Tae Kwon Do originated thousands of years ago as a set of self-defense techniques using bare hands and feet. While it is referred to as a martial art, Tae Kwon Do has evolved into a martial sport with many international competitions including the Olympics. The discipline of Tae Kwon Do involves repeated, strenuous physical training which creates improved physical condition and, ultimately, harmony between the mind, body and spirit.

The most important goal of Tae Kwon Do is cultivation of the self. The practical or technical aspects are the beginning and involve the student learning bare hand and feet techniques for self-defense, physical development and health. The artistic aspect of Tae Kwon Do is the next level of development. As the student focuses on the refinement of technique, the mind and body begin to connect. When this union can be expressed through physical action, the student realizes a sublime sense of achievement outside of the practical elements. Eventually, practical concerns are replaced by the desire to develop perfect Tae Kwon Do skills.

At its highest state, the discipline awakens in the practitioner a deep understanding of the relationship between man and nature and the ability to create balance and harmony between the self and the environment. The capacity to transcend normal levels of awareness and focus is won through the dedication of mind and spirit to physical training and technique for the purpose of perfection in action.

Tran's Tae Kwon Do curriculum is built around five core disciplines: self-defense techniques; traditional forms, which consist of a long sequence of scripted movements (we practice the Chon-Ji set of forms); hand and feet combination techniques; step-defense techniques, which are short choreographed exchanges between opponents; and sparring. Courtesy, physical fitness and mental fitness are also important to the curriculum, and are part of everything we do. Students may advance to a new belt level after successfully demonstrating mastery of the requirements for all of these areas at their current belt level. Our Curriculum Cycles give students a well-defined timeframe in which to develop their skills in order to advance.

Many students also develop the desire to compete as their abilities grow. Tae Kwon Do competition typically begins with inter-school sparring, and dedicated students are encouraged to expand their horizons to bigger tournaments as their skills improve. These competitions help the student develop sportsmanship, responsibility, camaraderie and self-esteem.

Some students feel that teaching Tae Kwon Do is a great way to help others while at the same time refining their own skills. At Tran's, we have several programs which give students the opportunity to teach and encourage them to grow as leaders.