TAEKWONDO

The Korean martial art Taekwondo emerged in the mid-twentieth century and has subsequently become one of the most widely practiced martial arts in the world.  Taekwondo was formed by integrating of a number of existing martial arts schools or kwans into a single system. Although the use of the term, ”Taekwondo,” is fairly recent , the art is deeply rooted in traditional Korean martial disciplines. Taekwondo, literally, “foot hand way,” is characterized by dynamic, powerful kicking, punching and striking techniques which are utilized in sparring, formal exercise, self-defense and breaking.  Competitive Taekwondo incorporates full-contact sparring and has been included in the Olympic Games since year 2000.  Grandmaster Kim’s schools are the only Olympic style Taekwondo training centers in the Pittsburgh area.