, and life, and the unity of the pose [“poomsae”] and confrontation, and cracking down. When you do Taekwondo, you should make your mind peaceful and synchronize your mind with your movements, and extend this harmony to your life and society. This is how in Taekwondo the principle of physical movements, the principle of mind training, and the principle of life become one and the same. On the other hand, the right poomsae lead to the right confrontation, which will eventually produce great destructive power.

HOYEN MATA

Co-Founder

How come we reach such a unity in Taekwondo?

Taekwondo is a way of life, much like having a job, raising a family, fighting for a cause, or any one of numerous raison d’etre. What makes Taekwondo different from these is that it is an activity for survival in extremely antagonistic situations. One must always overcome the enemy that is trying to cause harm. But simply winning a fight is not enough to guarantee one’s safety, because the enemy may recuperate and attack again.

Moreover, there may be many other enemies than the one that was just defeated. One cannot ever feel safe unless one gains permanent peace. To attain this permanent or lasting peace, one needs unity. This is what Taekwondo aim for. Otherwise Taekwondo would be no different from any other street-fighting skills.

Taekwondo pursues harmonious growth and improvements of life through its unique activities. This is why one could say Taekwondo is a way of life. To ultimately enable ourselves to lead more valuable lives, we would do well by finding the guiding principles deeply hidden in Taekwondo

Brief history of the academy?

Taekwondo World Martial Arts, Australia’s premier Taekwondo club has a rich and illustrious history dating back several decades. Founded in 1987, we quickly gained recognition for our commitment to traditional martial arts values and involvement in the development of Taekwondo in Australia.

Throughout the years, we have produced countless International, National and State Champions, solidifying our reputation as a powerhouse in the Taekwondo community.

Under the leadership of Grand Master Byung Gee Yoo, our club continues to inspire the next generation of Taekwondo by attracting aspiring martial artists of all ages and skill levels.

Our club’s state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated coaching staff, and comprehensive curriculum ensure that students receive top-class training in both the physical, and philosophical aspects of Taekwondo.

Beyond our competitive success, we are deeply committed to fostering a sense of manners, respect, discipline and patience among our members. Through the guidance of Grand Master Byung Gee Yoo, our club actively promotes the values of integrity, perseverance, self-improvement, and the cultivation of an indominable spirit, which are central to the martial arts ethos.

As we look towards the future, we remain steadfast in our mission to cultivate the next generation of honourable practitioners and champions, continuing our mission to inspire the next generation of Taekwondo.