Learn about TaeKwonDo
Welcome to the John Emmons' TaeKwonDo Academy Website!
What a great day to start your Martial Arts training! At John Emmons' TaeKwonDo Academy, we offer unlimited weekly classes of TaeKwonDo Training that are available to people of all ages.
TaeKwonDo is a great way to develop skills both physically and mentally. Our TaeKwonDo Curriculum consists of activities in strength training, cardio, aerobics, flexibility, and meditation that will greatly benefit your mind and body.
TaeKwonDo can help children:
For adults, the variety and individual challenge of TaeKwonDo can also help:
- achieve and maintain a healthier lifestyle
- improve endurance, strength and overall fitness
- increase the likelihood that you will exercise regularly
- develop the skills to defend yourself
Physical Development
Besides being a lot of fun and a great form of self-defense, the exercise you get from TaeKwonDo (aerobic/cardio, strength training, flexibility) benefits every part of the body, including how you feel about yourself, the health of your heart, the strength of your muscles and the density of your bones.
When you exercise your body produces endorphins, which are chemicals that make you feel more peaceful and happier. Exercise can help some people sleep better and help with mild depression and self-esteem. Plus, exercise can give you a real sense of accomplishment from having achieved goals.
Exercising to maintain a healthy weight also decreases your risk of developing certain diseases, including type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, which used to be found mostly in adults but are becoming more common in teens. Exercise also helps prevent osteoporosis (weakening of the bones, making them more prone to breaking in later life especially among women).
Mental Development
TaeKwonDo encourages the development of positive character traits such as respect for others and self, self-control, patience, perseverance, self-confidence, a "can do" mindset, and a non-violent attitude.
Students learn to step up to challenges, overcome obstacles and become role models for others.
TaeKwonDo can be a rewarding lifestyle for anyone of any age-- children, teens and adults. You don't need to be in shape first. In fact, many beginner students have never exercised regularly before trying their first TaeKwonDo class. Of course, we encourage you to talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise program.
TaeKwonDo ... a great form of exercise and self-defense, plus a whole lot of fun!
John Emmons' TaeKwonDo Academy is a licensed member of TaeKwonDo America.
All of our classes are taught by nationally certified TaeKwonDo Instructors whom have all had background checks done by the Osceola Sheriff's Department and are all certified in CPR and First Aid.
To learn more about the History of TaeKwonDo, please continue reading.
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History of TaeKwonDo
TaeKwonDo is an unequaled method of unarmed self-defense. The techniques of TaeKwonDo have evolved for centuries into an effective method of self-defense, but at the same time, an intricate art as well as a method of maintaining physical fitness.
Approximately 1,300 years ago, during the 6th century A.D., the Korean Peninsula was divided into three kingdoms: Silla, Koguryo and Baek Je.
Silla, the smallest of these kingdoms, was constantly under invasion and their present and harassment by its two more powerful northern and western neighbors. During the reign of Chin Heung, twenty-fourth king of Silla, the young aristocrats and warrior class formed an elite warrior corps called Hwa Rang-do.
This group of warriors- in addition to the ordinary training in spear, bow, and sword- were also trained by practicing mental and physical discipline, and various forms of hand and foot fighting (Soo Bak and Tae Kyon). To harden their bodies, they climbed rugged mountains, swam the turbulent rivers in the coolest months, and drove themselves unmercifully to prepare for the task of defending their homeland.
To guide themselves and give purpose to their knighthood, they incorporated a five - point code of conduct set forth by their country's greatest monk and scholar Wan Kany:
1) be loyal to your king;
2) be obedient to your parents;
3) be honorable to your friends;
4) never retreat in battle;
5) make a just kill.
The Hwa Rang-Do became known for their courage and skill in battle, gaining respect from all their foes. The strength gained from observance of their code enabled them to attain feats of valor that became legendary. Through these feats, they inspired the people of the Silla to rise up and unite. From their victories, the Korean peninsula became united for the first time in history.
During the period of Hwa Rang-Do, the original art of foot fighting was called Soo Bak. The warriors of Hwa Rang-Do added a new dimension to this national art of foot fighting by gearing it to a combative art and infusing the principles of the Hwa Rang-Do. But with the occupation of Korea by the Japanese from 1909 to 1945, it was forbidden to practice any martial art.
Tae Kyon was secretly practiced and passed on to a handful of students. With the liberation of Korea in 1945, the new republic of Korea Armed Forces was organized. At this time Gen. Choi Hong Hi, an officer in this army, began teaching his martial art to some of his soldiers. Within a few years it became one of the cornerstones of training.
In April 1955 TaeKwonDo was chosen as the new name of the national martial art by a board of instructors, historians and other prominent persons. The name was selected for its apt description of the art; Tae(foot), Kwon(hand), Do(art). After 1,300 years a Korean martial art has reached full maturity, and has spread from a small band of aristocratic warriors to practitioners in more than sixty countries with millions of students.
