Tae Kwon Do is a martial arts form originating in Korea. Its name translates as "The Way of the Feet and Hands", or "The Way of Kicking and Punching", signifying the art's emphasis on efficient use of the entire body. Tae Kwon Do incorporates a wide arsenal of effective kicks and hand strikes, as well as blocking, dodging, throws, and joint locks. It is a system of training both the mind and the body, with an emphasis on the development of moral character.
American Tae Kwon Do differs from traditional Tae Kwon Do in several regards. While we maintain a respect for the traditions and origins of our art, practitioners of American Tae Kwon Do have continued to grow and evolve the art in new directions since its arrival in our country, incorporating techniques and strategies from several other martial arts forms including Isshin Ryu karate, western Boxing, and jujutsu.
At the American Karate Academy, we teach a martial art that grows and changes, adapting to the changing needs of our society and our students, without sacrificing the heart of the traditions that have made Tae Kwon Do not only an effective tool for self-defense, but an intricate art and an exciting method of maintaing physical fitness.
