About

WHAT IS

TAE KWON-DO?

Tae Kwon-Do, meaning “the way of foot and fist,” is a Korean martial art that combines powerful kicking techniques (Tae), effective hand strikes (Kwon), and disciplined training (Do, meaning the art or way).

While Korea’s martial traditions stretch back centuries, 1955 marked the formal
recognition of Tae Kwon-Do as a modern martial art. Introduced to the United Kingdom in 1967 by Rhee Ki-ha, Tae Kwon-Do has grown into one of the world’s most popular martial arts.

Suitable for all ages and abilities, Tae Kwon-Do improves fitness, strength, flexibility, and focus while building confidence, discipline, and resilience. It also provides a complete and practical self-defence system, making it both a rewarding activity and a valuable life skill.

The Aspects of

TAE KWON-DO

Patterns (Tul)

Patterns are set sequences of movements designed to teach correct technique, balance, power, and control, while also creating a connection to Korean history and philosophy. They serve as a core training tool for skill progression and grading, helping students develop concentration, coordination, and technical accuracy.

Pad Work

Pad training allows students to practise techniques with speed, accuracy, and power in a safe and controlled environment. This improves fitness, timing, and confidence, while keeping training dynamic and engaging.

Sparring

Sparring teaches students how to apply their skills against a moving opponent while maintaining control and respect. Training focuses on safe, controlled sparring to develop reaction time, distance awareness, and self-confidence. Opportunities for competition sparring are available for those who wish to progress further.

Destruction (Breaking)

Breaking demonstrates correct technique, focus, and commitment. It challenges students both physically and mentally, helping to build confidence and showing what can be achieved through proper training and determination.

Competitions

Students have opportunities to take part in competitions including patterns, sparring, and breaking. Competing helps students set goals, build resilience, and gain confidence, whether they are entering their first event or competing at higher levels.

Self-Defence

Practical self-defence techniques are an essential part of Tae Kwon-Do. Students learn how to deal with common situations using awareness, positioning, and effective techniques, while understanding the importance of avoiding conflict wherever possible.

About North Midlands
Tae Kwon-Do

North Midlands Tae Kwon-Do (NMTKD) is the collective name for TAGB Tae Kwon-Do schools based across the North Midlands region of the United Kingdom. Together, our instructors and schools have guided thousands of students on their Tae Kwon-Do journey — from their very first lesson through to Black Belt and beyond.

As part of the TAGB, students train within one of the largest and most established Tae Kwon-Do organisations in Great Britain, with over 20,000 members across more than 650 schools nationwide. This provides access to a structured syllabus, national events, and a strong support network.

All instructors teaching within NMTKD schools meet strict professional standards. Every instructor is a fully qualified Black Belt instructor with a minimum of four years’ training, holds First Aid qualifications, full professional indemnity insurance, and an enhanced DBS check.

All NMTKD schools are members of the British Tae Kwon-Do Council (BTC), the governing body for Tae Kwon-Do as recognised by Sport England.

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