Taekwondo : Donald Ravenscroft : South African Taekwondo Heavyweight

Taekwondo is defined by a series of kicks that are thrown from a mobile stance; the belief being that the leg is the heaviest and longest of the human limbs. In this way, the discipline can be distinguished from other popular martial arts like Karate and Kung Fu. By fighting with the feet, it is believed that the martial artist will have an increased ability to floor his opponent from a relatively wide distance. The principle is to strike to cause the least likeliness of retaliation. Turning, front, reverse turning and sidekicks are delivered most commonly while sparring or at the beginning of one's Taekwondo career. Advanced kicks include jumps, spins and skip kicks. The "way of the fist" is given to a series of hand movements like blocks, punches and strikes that complement, and often round off a magnificent kick.

Taekwondo: a history and a lifestyle

Like any ancient art or philosophy, Taekwondo has millions of practitioners, but is essentially a fractured discipline. Used originally in Korea by three rival kingdoms as a style of unarmed combat, Taekwondo can be loosely translated as "the way of the feet and the fist". It is a mixture of combat techniques, self-defence, sport and philosophy with emphasis on mental and physical discipline.

Taekwondo has lost popularity and quickly gained it over the changing politics and fashions within Korea. Nine separate schools traceable to the original combat style emerged after the Korean War, and were amalgamated under the umbrella name of "Taekwondo". In 1988 the martial art was recognised as a demonstration event at the Olympics in Seoul, and by 2000 became an official medal event. Along with Judo, Taekwondo is one of only two Asian martial arts that compete in the Olympic Games.

While it is designed to ward off offensive attacks, and can be a very competitive discipline, many Taekwondo practitioners prefer the exercise, self-defence and personal philosophy that define Taekwondo. It is believed by some that Taekwondo has been influenced by the philosophies of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism, although a more popular response is that the philosophy lies in a deep understanding of motion and use of the body while fighting. Ultimately, the dream to build a more peaceful world, beginning with oneself, has been a central principle of the martial art, dating from the 6th Century. Taekwondo is the art of developing personality and positive ethical traits in its practitioners - akin to the more banal saying of "know thyself".

Reasons for beginning Taekwondo are as varied as the individuals who enter in, and may range from self-confidence and self defence, to flexibility, the belts and the prestige. But generally those who have a flare for Taekwondo will be reliable, dedicated individuals who are able to visualise their dreams, and sweat every step of the way to achieve them.