Tae Kwon Do is a version of unarmed combat practiced for many centuries in the Orient. Tae Kwon-Do was perfected in its current form in Korea. Translated from Korean, ‘Tae’ literally means to jump, kick or smash with the foot. ‘Kwon’ means a fist – chiefly to punch or destroy with the hand or fist. ‘Do’ means the art, the way or method.

Tae Kwon Do indicates the technique of unarmed combat for self – defence, involving the skilled application of punches, kicks, blocks, dodges and interception with the hand, arms and feet to the rapid destruction of the opponent.

Tae Kwon-Do was inaugurated in South Korea on April 11th 1955 following extensive research and development by the founder Major General Choi Hong Hi 9th Degree Black Belt. Tae Kwon-Do was introduced into the United Kingdom in 1967.

The TAGB

The TAGB is a nationally recognised Tae Kwon Do organisation in this country. It was formed in 1983 and has since become the founding member of the British Tae Kwon Do Council (BTC) which is recognised by UK Sport (previously known as the United Kingdom Sports Council). The TAGB is also a founder member of Tae Kwon-Do International – a world wide body with representation in every continent of the globe. Tae Kwon-Do International was inaugurated on November 13th 1993.

The Tae Kwon Do Association of Great Britain is Europe’s (and the world’s!) largest single martial arts organisation. With more than 25,000 members and over 450 clubs the TAGB guarantee certificated, experienced instructors, a carefully worked-out teaching syllabus and the high standards Tae Kwon Do students all over the country have come to expect. The TAGB also organises seminars, demonstrations, competitions and national and international championships every month of the year.

TAGB instructors are highly qualified, accredited individuals with many years’ experience in teaching mixed classes which often include young children and disability groups. Training in Tae Kwon Do can start at any age. TAGB members start as young as five and recently one member gained his fifth dan black belt on his 70th birthday!

Because of its high-kicking, fast-paced style Tae Kwon Do is a thoroughly modern way of getting fit. The TAGB is a great advocate of fun and fitness at an early age and TAGB instructors often work with local schools to teach self-defence.

Tae Kwon Do training is about learning to discipline your mind as well as your body and TAGB instructors always include elements in their teaching which help their students to develop mentally as well as physically. With clubs throughout the country the TAGB is the ideal organisation for learning a martial art that has evolved through a 3,000 year history to become the newest Olympic sport.