LTSI TaeKwon-Do
Value for money
Competitive pricing set across the board. The L.T.S.I. prides itself on providing the best at every level.
The key to quality
No compromise on quality training, with a syllabus admired by many worldwide.
24/7 Website Support
Training tips and videos on our site 24 hours a day to help you on your journey.
Next major event
XIII English LTSI TKD Opens
Day(s)
:
Hour(s)
:
Minute(s)
:
Second(s)
Lions TaeKwonDo Schools Independent *LTSI*
We believe that martial arts is not just about self-defence or physical fitness or competition; it’s a journey of personal growth and resilience that fosters camaraderie among students of all ages. Our unique approach blends traditional techniques with contemporary training methods, ensuring that every session is engaging, informative, and tailored to meet the varying needs of our diverse community. As we continue to inspire and empower our members since 1994, we proudly celebrate the spirit of perseverance, integrity, humility, and respect that defines our organisation, making each student’s experience not only rewarding but also a significant stepping stone in their martial arts journey.
L.T.S.I. is all about quality, putting it first and foremost. Our no-nonsense approach means we don’t cater to those who use high grades or positions of power to bully others. Since establishing L.T.S.I. in 2004, we’ve consistently proven ourselves as market leaders through our innovations. While some may not admit it, L.T.S.I. has set trends and high standards, pushing many UK event hosts to step up their game to stay competitive or go out of business.
L.T.S.I. Founders
Senior Master Snow, an 8th Degree Black Belt certified in the ITF system, leads the L.T.S.I. Known as Master Snow, Chris has devoted nearly four decades to the martial art and continues to be one of the most active senior Masters, training two hours daily. His reputation for valuing action over words is well-known. Supporting him are Mr. Smith, a 6th Degree Black Belt who has worked with him since 1997, and Miss Leonard. Together, this dedicated trio handles the L.T.S.I.’s administration with commitment and teamwork.
The L.T.S.I. operates without a Chairman or board members, rejecting any single authority figure. Instead, decisions are made collectively by the administration, ensuring they benefit everyone involved.
L.T.S.I. Instructors
St. Albans TaeKwonDo – Drakes Drive
Master Snow 8th Dan
Mobile No. – 07960 476124 Watts App – 07960476124
Berkhamsted TaeKwonDo
Tom Brennan 4th Dan (Affiliate)
Mobile No. –07813755785 Watts App – 07813755785
East London TaeKwonDo School – Newham
Mobile No. –07910788521 Watts App –07910788521
Hemel Hempstead TaeKwonDo – Bennetts End
Mobile No. –07878 987824 Watts App –07878 987824
St Albans TaeKwonDo – London Colney
Mobile No. – 07960 476124 Watts App – 07960476124
St Albans TaeKwonDo – North Orbital Rd
Mobile No. – 07960 476124 Watts App – 07960476124
East London Schools of TaeKwonDo – Tottenham
Mobile No. –07910788521 Watts App –07910788521
Hemel Hempstead TaeKwonDo – Woodhall Farm
Mobile No. –07878 987824 Watts App –07878 987824
L.T.S.I. CHARITY WORK
L.T.S.I. supports charities – here are just a few we have donated to over the years:
Great Ormond Street £5,000
Leukemia Research £1,500
Child Line £1,500
Make A Wish £2,000
Children In Need £700
Cancer Research £1,300
We care for those because we can.
We believe that we must be market leaders in all aspects of the art, hence why everything we do MUST look professional – whether building a web presence or holding events, we will always be number one right down to club level, hence why we are known as the quality providers..
Current total for charity so far: £33,000
TaeKwonDo Information
TaekWonDo History
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art and the national sport of South Korea. In Korean, tae means “to strike or break with foot”; kwon means “to strike or break with fist”; and do means “way,” “method,” or “art.” Thus, taekwondo may be loosely translated as “the way of the foot and fist” or “the way of kicking and punching.”
Taekwondo is the world’s most popular martial art in terms of the number of practitioners. Its popularity has resulted in the varied development of the martial art into several domains: as with many other arts, it combines combat techniques, self-defense, sport, exercise, meditation, and philosophy. Taekwondo is also used by the South Korean military as part of its training.Gyeorugi , a type of sparring, has been an Olympic event since 2000.
Two Styles of TaeKwonDo
Formally, there are two main styles of taekwondo. One comes from the Kukkiwon, the source of the sparring system sihap gyeorugi which is now an event at the summer Olympic Games and which is governed by the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF). The other comes from the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF).[3]
Separate from the various taekwondo organizations, there have been two general branches of taekwondo development: traditional and sport. The term “traditional taekwondo” typically refers to the martial art as it was established in the 1950s and 1960s in the South Korean military forces; in particular, the names and symbolism of the traditional patterns often refer to elements of Korean history.
