What is Taekwondo?
Taekwondo is the Korean martial art of self-defense. Tae means to kick or strike with the foot, kwon means fist or to strike with the hand, and do means the art or way. It is much more than a physical activity: it is a system of complete body exercise, a mental discipline and a philosophy for living.
Physically
Coordination, strength, flexibility and cardiovascular conditioning — a strong body.
Mentally
Self-confidence, self-esteem, better judgment and self-control — a sound mind.
Philosophically
Honesty, justice, respect, loyalty and courtesy — the ability to be strong, humble and gentle.
The five tenets
| Korean | Tenet | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Yelu | Courtesy | Be polite to one another. Promote mutual respect. Distinguish instructor from student, senior from junior. |
| Yom Chi | Integrity | Be able to define right from wrong — and have the conscience, if wrong, to feel guilt. |
| Im Nae | Perseverance | Patience leads to virtue and merit. A serious student continues steadfastly. |
| Guk Gi | Self-control | In sparring and in personal affairs, self-control is extremely important. Work within your capability. |
| Baekjul Boolgool | Indomitable spirit | Be modest and honest. Face injustice without fear or hesitation. |
What the belt colors mean
White — Purity and innocence — the beginning student.
Yellow — The earth, where the seed of knowledge is planted and takes root.
Green — The tree of knowledge sprouting from the ground.
Blue — The heavens, toward which the tree of knowledge reaches.
Red — Danger — the student has enough knowledge to do harm, but not yet complete control.
Black — Imperviousness to darkness and fear.
The ten articles
- Be loyal to your country.
- Be obedient to your parents.
- Be loving between husband and wife.
- Be cooperative between brothers.
- Be faithful between friends.
- Be respectful to your elders.
- Be faithful between teacher and student.
- Know the difference between good and evil.
- Never retreat in battle.
- Always finish what you start.
Our history
Our style traces back to Hwang Kee (born 1914), who studied Korean and Chinese martial arts and in 1945 founded the Moo Duk Kwan (“Martial Virtue School”) in Seoul. His student Kyung Won Ahn taught Vernon Foster, who brought Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do to the United States.
John Rankin earned his first black belt under Master Foster in 1971. After moving to Colorado he founded the Mountain Academy of Martial Arts in 1981, opened the Lakewood school in 1996, and taught for 56 years before retiring as Grand Master. Our instructors trained under Grand Master Rankin and continue his traditions here in Lakewood.
✏️ To do: Confirm or update the lineage and current association for the Lakewood Academy.