Comparing Taekwondo to Kung Fu & Tai Chi

Origins of Taekwondo

Taekwondo is similar to karate in that it was designed for someone fearful of being a victim. Many of the forms are similar as well as training methods. One unique feature is the indigenous Korean martial arts focused on high kicks for soldiers to defend against men on horseback. A good deal of stretching is important.

Taekwondo is the most recent of the modern Asian martial arts. Taekwondo developed via a combination of karate and indigenous Korean martial arts, emphasizing competition, katas and striking similarly. However, taekwondo also emphasizes kicks, especially high kicks. Taekwondo classes in Westchester are similar to karate in that they may include stretching, basic movements, forms and competition. Quite often, taekwondo training is partnered with hapkido, a Korean martial art that developed from Daito Ryu Aiki Jujitsu, and thus shares the same roots as aikido. Application of self-defense technique may also derive from hapkido. While taekwondo itself emphasizes external (hard) power and teaches destructive technique initially followed by control, partnering with hapkido may change this dynamic. Weapons use in taekwondo is an additional element of practice. Exercise is often aerobic.