Basic TaeKwon-Do Information
TaeKwon-Do is one of the newest martial arts in the world. It was created in the late 20th century by General Choi Hong Hi (1918-2002) from Pyongyang, North Korea, who is considered the father and inventor of TaeKwon-Do. When asked about his name, the General discussed his family name and then stated, "My other name is TaeKwon-Do given to me by God in 1955." General Choi Hong Hi is also the founder of the ITF. It is with great sorrow that we mourned his passing (June 15, 2002) but we know his legacy will live on.
Many of the students in this class have had the opportunity to practice TaeKwon-Do with the General - in fact, his last International Instructor's Seminar was held right here in Colorado in April, 2002...just two months before his death. Some students were lucky enough to have called him "friend." One such student of the General is Grand Master Charles E. Sereff, founder and president of the USTF. It is Grand Master Sereff who is credited with bringing the General's TaeKwon-Do to the United States.
The literal translation of TaeKwon-Do follows:
- Tae: Jumping, flying, to kick or smash with the foot.
- Kwon: Fist, to punch or destry with the hand or fist.
- Do: The art or way.
TaeKwon-Do, as we practice it, consists of four distinct disciplines. These are: patterns, foot and hand techniques, step-sparring, and Ho Sin Sul self defense. As a student progesses through the different belt levels, these disciplines become increasingly more challenging. To advance to new levels of challenge, a student must demonstrate proficiency in his/her techniques at the existing level. You can find more about our testings under Class Info.
In TaeKwon-Do, there are two belt classifications, colored belts and black belts. Within each of these classifications, there are several levels of expertise. Each level must be mastered before advancing to the next level. The belt levels and their meanings follow.
White Belt
Yellow Belt
Green Belt
Blue Belt
Red Belt
Black Belt (Black belt testing check list)

