Modern traditional karate was developed in the islands of Okinawa in Japan after some influences from Chinese martial arts. There are actually different styles of karate but they are all commonly considered as Japanese styles today. The colored belt system was developed to show the various ranks of karate practitioners with white depicting novices and black belts (with various degrees) representing instructor levels and higher. There is a whole range of other different colors in between. Modern tae kwon do was developed in Korea after much influence from Japanese karate during the occupation by Japan. Indeed, tae kwon do is sometimes referred to as Korean karate. The Koreans adopted similar white uniforms along with a colored belt ranking system for tae kwon do.

Today, there are two main styles of tae kwon do, one under the International Federation and the other under the World Federation. Many schools have added a black lining to their white uniforms for black belt levels. A V-neck top is often seen in schools affiliated with the World Federation. There are also older Korean styles including tang soo do and moo duk kwan. Some of the more Americanized schools also use uniforms with other colors such as red, black and blue in addition to the traditional white.

It can be generalized that in karate, one would use their arms or hands for 60% of the time for strikes or blocks while the use of legs for kicking will be about 40%. This breakdown is seen in the many forms or katas of karate which are set routines which simulate fighting against imaginary opponents using martial arts techniques. The forms from tae kwon do would have the opposite percentage breakdown with 40% hands and 60% legs. There is also more emphasis on higher kicks to the head level than in karate. Practitioners also utilize more jumping or flying kicks where one is airborne while executing kicking techniques. The Korean forms or patterns are generally a bit shorter and less complex than the karate forms. Some tae kwon do schools have been known to use the odd karate form in its curriculum as well.

In North America as well as other parts of the world, there are separate traditional competitions for karate and tae kwon do. However, the open martial arts tournaments in North America often have competitors from both disciplines competing together. Some of the larger open martial arts competition events will have separate forms divisions for Japanese and Korean style competitors but the fighting or sparring divisions will usually be combined. Many black belts end up studying both styles. Tae kwon do has received more publicity in recent years since its introduction as an Olympic sport.

While you will find that each discipline of karate to have its own moves and equipment these are different to the tae kwon do equipment. When you are practicing with this equipment you will notice that you need to learn how to coordinate your body so that you make the most out of the training session. As students learn tae kwon do in a series of steps the equipment will be ones that will help you to progress in your training.

When you begin your tae kwon do training it is important that you understand what part the tae kwon do equipment will play in your training sessions. By understanding this role you can prepare yourself for training. In your training sessions you will be shown the appropriate tae kwon do movements so that you don’t cause yourself any serious injurious.

When you look at the different types of tae kwon do equipment you will notice that each piece of equipment which is geared towards helping the students achieve their full potential. For the most part this equipment will be made from wood. While you can get hurt from the wooden equipment the injuries that you sustain will not be too severe.

By now you will understand just how important tae kwon do equipment is in the training process of this discipline of karate. These equipment pieces will help you to develop your skill and discipline in your chosen area of karate. For this reason make the most of the tae kwon do equipment.

Taekwondo has been under constant evolution for over several thousand years. However, it was not until the 1950s that Taekwondo was standardized and organized by Gen Choi Hong Hi and the sport was brought outside the Korean borders, at first to Vietnam and the US, and later to the rest of the world. Today, Taekwondo is organized in three international federations: the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF), with headquarters in Seoul, Korea; the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF), with headquarters in Austria; and the Global Taekwondo Federation (GTF) with headquarters in Korea. Taekwondo has recently been declared an official Olympic sport with the first competitions held during the Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, in 2000

Tae Kwon Do encompasses muscle toning, stretching and flexibility, increasing strength and stamina through aerobic sparring, and mental challenges through becoming proficient at the patterns or forms.

Most classes start out with warm-ups. These exercises are the calisthenics such as push ups, sit ups, jumping jacks, trunk rotations, squat kicks and various stretches. Just the warm-up exercises alone will give you a good workout. Progress is usually quick. Tae Kwon Do will definitely help you to become or to stay limber.

Sparring is fighting in a controlled environment. All participants wear protective gear: helmet, gloves, shin guards and feet guards. Usually you will spar in three minute rounds. Then a minute rest; switch partners, then spar again and repeat. Jab, punch, upper cut, side kick, reverse punch, round house, hammer fist, bob and weave and repeat. It’s an excellent aerobic exercise.

Learning the forms or patterns can be a mental exercise as well as physical. Many of the forms have over 26 different movements. It’s up to you to remember them, in order, and learn them proficiently. In theory, by learning the forms, it’ll help you to become a better fighter. The patterns are complex. If you master forms, when it comes time to spar, you can implement some of these patterns into your match.

Many people enjoy Tae Kwon Do because it is an all inclusive exercise program. It’s fun, it’s challenging, and it’s an excellent way to stay in shape. As with any exercise program, start slowly have fun. If you haven’t participated in much physical exercise in a while, your muscles will definitely be very sore for the first few weeks. Don’t be intimidated by the other students may appear to be in better shape than you.

Remember this, Everyone started out as a white belt. The key is to have a blast and continue to progress. One day a newbie will be looking up to you!