The Short Answer

Taekwondo (태권도) is a Korean martial art and Olympic combat sport that translates to “the way of the foot and fist.” It is the world’s most widely practiced martial art, with over 80 million practitioners in 210+ countries, and has been an official Olympic sport since 2000.

Taekwondo is primarily a striking art known for its:

• High, fast, and spinning kicks (its signature feature)
• Precise hand strikes (punches, knife-hand strikes)
• Dynamic footwork and distance management
• Structured belt progression (white belt → black belt)
• Mental discipline and character development philosophy

But calling Taekwondo “just kicking” is like calling chess “just moving pieces.” It is a complete system of physical training, mental development, and philosophical education.

At Om’s Martial Arts & Fitness Studio, Taekwondo is our flagship program. We train students from age 5 through adulthood, following the World Taekwondo (WT) curriculum recognized by the Taekwondo Federation of India (TFI) for national and international competition.

[↑ Back to: The Complete Guide to Taekwondo]

What Does “Taekwondo” Mean?

The word is composed of three Korean characters:

Together: “The Way of the Foot and Fist” — but more philosophically, “The Art of Kicking and Punching as a Way of Life.”

The “Do” is critical. Taekwondo is not just a fighting system. It is a path of self-improvement — physical, mental, and ethical.

A Brief History (For Beginners)

You don’t need a history degree, but knowing the basics helps you understand why Taekwondo is structured the way it is.

The Ancient Roots

Korean martial arts trace back over 2,000 years to the Three Kingdoms period (Goguryeo, Baekje, Silla). The Hwarang Warriors of the Silla Kingdom trained in combat and a code of ethics that directly mirrors Taekwondo’s modern tenets.

The Modern Birth (1955)

After Korea’s liberation from Japanese occupation (1945), several martial arts schools (kwans) unified under the name “Taekwondo” in 1955, largely driven by General Choi Hong Hi, who is considered the founder of modern Taekwondo.

The Olympic Era (2000–Present)

Taekwondo became an official Olympic sport at the Sydney 2000 Games. It is governed globally by World Taekwondo (WT), headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. In India, the Taekwondo Federation of India (TFI) manages national competitions and Olympic qualification.

[→ Read More: The Complete History of Taekwondo – Ancient Korea to the Olympics]

What Do You Actually Do in Taekwondo?

A typical Taekwondo training session at Om’s Martial Arts & Fitness Studio includes:

1. Stances (서기 – Seogi)

The foundation. You learn how to stand, balance, and generate power from the ground up.

First stances you’ll learn:

• Attention Stance (Charyeot Seogi) – Formal position
• Ready Stance (Junbi Seogi) – Preparation
• Walking Stance (Ap Seogi) – Basic forward movement
• Front Stance (Ap Kubi) – Power generation

2. Blocks (막기 – Makgi)

Defensive techniques to redirect or stop attacks.

First blocks you’ll learn:

• Low Block (Arae Makgi) – Defends against low attacks
• Middle Block (Momtong Makgi) – Defends the torso
• High Block (Olgul Makgi) – Defends the head

3. Punches & Hand Strikes (지르기 – Jireugi)

• Front Punch (Momtong Jireugi) – Straight punch to the torso
• Reverse Punch (Bandae Jireugi) – Power punch from the rear hand

4. Kicks (차기 – Chagi)

This is Taekwondo’s signature. You progress from basic to advanced:

5. Poomsae (품새 – Forms)

Pre-arranged sequences of techniques performed against imaginary opponents. Think of them as “choreographed fighting patterns.” You learn one new poomsae per belt level.

6. Sparring (겨루기 – Gyeorugi)

Controlled, point-based fighting with protective gear. Introduced gradually — beginners do pre-arranged sparring drills before any free sparring.

7. Breaking (격파 – Gyeokpa)

Breaking boards with kicks or punches. Used in belt promotions and demonstrations. Teaches focus, precision, and commitment.

8. Theory & Philosophy

Every belt promotion at Om’s includes a viva / theory component: Korean terminology, tenets, history, and the philosophical meaning behind techniques.

