New Zealand

Taekwon-Do is a version of unarmed combat designed for the purpose of self defence. It is more than just that, however. It is the scientific use of the body in the method of self defence; aiming to gain the ultimate use of one's body through intensive physical and mental training. Though it is a martial art, its discipline, techniques and mental training are the mortar for building a strong sense of justice, fortitude, humility and resolve. It is this mental conditioning that separates the true practitioner from the sensationalist, content with mastering only the fighting aspects of the art.

Translated literally Tae means jumping or flying, to kick or smash with the foot; Kwon denotes the fist - chiefly to punch or destroy with the hand or fist; Do means art or way.

Taekwon-Do in New Zealand:

Taekwon-Do is well established in New Zealand, with our organisation having clubs nationwide. The first of these was established by Mr Norman Ng in Palmerston North, 1970. On 28 March 1981 the name International Taekwon-Do Federation was chosen and registered as an incorporated society. Since then we have grown into a well organised network of branches, who come together regularly for seminars, camps and tournaments.

The foundation operates under a duly elected executive committee which has sub-committees in charge of techniques, standards & discipline, promotions, tournaments, and gradings. All our branches are run by officially certified instructors who must keep their instructors and first aid certificates current. All gradings are conducted by appointed examiners of at least 4th dan, so our standards are maintained at the highest level.

We have been active in many international events such as the Sharp International Tournament in Wellington, which received national television coverage and attracted participants from all over the world, including Japan and the United States. It was our organisation that performed in the Opening Ceremonies of the 1990 Commonwealth Games, and we are recognised by the New Zealand Hillary Commission.

Our sister organisation is the United States Taekwon-Do Federation and we are affiliated to the International Taekwon-Do Federation.

History of Taekwon-Do:

Taekwon-Do was named on 11 April 1955. This is not to say that Korean martial arts did not exist before then, but that was the year in which the name was first put forward.

The origins of Taekwon-Do can be traced to Tae Kyon, the art of self defence which originated 1300 years ago during the Silla Dynasty in Korea. Tae Kyon was taught and practised among the youths of 'Hwarang-Do', who were hand-picked to be trained as military leaders of Silla, one of the three ruling kingdoms of Korea at that time. Tae Kyon's effectiveness was enhanced at the turn of the 20th century, when hand techniques were introduced from China and later from Japan.

Japan occupied Korea for many years and during the Second World War the two countries were co-belligerents. Many Koreans fought on the side of the Japanese and received training in the Japanese martial art systems.

One of the most prominent personalities at this time was General Choi Hong Hi.

General Choi Hong Hi (1918 - 2002)

Gen. Choi had studied the Korean art of Tae Kyon as a child and as a student in Japan he had learned Karate. This combination of Korean and Japanese knowledge was to form the basis of his teachings at the academy of martial arts formed in 1953. Being a professional soldier, he was able to introduce the teaching of his system to the men under his command. Through his military liaison with foreign units, Gen. Choi spread the knowledge of his system until it became international.

Gen. Choi organised the first international demonstration tour, theconsequences of which contributed towards the eventual formation of the International Taekwon-Do Federation on 22 March 1966. In 1972, as a result of political pressure within South Korea, Gen. Choi left the country to re-establish the headquarters of the ITF in Canada, later to be relocated to Vienna. The Korean government quickly set up a rival international body, calling it the World Taekwondo Federation. Since that time, Taekwon-Do has been divided, and the techniques, patterns and systems differ between the two styles. ITFNZ continue to practice the original form of Taekwon-Do, the Chang-Hon style.

The theories, terminology, techniques, systems, methods, rules, uniform, and philosophical foundation were scientifically developed, systemized, and named by Gen. Choi Hong Hi. Hence it is an error to think of any other actions employing the feet and hands for self defence as Taekwon-Do. On a philosophical level, Taekwon-Do is derived from the traditional, ethical and moral principals of the Orient and from the personal philosophy of Gen. Choi.

