Tae means "to strike with the feet."
Kwon means "destroying with the hand or the fist."
Do means "way" or "method."

Tae Kwon Do is believed to be one of the oldest Oriental arts of unarmed self-defense. Tae Kwon Do is purely Korean in origin as the beginnings of true Korean culture are believed to have developed in 2332 B.C. with the establishment of the Ancient Korean State. Since then, the Korean people were forced to fight to protect or regain their independence from the Chinese, the Scytho-Siberians of Central Asia, the Mongol Hordes, the Marauders, and the armies of Japan. As a result, characteristics that serve as the source of Tae Kwon Do were created in the Korean people. These consisted of a fierce warrior spirit, an intense national loyalty, and an indomitable will to survive.

At the turn of the twentieth century, Tae Kwon Do was outlawed in Korea by the ruling occupiers of Japan. As a result, it was practiced secretly and kept alive. In 1945, when Korea was liberated from Japan, numerous individuals from Korea were interested in taking steps to revitalize the ancient and traditional martial art.

Tae Kwon Do derived from other forms of martial arts, but uniquely has a style all its own. It is very different from other martial arts in a few select areas. First, Tea Kwon Do is physically very dynamic with active movements that include a mirage of foot-work skills. Second, the kicking action has progressed and continues to transform into an unmatched level of preeminence. Third, the principle physical movements are in relation to the mind and life as a whole.

Tae Kwon Do has flourished and spread in popularity becoming the national sport of Korea. It has now become a global sport and has gained international recognition. It is included as part of the school curriculum from first grade through college and is required in the military. In July of 1980, at the Eighty-Third International Olympic Committee Session meeting in Moscow, the World Tae Kwon Do Federation was granted IOC recognition and became a member of the Olympic Games. It was held as a demonstration sport in the 1988 Games in Korea and served officially as a full medal sport in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.

A short definition of Tae Kwon Do:

Tae Kwon Do is a Korean Martial arts where you develop mental and physical discipline; it is a way of life.

Meaning of the Chang Moo Kwan Symbol

Dragon-Horse:

Symbol of martial arts spirits. The dragon is inner strength and courage;
the horse is the nobility of character.

Shield:

Symbol of human right to defend life, liberty, family, and country

Scroll:

Symbol of mental and spiritual enlightenment through the rigors of
dedicated physical training in Chang Moo Kwan

Fist:

Symbol of Chang Moo Kwan's formidable power to protect life

Korean calligraphy inside of shield:

Tae Kwon

Korean calligraphy inside of paper scroll:

Chang Moo Kwan

The Credo of Chang Moo Kwan
1- Loyalty to Nation
2- Filial Piety to Parents
3- Faithfulness
4- Perseverance

Eight Elements in Tae Kwon Do Courtesy
1- Loyalty To Our Nation
2- Respect For Our Parents
3- Respect Between Teacher and Student
4- Trust and Loyalty Between Friends
5- Discretion in Using Force
6- Live What You Teach
7-Courtesy At All Times
8- Cultivation of Capability

Eight Elements of Chang Moo Kwan Perfection
1- Gaze
2- Ki Hap
3- Shifting of Weight and Balance
4- Accuracy in Attack and Defense
5- Distance Control
6- Coordination in of Timing and Power
7- Breathing Control
8- Flexibility in Mind and Body

  The Chang Moo Kwan Anthem

Our spirit unleashes with
Powerful thrust of fists
Pride soaring high
As feet reach for the Sky Block and Kick
Like angry seas
Like flying tigers
Forever will prevail
The wisdom of Hwa Rang
Injustices will be crushed
In our way
Long live, Chang Moo Kwan Over lands and seas
The house of heroes shine on, Chang Moo Kwan

  Chang Moo Kwan Axiom

Total focus on your objective...