Tae+Kwon+Do

media type="file" key="Korean Traditional MusicSandal Wood HD.mp3" width="240" height="20" media type="googlemap" key="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=korea&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=40.681389,93.076172&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=South+Korea&ll=35.907757,127.766922&spn=10.06534,23.269043&z=6&output=embed" width="755" height="628" Tae Kwon Do originated from Korean martial art

Tae Kwon Do is the national sport of South Koreamedia type="custom" key="5486735" align="left". It's name was derived by the Korean words "Tae", "Kwon", and "Do". " In [|Korean], //tae// (태, [|跆]) means 'to strike or break with foot'; //kwon// (권, [|拳]) means 'to strike or break with fist'; and //do// (도, [|道]) means 'way,' 'method,' or 'art.' Thus, //taekwondo// may be loosely translated as 'the way of the foot and fist' or 'the way of kicking and punching.'"(Wikipedia) It teaches physical fighting skills as well as discipline. It is a way to enhance ones spirit and life through training one's body and mind. It is internationally known and is a sport in the Olympic games. The philosophy of Taekwondo represents the principles of change and movement. There are several to explain the principles of Taekwondo. "The principle of "Sam Jae" [Three Elements] and that of "Eum" [the Negative or Darkness] and "Yang" [the Positive or the Brightness]. "Sam Jae" refers to "Cheon" [the Heaven], "Ji" [the Earth], and "In" [the Man] and the principles concerning them " (World Taekwondo Federation). "Sam Jae" and "Eum" and "Yang" consitute the "Eight Trigrams for Divination" in the "Book of Changes." By understanding the principles of Taekwondo, you understand all the skills and depth of Taekwondo.
 * Background Info**
 * Philosophy**
 * Belts**

They use belts to determine ranks in Taekwondo.

"White Belt:
The lack of color signifies purity and innocence. The novice has no knowledge of tae kwon do.

Yellow Belt:
The color of the rising sun. Seeds in the ground begin to germinate and grow. Basic tae kwon do techniques begin to be learned.

Orange Belt:
The color of the rising sun. Seeds in the ground begin to germinate and grow. Basic tae kwon do techniques begin to be learned.

Green Belt:
The color of growing things that all can see. Power begins to develop.

Blue / Purple Belt:
The color of the sky which growing things reach for. Physical and mental power starts to stabilize.

Brown Belt:
The color of the ground where growing things are rooted firmly. Stability of physical and mental power is apparent.

Red / Bodan Belt:
The color of blood, the essential life force. Maturity, honor and respect are exhibited as character begins to perfect.

Black Belt:
Black is the combination of all color. The final stage where technique is mastered within the humble and serene beauty of the plant." (http://www.taekwondo-network.com/tae-kwon-do-belt-system.html)

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Spreadsheet downloaded from WTF (World Taekwondo Federation)

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