This four-part article series presents 36 different facts people who are interested in Taekwondo should know about this Korean martial art system.
Welcome to the second installment of this four-part article series, which presents 36 interesting and important facts about the martial art system taking New York by storm: Taekwondo! In Part 1, we familiarized ourselves with this combat sport and discovered that it is of Korean origin, is more than a thousand years old and is primarily focused on teaching students how to kick their opponents into submission (although it does provide training in a variety of striking, grappling and self-defense techniques).
We have a great many more facts to explore, so let's continue right away!
Fact # 10: Taekwondo is one of New York's most popular combat sports and martial arts styles with equal participation and interest from both men and women.
Fact # 11: Additionally, there are classes available for 
people of all ages, from children as young as 5 and 6 to active people who are well into their 70's and 80's.
people of all ages, from children as young as 5 and 6 to active people who are well into their 70's and 80's.
Fact # 12: Think you're yet to see Taekwondo in action? Simply tune in to a Jean-Claude Van Damme, Tony Jaa or Chuck Norris martial arts film. The plot might not serve well as brain fodder, but the action sequences will leave you on the edge of your seat… and they are almost always Taekwondo in technique and style.
Fact # 13: The mastery of Taekwondo in New York emphasizes the importance of correct breathing, even mid-fight. Through these carefully controlled breathing exercises, which are carried out while training in the various combat techniques, New York students can learn to discipline their bodies and remain calm, focused and energized while fighting.
Fact # 14: Taekwondo may be a martial arts tradition with many thousands of years of history, diversification and philosophy behind it, but modern day influences have lead to the development of a distinct sports component to it. Several Taekwondo tournaments are held in New York and nationally and internationally every year.
Fact # 15: "Tae" in South Korean means to strike and break with the foot; "Kwon" means to 
strike and break with the hand and "do" is the way of life. So, together, Taekwondo is roughly translated as the way of striking and breaking with the hand and foot.
strike and break with the hand and "do" is the way of life. So, together, Taekwondo is roughly translated as the way of striking and breaking with the hand and foot.
Fact # 16: Taekwondo has gained immense popularity in New York over the last 60 years. This can probably be attributed to the injection of martial arts films into western media. Now everyone wants to be able to execute a spinning kick and look awesome while doing it.
Fact # 17: Taekwondo requires students to become masters of concentration and to understand this martial art form's combat philosophy.
Fact # 18: Taekwondo was entered into the Olympic games on April 9th 1976 by the International Military Sports Council. Today it is one of only two martial arts systems (Judo being the other) that enjoy participation at this prestigious level.
Stay Tuned for Part 3
Stay tuned for the third installment of this four-part article series to find out more interesting facts about one of the most popular New York martial arts systems: Taekwondo!
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