About TKD
& HKD
With the encouragement and instruction of our masters, Woori’s goal is to teach self- confidence, respect and discipline. These philosophies will stay with you forever. Other benefits from these programs include becoming more flexible, toned, and increasing your stamina.
What is Taekwondo?
Taekwondo is a traditional Korean martial art, and is loosely translated as "the way of kicking and punching". In taekwondo, hands and feet can be used to overcome an opponent, but the trademark of the sport is its combination of kick movements. Taekwondo is 60% kicking and 40% blocking and striking. Children can begin practicing taekwondo at the age of 4.
TKD Origins
The origin of taekwondo dates back to Korea's Three-Kingdom era (c.50 BC) when Silla Dynasty warriors, the Hwarang, began to develop a martial art called Taekkyon ("foot-hand").
During the early 20th century, taekwondo became the dominant form of martial arts practiced in Korea. Subsequently, TKD was designated as the Korean national martial art to be promoted internationally. In 1973, the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) was founded as the worldwide legitimate governing body of the sport, and the first World Championships were held in Seoul, Korea that year.
Taekwondo is known for its emphasis on kicking techniques, which distinguishes it from martial arts such as karate or southern styles of kung fu. TKD made its debut as a demonstration sport at the Seoul 1988 Games, but was not officially added to the Olympic program until the Sydney 2000 Games. According to the Olympics, taekwondo is practiced in 188 countries.
What is Hapkido
Hapkido is loosely translated as "harmony of the mind and body's energy." Hapkido tones the body and increases stamina, but is mainly geared toward using and strengthening the upper body. This close contact martial art teaches arm-locks, pressure points, and submission techniques as your defense. Students are taught to move in a circular motion using the other person's power (energy) to stop an attack. This style of martial art can be practiced by people of all ages.
HKD Origins
Hapkido is a martial art that originated in Korea. "Hap" refers to the harmony of body and spirit, "Ki" is the life force, and "Do" is the way of life or learning. Hapkido is not a sport like taekwondo, but is a practical self-defense system that can be practiced by men, women and children.
According to the World Hapkido Association, martial arts techniques that resembled modern day hapkido were brought to Korea when Buddhism was introduced to the area in 372 A.D. Hapkido rose and fell in popularity in Korea over several centuries, kingdoms and invasions, and was taught to knights and monks, who often practiced in seclusion. In 1910, the Japanese destroyed the Cho-Sun dynasty and ruled Korea until 1945. When Korea regained control, Hapkido was re-introduced by Choi Yong-Sool, considered to be the founder of modern hapkido.
The purpose of hapkido is to learn practical self-defense techniques and join your body and mind together as one. The physical techniques of hapkido include joint locks of the arms and legs, kicks, punches, throws and pressure point techniques. Hapkido is considered a "soft" style of martial art, as opposed to "hard" styles that practice the use of force against force. Many hapkido techniques use an attacker's momentum against them to execute the movement. Today, Hapkido is popular around the world, with schools in the United States, Canada, Germany, Spain, Brazil, Mexico and China.