INTRODUCTION:

Taekwondo is an activity that is suitable for everyone. It is a martial art and art of self-defence that has been turned into an international and Olympic sport, and yet maintaining its essence as a martial art. The practice of taekwondo improves health and fitness, physical balance, agility, poise and an alertness of mind. Taekwondo also develops self-confidence and discipline as a person progresses and learns skills for self-defence and offense to repel or beat off an aggressor using bare hands, fists, elbows, knees, feet, and grappling, throwing and locking techniques. Healthy bodies make people active and powerful. Such discipline, self-confidence and knowledge are beneficial to the life of individuals as well as their families, neighbours and their nation.

Taekwondo, literally meaning the ‘art of hands and feet fighting’ has a history dating back to the early communal life on the Korean peninsular in 2333 BC. It was later developed for combat by the military for the defence and offense of nations just before the turn of the century in 57 BC, hence the term ‘martial art’ being used to categorise it.

Taekwondo has been further developed and refined to meet the needs of modern day living requirements for practical self-defence, fitness and discipline. It has also been refined in the sporting aspects to make taekwondo the most progressive and dynamic martial art sport today. Taekwondo has been recognized as an international sport since 1975 by the General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) and as an Olympic sport since 1980 by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). It was demonstrated at the Seoul 1988 and Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games and played off as a full medal sport at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games (Australia won 1 gold and 1 silver medal), the Athens 2004 and the 2008 Beijing Olympics. We look forward to the 2012 London Olympic Games.

The Australian Taekwondo Academy, WA was established in 1975 by Mr Sok Pong Kim, and is one of the pioneer taekwondo academies in Western Australia. The Academy provides quality taekwondo Instructors at branch clubs throughout the Perth metropolitan and country areas of Western Australia. We have comprehensive programs and activities that cater for the martial artist enthusiast, sport oriented person and even the recreational member.

GETTING STARTED:

Taekwondo is practiced in most recreation centres, high school gyms, community halls, and any other hall with a level floor that is of a wooden or carpet texture. An accredited Instructor would teach taekwondo in small or large groups, usually in 1 or one and a half-hour durations. Classes may be split into junior (6 – 14 years), youth (15 – 18 years) and adult (over 18 years) groups or a combination of age groups.

The beginner would start as a white belt and gradually progress through the grades in 3 monthly grading intervals from white to yellow belt (3 progressive grades), then to blue belt (3 progressive grades), then to red belt (3 progressive grades) and right up to the 1st dan black belt. Higher black belts (2nd dan to 9th dan) can be achieved with further active training and service to the art and sport.

It is important to enroll with the appropriately registered and recognized sports groups to ensure standards are being met, and that you are eligible to participate in all State, National, International and Olympics activities. Taekwondo is practiced in almost 200 member countries by an estimated 80 million plus registered members throughout the world. The Academy has clubs located in the Perth Metro and country regions. Beware of groups that are not recognized or not registered with the governing taekwondo organizations in Australia or in the world. Always ask for and check the credentials with the appropriate clubs and Instructors before joining.

The Australian Taekwondo Academy teaches the 6 basic elements of martial art, self-defence, self-confidence, Olympic sport, fitness and discipline. There are two main aspects to taekwondo that a member can become involved in i.e. the sporting aspect and the martial art and self-defence aspect.

SPORTS TAEKWONDO:

Taekwondo has been fully accepted as an International sport since 1975 and Olympic sport since 1980. There are a few types of sports Taekwondo, the main one being the sparring competition where 2 contestants are matched in a bout, which is controlled and managed by a central referee in accordance with the competition rules. The player who scores the most number of points wins the match. Weight, belt and age (junior and senior) classifications are used to separate the players into divisions. Compulsory protective guards are worn by the players to allow for delivery of good skills and also to prevent injuries.

There are also technical competitions for poomsae where competitors are judged on their skills and techniques in set forms performed by an individual or team. There is no physical contact in this category. The competitor displaying the best skill levels and with the highest score is declared the winner. There are other technical categories including board breaking, power tiles breaking, creative poomsae, creative poomsae with music and self defence skills. Competitions are divided by gender, age and belt divisions.

MARTIAL ART & SELF-DEFENCE TAEKWONDO:

Taekwondo has a long history (more than 3,000 years history) as a martial art, and many participants learn the art form for recreational purposes, such as to improve their health, physical fitness, body co-ordination, discipline and an appreciation of a martial art form. Some practice taekwondo for self-defence so that they can be better prepared and better equipped with self-defence knowledge and techniques to be used against the possible threat of physical attacks by violent or aggressive persons. Members who practice regularly can be proficient and confident in self-defence skills, and including grappling defence techniques.

Taekwondo is very popular with family groups, and it is quite common to see the whole family get involved in the martial art and sport at training, classes, seminars, tournament meets and other activities. Our clubs encourages social interactions and activities and make every member and their families feel part of the Academy.

CLUBS AND INSTRUCTORS:

Our instructors are fully qualified in the National Coaching and National Officiating programs, with some having additional sporting qualifications. Our instructors are highly skilled and hold Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquarters) dan ranks from 3rd dan to 7th dan. Our clubs are located in the Perth Metro areas covering the north and south of the river locations and also the Peel region and other country region locations.

You can view the credentials of our Instructors and Club locations using the menu links above and we have also provided you with the training days and times and a mapping guide to get to the club venue locations.