What is Taekwon-Do

Taekwon-do is said to be the most-practised martial art in the Western World.

It is the ancient art of unarmed combat, meaning foot, hand, way. The art of foot and hand. That means using kicks and punches to defend ourselves. In fact kicking is what makes Taekwon-Do unique among many other styles of martial arts. They are effective and fun to do. But don’t worry, don't let this put you off as you don’t have to be great at kicking to be an effective practitioner of Taekwon-Do. Taekwon-Do is also a traditional martial art, with some people referring to Taekwon-Do as Korean Kickboxing or Korean Karate.

Taekwon-do is an ancient art to be sure, but perhaps it is the most modern of the many Asian styles. Inaugurated by the Founder General Choi, Hong Hi, on the 11th April 1955 and then brought to the UK in 1967. Taekwon-Do is a unique activity in that it also puts emphasis on the importance of spiritual as well as physical training.

All the years of hard training will be nothing but a waste of time if not accompanied by modesty & propriety which are the very essence of Oriental philosophy. Grandmaster General Choi, Hong Hi.

There are 5 tenets that Taekwon-Do practitioners should live their lives by:-

Courtesy
Integrity
Perseverance
Self Control
Indomitable Spirit.

‘In today's world I believe that it is essential to help ourselves and our children to learn important life skills such as focus, concentration, discipline, self control, perseverance etc, as well as learning how to avoid conflict, deal with bullies or strangers and be able to react with last resort physical defence. People come to our classes for many different reasons, whether it be for improved fitness, social interaction, increasing confidence or many more, as we journey along our martial art path we gain many more skills and attributes along the way. Just ask some of our students, parents, teachers and doctors about the benefits gained by these real people in our classes.
With all those benefits it would be hard to turn your back on all of this. Just come along and give it a go. When I first started over 11 years ago, I would never have imagined that I would have kept it up for so long, gained my black belt, given up work and become the chief Instructor for the South Hams schools. It doesn't’t feel that long ago, when I stepped into my first class and giggled all the way through it cos I kept getting it wrong. Come and join us. My colleagues and I all started as clumsy beginners and now we are keen instructors that all teach from the heart, because we believe that what we do for others makes a difference. ’

Lesley McGhie 3rd Degree Chief Instructor

Don’t forget we run junior only classes, family classes, adults only and ladies only classes.

JUNIOR Taekwon-Do
Parents will receive a pack on arrival to help show that our schools are run with the safety of you and your children in mind. Just to show that we care about the wellbeing and safety of your child, PUMA are one of the first martial art organisations to include a Health & Safety Officer, and policy and Child Protection Officer and policy. Here are some documents for your perusal.