The Kicking Art of Taekwondo

Tae Kwon Do is a relatively newer martial art which was developed in the 1940’s in Korea. Though some of its influence came from Japan through Korean Martial Artists who studied it and brought back some of the techniques, it also has roots also going back to older fighting systems from ancient kingdoms in Korea. These popular styles were known as ssireum and subak, and taekkyeon and were taught to young men going into to battle. Hand to Hand combat, survival and strength training were made apart of their training. There were multiple schools called ‘Kwans’ that these martial artists opened and were teaching the techniques that they had learned. At the urgency of the South Korean President, it was decided that a name needed to be given to this particular style of Martial Art. The phrase Tae Soo Do was chosen. This translates to “to stomp, trample, hand , way”. Later the phrase Tae Kwon Do was given to the ever growing popular style of fighting by General Choi Hong Hi. The name grew in popularity among the Kwans and in 1959 the Korean Tae Kwon Do Association was formed and in 1966, Choi established a further organization, International Tae Kwon Do Federation which unified and developed a common style of Tae Kwon Do.

The unique techniques of Tae Kwon Do are recognized world wide. Fast, high, spinning, flying kicks are one of the highlights of the Tae Kwon Do art. In order for the execution of these techniques to happen with speed, the stances are much more narrow than other Martial Arts. The ‘relax and strike’ method is also emphasized with Tae Kwon Do. That is relax in between each kick, strike or block to preserve power and have maximum power when the technique is performed. One of the philosophies when it comes to technique in Tae Kwon Do that is still practised to this day is that speed is more important than size when generating power. Tae Kwon Do also encompasses forms, sparring, self defence, throwing techniques and some weaponry in its training. It has many similar philosophical teachings like other martial arts.

In 2000, it became one of two Asian martial arts to be included in the Olympic Games, the other being Judo. Its popularity is world wide and it has been responsible for influencing many other martial arts and styles. Its technique and style are unique to its own with its acrobatic style kicks, board breaking demonstrations to its fighting style over all. It is a martial art rich in Philosophy, fighting techniques and culture.

Tracy Warrener has been fortunate to have been raised within the Martial Arts since the age of 4 years old and is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Goju Ryu Karate. She has had the opportunity to study with some amazing Martial Artists. Sensei Richard Kim, Sensei Peter Urban, Professor Don Jacob, Sensei Jim Wilson, Professor Wally Jay, just to name several. Of course her main Sensei is her father, Sensei Don Warrener. Throughout the 40 plus years of her involvement in the Martial Arts, she has worked her way from being a student of the martial arts to a Martial Arts Sensei ,teaching hundreds of students. She has ran and managed martial arts schools teaching students of all ages, worked within the community teaching at fitness centres, schools, businesses and Women’s Shelters, the benefits of Karate. One the causes close to her heart is teaching and empowering young girls and women the importance of self defence and awareness. Her program called Look Strong! Act Strong! Be Strong! focuses on easy self defence techniques and mind self defence techniques. In 2013 she was awarded The Silver Lifetime Achievement