What is Taekwondo?
Taekwondo (태권도) is a Korean martial art and the national sport of South Korea. In Korean, tae (태) means "to strike or break with foot"; kwon (권) means "to strike or break with fist"; and do (도) means "way," "method," or "art." Thus, taekwondo can be loosely translated as "the way of the foot and fist" or "the way of kicking and punching."
Taekwondo is the world's most popular martial art in terms of the number of practitioners. Its popularity has resulted in the varied development of the martial art into several domains: as with many other arts, it combines combat techniques, self-defense, sport, exercise, meditation, and philosophy. Taekwondo is also used by the South Korean military as part of its training. Gyeorugi, a type of sparring, has been an Olympic event since 2000.
TaeKwonDo is a way of life which helps to bring both mind and body together by exercising body and developing a strong mind.
Exercising Mind
This would increase self confidence, developing self-discipline, better judgment, self control, better stress management, better self image and a positive attitude.
Exercising Body
This would help to have good co-ordination, toning, weight reduction, flexibility improvement, cardiovascular conditioning, increased strength, general fitness.
Philosophically
The way of Tae Kwon Do is Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, Indomitable Spirit, honesty, respect, courage, generosity, loyalty.
Combination of these three aspects into one's daily life will result in calm, harmony, health and happiness.