The physical techniques of Taekwon- Do are based on the principals of modern science, in particular Newtonian physics which teaches us how to generate maximum power. Although Karate and Tae Kyon were used as references in the course of developing the art, the fundamental theories and principals of Taekwon-Do are different from those of any other martial art.

The Tenants of TaeKwon-Do:
(Taekwon-Do Jungshin)

Taekwon-Do aims to achieve:

EXPLANATION OF TENETS
Needless to say, the success or failure of Taekwon-Do training depends largely on how one observes and implements the tenets of Taekwon-Do which should serve as a guide for all serious students of the art.

COURTESY (Ye Ui)
It can be said that courtesy is an unwritten regulation prescribed by ancient teachers of philosophy as a means to enlighten human beings while maintaining a harmonious society. It can be further be as an ultimate criterion required of a mortal.

Taekwon-Do students should attempt to practice the following elements of courtesy to build up their noble character and to conduct the training in an orderly manner as well.
1) To promote the spirit of mutual concessions
2) To be ashamed of one's vices, contempting those of others
3) To be polite to one another
4) To encourage the sense of justice and humanity
5) To distinguish instructor from student, senior from junior, and elder from younger
6) To behave oneself according to etiquette
7) To respect others' possessions
8) To handle matters with fairness and sincerity
9) To refrain from giving or accepting a gift when in doubt

INTEGRITY (Yom Chi)
In Taekwon-Do, the word integrity assumes a looser definition than the one usually presented in Webster's dictionary. One must be able to define right and wrong and have a conscience, if wrong, to feel guilt. Listed are some examples where integrity is lacking:
1) The instructor who misrepresents himself and his art by presenting improper techniques to his students because of a lack of knowledge or apathy.
2) The student who misrepresents himself by "fixing" breaking materials before demonstrations.
3) The instructor who camouflages bad technique with luxurious training halls and false flattery to his students.
4) The student who requests ranks from an instructor, or attempts to purchase it.
5) The student who gains rank for ego purposes or the feeling of power.
6) The instructor who teaches and promotes his art for materialistic gains.
7) The students whose actions do not live up to his words.
8) The student who feels ashamed to seek opinions from his juniors.

PERSEVERANCE (In Nae)
There is an old Oriental saying, "Patience leads to virtue or merit, One can make a peaceful home by being patient for 100 times." Certainly happiness and prosperity are most likely brought to the patient person. To achieve something, whether it is a higher degree or the perfection or a technique, one must set his goal, then constantly persevere. Robert Bruce learned his lesson of perseverance from the persistent efforts of a lowly spider. It was this perseverance and tenacity that finally enabled him to free Scotland in the fourteenth century. One of the most important secrets in becoming a leader of Taekwon-Do is to overcome every difficulty by perseverance. Confucius said, "one who is impatient in trivial matters can seldom achieve success in matters of great importance."

SELF CONTROL (Guk Gi)
This tenet is extremely important inside and outside the dojang, whether conducting oneself in free sparring or in one's personal affairs. A loss of self-control in free sparring can prove disastrous to both student and opponent. An inability to live and work within one's capability or sphere is also a lack of self-control.

According to Lao-Tzu "the term of stronger is the person who wins over oneself rather than someone else."

INDOMITABLE SPIRIT (Baekjool Boolgool)
"Here lie 300, who did their duty," a simple epitaph for one of the greatest acts of courage known to mankind. Although facing the superior forces of Xerxes, Leonidas and his 300 Spartans at Thermoplylae showed the world the meaning of indomitable spirit. It is shown when a courageous person and his principles are pitted against overwhelming odds.

A serious student of Taekwon-Do will at all times be modest and honest. If confronted with injustice, he will deal with the belligerent without any fear or hesitation at all, with indomitable spirit, regardless of whosoever and however many the number may be.

Confucius declared," It is an act of cowardice to fail to speak out against injustice." As history has proven, those who have pursued their dreams earnestly and strenuously with indomitable spirit have never failed to achieve their goals.

Sources:

• Taekwon-Do, the Condensed Encyclopedia by General Choi
• International TaeKwon-Do Federation
• International TaeKwon-Do Foundation of New Zealand