Taekwondo is a martial art that developed in Korea. People around the world practise it to learn movements, build skills, and enjoy sport.
Fun fact: Taekwondo classes teach hand movements as well as kicks.
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What Is Taekwondo?
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Students practise kicks, blocks, punches, and patterns of movements. They learn control as well as power, with teachers guiding safe practice.
Fun fact: A practised sequence of taekwondo movements is called a poomsae.
Many schools use colored belts to show progress. The colors and the steps between them can differ from one school or organization to another.
Fun fact: In British Taekwondo, colored-belt grades are called Kup grades.
Taekwondo can also be a competitive sport, including at the Olympics. Whether someone competes or not, practice can teach patience, respect, and self-control.
Fun fact: Taekwondo first awarded Olympic medals at Sydney in 2000.