[→ Read More: What Happens in Your First Taekwondo Class at Om’s]

The Belt System (Quick Overview)

Taekwondo uses a colored belt system to mark progression:

At Om’s Martial Arts & Fitness Studio, belt promotions happen every 3 months and require demonstration of techniques, poomsae, sparring, breaking, and theory.

[→ Full Guide: Taekwondo Belt System – Complete Requirements for Every Belt]

Who Is Taekwondo For?

Kids (Age 5–12)

• Builds discipline, focus, and listening skills
• Develops coordination and gross motor skills
• Teaches confidence without aggression
• Reduces screen dependency
• Supports ADHD management through structured activity

Teenagers (13–17)

• Channels energy productively
• Builds self-esteem
• Provides a competitive pathway (district → state → national → international)
• Develops goal-setting habits

Adults (18+)

• Full-body fitness (cardio + strength + flexibility)
• Stress relief
• Practical self-defence awareness
• Community and accountability
• You are never too old to start. We have students who began at 40+.

Women

• Confidence and situational awareness
• Practical striking skills
• Fitness in a supportive environment
• Women-only batches available at Om’s

[→ Related: Is Taekwondo Good for Kids? A Parent’s Guide]
[→ Related: Can Adults Start Taekwondo? Yes – Here’s How]

5 Key Benefits of Taekwondo

1. Physical Fitness

A 60-minute class burns 500-800 calories. You develop cardiovascular endurance, leg strength, core stability, and flexibility — without ever stepping on a treadmill.

2. Flexibility

Taekwondo’s emphasis on high kicks progressively develops hip and hamstring flexibility. Most students see a 20-30% improvement in range of motion within 6 months.

3. Discipline & Focus

The structured environment (bowing, lining up, following commands, belt progression) builds habits of discipline that transfer to school, work, and life.

4. Confidence

There is a profound psychological shift that happens when you can break a board with your foot, execute a spinning kick, or hold your own in controlled sparring. That confidence radiates into every area of life.

5. Community

Taekwondo is not a solo gym workout. You train with partners, bow to your instructors, support your juniors, and earn respect from your seniors. The dojang (training hall) becomes a second family.

[→ Read More: The Science of Taekwondo – Research-Backed Benefits]

What Do You Need to Start?

For Your First Class at Om’s:

• Comfortable athletic clothing (t-shirt + track pants)
• Water bottle
• Bare feet (matted floor)
• That’s it. No equipment needed for trial classes.

After Enrollment:

• Dobok (Taekwondo uniform) – available at Om’s
• White belt – provided with enrollment
• Mouthguard – for sparring (introduced later)
• Protective gear – head guard, chest protector, shin guards (for sparring/competition)

[→ Full Guide: Taekwondo Equipment – Complete Buying Guide]

Common Beginner Questions

Q: Do I need to be flexible?
No. Flexibility is developed through training. If you could already do the splits, you wouldn’t need the class.

Q: Do I need to be fit?
No. Taekwondo builds fitness. Our beginner classes are designed for zero athletic background.

Q: Will I get hurt?
With proper supervision and protective gear, Taekwondo has a lower injury rate than football or basketball. Beginners do not free-sparr until the coach determines readiness.

Q: How long to black belt?
With consistent training (3×/week): approximately 2.5 to 3.5 years.

Q: Is it useful for self-defence?
Yes. Taekwondo develops distance management, striking power, awareness, and the confidence to handle confrontation. However, for dedicated self-defence scenarios, we recommend our Self Defence program as a complement.

Q: What’s the difference between ITF and WT?
ITF is more traditional (semi-contact, sine-wave movement). WT is the Olympic style (full-contact, electronic scoring). Om’s follows the WT system.

[→ Full FAQ: 500+ Taekwondo Questions Answered]

Start Your Taekwondo Journey Today

Every black belt was once a white belt who showed up for the first time feeling nervous, stiff, and unsure.

That feeling is normal. And it passes — usually by the second class.

At Om’s Martial Arts & Fitness Studio, your first class is free. No commitment. No pressure. Just come, watch, try, and see if it clicks.

[→ Book Your Free Taekwondo Trial Class at Om’s Martial Arts & Fitness Studio]

[→ View Class Timetable & Fees]

[→ Read the Complete Guide to Taekwondo]

Om’s Martial Arts & Fitness Studio – Where every black belt journey begins with a single step.