Although recently introduced to the western world, Taekwon-Do has for centuries been an integral part of Korean society.
Not only is it an important part of Korean culture and heritage, it is also, in every sense of the word, a martial art, which is practised throughout Korea on the military training fields and in the gymnasiums of all the high schools and universities.

Translated literally, Taekwon-Do means: "TAE" (Foot or to Kick), "KWON" (Fist or to Punch), "DO" (Art or the Way). It is more than just that however. It is the scientific  use of the body for self-defence, a body that has gained the ultimate use of it's facilities through intensive physical and mental training.

It is a martial art that has no equal in power or technique. Though  it is a martial art, it's discipline techniques and mental training are the mortar for building a strong sense of justice, fortitude, humility and resolve. It is this mental conditioning that separates the true  practitioner from the sensationalist content with mastering only the fighting aspects of the art.

Taekwon-Do heritage dates back to the 6th century AD. and the young aristocrat warrior corps, the Hwa Rang-Do, In addition to the ordinary training in spear, bow and sword they also trained in various forms of hand and foot fighting. One of these ancient martial arts was named "Taek-Kyon" which chiefly employed  foot techniques.

The founder of modern day Taekwon-Do, Major-General Choi Hong Hi, while engaged in his military duties conducted a great deal of scientific and theoretical research on ancient Korean Karate and Chinese Kung Fu. These martial arts had not been properly developed until the appearance of modern Taekwon-Do which consolidates Taek-Kyon, Karate and Kung Fu.

General Choi proclaimed Taekwon-Do to the  world as a completely valid and unique martial art on 11th April 1955. Taekwon-Do was introduced into Great Britain in 1967 and eventually necessitated the foundation of the Taekwon-Do Association of Great Britain