Early Koreans developed unique martial art forms for unarmed self defense to complement their skills with weapons.
The first recorded evidence of what was to become modern Tae Kwon Do is found about two thousand years ago in Korean history. Historical records from this Koguryu period also mention the practice of martial arts techniques and tournaments.
The early forms had different names, such as Kwonbak, Bakhi, Dangsoo, Taesoo and Kongsoo. From about 600 A.D. to about 1400, the main stream dominant form was Soobak, which further evolved into Taekyon beginning in the late 1300s. Taekyon was the dominant Korean martial art form until the Japanese invasion and occupation of Korea in 1909. From 1909 to 1945, the Japanese suppressed Korean culture and martial arts, and introduced Japanese culture and martial arts.
The modern period of Taekwondo began with the defeat of the Japanese and the liberation of Korea in 1945. Korean martial arts masters wanted to eliminate Japanese influences. They began discussions on how to return to the traditional Taekyon based Korean martial arts and on how to unite the various martial arts schools (or Kwans) and styles into a single style and national sport. After several years of discussions, the name "Taekwondo" was chosen in April 1955 by the board of masters of the various Kwans, and the kwans started to unify through the late 1950s.
Tang Soo Do (Back To Home)
The exact origin of Tang Soo Do, as well as of any of the martial arts in general, is obscure though there are a number of historical theories. However, the most credible and traditional view is that martial arts originated not in any one country but in almost all parts of the globe, as they were needed by primitive people.
The ancestral art of Korean Tang Soo Do can be traced back to the period of the three kingdoms. At that time, Korea was divided into three kingdoms.
Koguryo was founded 37BC in northern Korea. The Silla was founded in 57BC in the southeast peninsula, and Paekche was founded in 18BC.After a long series of wars, the Silla Dynasty united the three kingdoms in 668AD. During this period of time, the primitive martial arts were very popular in warfare.
The united Silla Kingdom was overthrown by a warlord, Wang Kun, in 918AD and a new kingdom, called "Koryo", lasted for 475 years. In 1392AD the New Kingdom, Yi Dynasty succeeded and lasted about 500 years. Approximately a thousand year period elapsed between the two dynasties. Tang Soo Do became very popular among the military society. However, most importantly, this art also became popular with the general public. In those days it was called Kwon Bop, Tae Kyun, Soo Bahk, Tang Soo etc.
Iyengar Yoga (Back To Home)
Iyengar Yoga is a complete approach to physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual transformation, bringing physical health and vitality, mental clarity, wisdom, and emotional serenity.
Iyengar Yoga uses the physical reality of the body to know our minds and the deepest parts of ourselves as human beings. The infinite perfectibility of the postures or asanas provides a pathway into the development of our intelligence and our ability to concentrate and sustain focus. This intelligent practice develops our ability to grow and to separate what is worthwhile and productive from what to leave behind.
Cardio-Kickboxing (Back To Home)
Cardio-Kickboxing is a fun, effective workout for men and women combining martial arts, aerobics, cardiovascular and toning for a total body workout. Improve your strength, muscle tone and endurance; reduce your body fat and stress, while learning self-defense techniques.
What are the benefits?
| total body workout |
| stress reduction and control |
| improved strength and muscle tone |
| greater confidence |
| flexibility |
| excellent self-defense tips |
Pee-Wee Program (Back To Home)
This program was designed specifically for children ages 4-6 years old.
In the Pee Wee program your child will learn and grow in a process that accommodates their skills and ability. They will train with other children in their age group, and will not be distracted by younger or older classmates. Their training will not be slowed down due to the learning abilities of a younger child, and will not be sped up to keep up with the capabilities of a pre-teen.
This means better, more functional classes designed just for them. Your child will feel comfortable and more capable of achieving excellence. They are at an age where the more special they feel, the harder they will try.