WHAT IS TAEKWONDO?
Taekwondo-Do is a version of unarmed combat designed for the purpose of self-defense. It is an “art” as well as a series of techniques because it also implies a way of thinking and of living.
Taekwondo-Do can be loosely translated. “Tae” stands for jumping or flying, to kick with the foot. “Kwon” means the fist, punching or destroying with the hand or fist. “Do” means an art or way, the right way built and paved by the saints and sages of the past. Together “Taekwondo-Do” indicates the mental training, the self-discipline and the techniques of unarmed combat for the purpose of self-defense.
Wrongly applied, Taekwon-Do can be a dangerous weapon. Therefore, the mental training, self-discipline and a sense of right must always be emphasized to students. The tenets of Taekwon-Do and the Students Oath are rules and guidelines which should be followed by each practitioner.
WHO IS GENERAL CHOI HONG HI?
General Choi Hong Hi is the father of Taekwon-Do, and was born on November 9th, 1918, in the Hwa Dae Myong Chun District of Korea.
Conscripted into the Japanese army during World War II, he was posted to Pyongyang where he was imprisoned. Wanting to maintain his good physical and mental health during his imprisonment, he practiced karate, alone at first, then by teaching it to the staff of the prison and the other prisoners. Becoming an officer in the new Korean Army after the end of the war, he continued to teach his martial art to his soldiers as well as to American soldiers serving in Korea.
His beliefs and his vision of a different approach to teaching martial arts led General Choi to combine elements of Taek Kyon and Karate techniques to develop a modern martial art. He called it Tae Kwon Do, which means “the way of the feet and the hands”, and this name was officially adopted on April 11th, 1955.
In 1959, General Choi was named President of the Korean Taekwon-Do Association. Seven years later, on March 22nd, 1966, he created the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF). As the Founder of Taekwon-Do and President of the ITF, he had the ability to share his art with students everywhere. Today, Taekwon-Do training is available around the world.
After a life dedicated to the development of Taekwon-Do, a modern martial art based on traditional values, philosophy, and training, General Choi, Founder of Taekwon-Do and President of the International Taekwon-Do Federation, died of cancer on June 15th, 2002, in the country of his birth.
*Biography from www.tkd-itf.org
WHAT IS ITF? WHAT DOES IT STAND FOR?
International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) is an international taekwondo organization founded on March 22, 1966, by General Choi Hong Hi in 1966. The ITF was founded to promote and encourage the growth of the art of Taekwon-do.
The main functions of an ITF include coordinating and approving tournaments and seminars, setting standards for teaching (patterns, sparring, destruction), collaborating with affiliated member organizations, and providing services members in regard to rank and certifications.
WHAT IS STFI?
STFI is a non-profit organization, affiliated with the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF). Founded in 1984 by Grand Master Clint Norman (9th Degree Black Belt), STFI has expanded around the province with clubs in Regina, Saskatoon, Balgonie, Prince Albert, Humboldt, Delisle and Watson. STFI clubs have developed over a hundred National Champions and many world class athletes. Call, email or check out our clubs section for a location near you!