F.A.Q.

What is Taekwondo?

"Tae" (to kick) "Kwon" (to punch) "Do" (art or way) Tae Kwon Do translated is "the art of kicking and punching."

When was it created?

The modern international sport of Tae Kwon Do is a developed version of a centuries-old Korean martial art. Hundreds of years ago the Hwa Rang, a Korean warrior class of society, practiced Tae Kyon, a form of weaponless combat.

How has it been adapted?

In 1968, Korean General Hong Hi Choi (the man responsible for originally standardizing Tae Kwon Do in 1955) met with then Master Haeng Ung Lee (now Eternal Grand Master), who at the time was teaching Tae Kwon Do-Japanese mixed martial arts to his organization of followers. General Choi quickly taught Eternal Grand Master Lee the first 16 Cheon-jee forms of Tae Kwon Do in only 4 days and three nights (this system of forms was the first set of forms developed under the new Tae Kwon Do of Korea).

How is it used today?

Today, That same concept is taught to everyone that desires or acknowledges the need to learn martial arts. Emphasis is placed upon self defense and developing self control.

What are Belts?

The concept of belts and rank is probably one that most people associate with Tae Kwon Do and martial arts in general, even if they only have a passing interest in the subject. In Songahm Tae Kwon Do, our belts reflect a member's proven level of competence and (just as importantly) the progression of colors reflects an inner journey that never truly ends. Each belt achieved is truly an accomplishment worthy of respect. It is also worth noting that achieving a belt isn't just a matter of "spending enough time" in a previous belt. In order to achieve their next rank, a student must demonstrate their proficiency in their current belt's techniques, to include Basic Moves, Sparring, and Forms.

Symbology