About Taekwon-Do

About Taekwon-Do

Taekwon-Do is a Korean martial art. Its name means the way of the foot and the fist, and it grew out of traditional Korean fighting arts and the martial arts practised in Korea in the first half of the twentieth century. After the Second World War these were brought together and developed into the art we know today, which was founded as Taekwon-Do in 1955.

Today there are several styles of Taekwon-Do. The International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF), founded by General Choi Hong Hi, teaches the original art with a strong focus on patterns, self-defence, sparring, power and the tenets of Taekwon-Do. World Taekwondo, which governs the Olympic sport, emphasises sport sparring. Other organisations teach their own variations.

At North Harrow Taekwon-Do we follow the ITF style of Taekwon-Do, as taught by the BUTF.

General Choi Hong Hi

Portrait of General Choi Hong Hi

General Choi Hong Hi (1918–2002) was born in Korea and is known as the founder of Taekwon-Do. A soldier who rose to the rank of Major General in the Korean army, he studied Karate in Japan and set out to create a distinctly Korean martial art. He proposed the name Taekwon-Do in 1955 and developed the patterns, techniques and training methods that make up the art, teaching it to soldiers and civilians in Korea and around the world.

About the BUTF

The British United Taekwon-Do Federation (BUTF) was established in 1988 to promote and teach Taekwon-Do. The federation emphasises fairness and integrity, and supports students in developing their skills through training and competition.

Grandmaster Raymond M.K. Choy

Grandmaster Raymond M.K. Choy standing in front of the BUTF flag

BUTF founder Grandmaster Raymond M.K. Choy IX was the first person in the UK to receive 8th Dan confirmation directly from Taekwon-Do's founder, General Choi Hong Hi (ITF certificate GB-8-1). He was also only the second person in the UK to attain Grandmaster rank, and the first to progress from white belt to Grandmaster in the UK.

Raymond Choy practising a high kick outdoors
Side kick, c. 1978
BUTF instructor demonstrating a self-defence technique
Stretching, 2005
Raymond Choy demonstrating a press-up position
Jumping press-ups, c. 1978

Belts and grades

Students begin with coloured Kup grades, progressing through white, yellow, green, blue and red belts. Between the coloured belts, a coloured tag marks an intermediate grade. After the coloured-belt levels come black-belt Dan grades, each recognising further development and experience.

  • White10th Kup
  • White, yellow tag9th Kup
  • Yellow8th Kup
  • Yellow, green tag7th Kup
  • Green6th Kup
  • Green, blue tag5th Kup
  • Blue4th Kup
  • Blue, red tag3rd Kup
  • Red2nd Kup
  • Red, black tag1st Kup
Black belts (Dan grades)
  • BUTFIBlack1st Dan
  • BUTFIIBlack2nd Dan
  • BUTFIIIBlack3rd Dan
  • BUTFIVBlack4th Dan
  • BUTFVBlack5th Dan
  • BUTFVIBlack6th Dan
  • BUTFVIIMaster7th Dan
  • BUTFVIIIMaster8th Dan
  • BUTFIXGrand Master9th Dan

Black belts wear uniforms with a black trim. From 4th Dan upwards, uniforms have additional black piping on the sleeves and trousers.

The Tenets of Taekwon-Do

  • Courtesy (Ye Ui)

    Politeness, respect, and consideration for others

  • Integrity (Yom Chi)

    In Taekwon-Do, integrity means being able to define right from wrong and having the conscience to feel guilt when you do wrong.

  • Perseverance (In Nae)

    Not giving up. It is persistence and tenacity, the effort required to do something and keep doing it till the end, even if it's hard

  • Self Control (Guk Gi)

    To have control over your thoughts as well as your actions. Maintaining a pure mind as well as a pure body by keeping your emotions in check, particularly in difficult or trying circumstances

  • Indomitable Spirit (Baekjul Boolgool)

    Having an unbreakable spirit, especially in the face of adversity. It encourages martial artists to face challenges with courage, determination, and a never-give-up attitude. The indomitable spirit is a driving force that empowers individuals to overcome difficulties, set and achieve their goals, and become better versions of themselves.

  • Humility (Kyom Son)

    To exhibit a 'modest and unpretentious demeanour' and to be conscious of one's failings. The true martial artist should let their achievements speak for themselves.

Taekwon-Do will teach and help you with:

  • Discipline

    Practise listening, following instructions and showing respect while working steadily towards your goals.

  • Confidence

    Build confidence as you learn new techniques, improve with practice and work towards each new grade.

  • Perseverance

    Learn to keep trying when a movement or pattern takes time to master, and to recognise the progress you make.

  • Fitness

    Training gives you opportunities to improve stamina, strength, balance and coordination through movement.

  • Flexibility

    Warm-ups and controlled techniques help you practise range of movement and develop flexibility at your own pace.

  • Courage

    Try unfamiliar challenges, practise in front of others and keep learning in a supportive class environment.