Sport taekwondo has evolved in the decades since then and has a somewhat different focus, especially in terms of its emphasis on speed and competition (as in Olympic sparring), whereas traditional taekwondo tends to emphasize power and self-defense.
The two are not mutually exclusive, and the distinctions between them are often blurred.
Although there are doctrinal and technical differences between the two main styles and among the various organizations, the art in general emphasizes kicks thrown from a mobile stance, employing the leg’s greater reach and power (compared to the arm). The greatest difference between various styles, or at least the most obvious, is generally accepted to be the differing styles and rules of sport and competition.
Taekwondo training generally includes a system of blocks, kicks, punches, and open-handed strikes and may also include various take-downs or sweeps, throws, and joint locks. Some taekwondo instructors also incorporate the use of pressure points, known as jiapsul, as well as grabbing self-defense techniques borrowed from other martial arts, such as hapkido and judo.
TaeKwonDo Benefits
Benefits of TKD
The study of Taekwon-Do offers several unique advantages to the physical fitness of the student.
No doubt one of life’s most treasured assets is good health. Therefore, one of the great cardinal sins of mankind is his abuse of this asset. Incidentally, he who does not abuse or hurt his own body, including the hair, is defined as obedient to his parents; so described in Oriental philosophy.
Wealth, power, fame and the blessing of physical beauty are all relatively unimportant if one does not possess good health. An individual owes it to himself and his family to constantly maintain and improve his health. Confucius said “Being in good health is a way of showing great devotion to the parents, as child’s heath is their utmost concern.”
The students will realize how important Taekwon-Do is to human health through the following article written by Dr. Robert S. Arner, a black belt holder of Taekwon-Do.
Taekwon-Do may be practiced individually or in groups without the use of weights or special equipment. It is, in most cases, practiced alone except the sparring. Since the body sets its own limits, injuries or strains are rare and the physical condition of the student paces him automatically. The entire muscle system of the body, from the fingers to the toes, is brought into play.
The training does not produce large knotty muscles; it tends to exchange flabby fat tissue for lean tissue. The thick muscles developed through weight training tend to push the blood vessels apart without adding new ones to fill the gap. Such tissue has difficulty in receiving oxygen and disposing of waste through the blood stream and thus tires more easily.
TaeKwon-Do
Taekwon-Do high repetition, low resistance movements develop a longer, leaner and more flexible musculature. Such muscles have more of their areas close to blood supply routes, thus producing maximum endurance and well-being (Brown and Kenyon, “Classical Studies on Physical Activity”p231.)
The emphasis in twisting the trunk in executing the kicking movements and in counterbalancing the hand movements builds a fim, well-muscled abdomen. The high leg raise preceeding most of the kicks in Taekwon-Do also develops the side of the trunk and inner thigh muscles. The study of Taekwon-Do is particularly recommended for women because of its development of the lower abdomen, hips and inner thighs; areas which produce a youthful feminine figure for women of all ages.
After childbirth in particular, these areas are stretched and weakened; Taekwon-Do training is ideal to restore muscle tone for healh as well as appearance.
The typical training regimen, involving extensive movements of the entire body, raises the pulse rate and oxygen characteristics of the hearth and lungs over an extended period. This increased ventilation is termed an aerobic effect (Cooper, Kenneth H. “Aerobics” p108) and provides the following benefits:
1. Helps the lungs operate more efficiently.
2. Enlarges the blood vessels, making them more pliable and reducing the resistance to blood flow, thus lowering the blood pressure.
3. Increases the blood supply, especially red blood cells and hemoglobin.
4. It makes the body tissue healthier in supplying it with more oxygen.
5. It conditions the heart, providing more reserve for emergencies:
6. It promotes better sleep and waste elimination.
The training tends to be a normalizer of body weight in that it results in a gain of solid tissue for the underweight and a loss of body fat for the obese. The estimated calorie-consumption for a vigourous Taekwon-Do workout is about six hundred calories per hour, one of the highest for any sports activity.
Since the expenditure of about 3,500 calories results in a weight loss of one pound, it will be seen that a weekly training schedule of only six hours will result in weight loss of one pound per week.
TaeKwonDo Belts
In Taekwon-Do, character development, fortitude, tenacity, and technique are graded as well as individual capacity. The promotional scale is divided into nineteen ranks – 10 grades (Gups) and nine degrees (Dans.) The former begins with 10th grade (Gup) the lowest and ends at first grade. Degrees begin with the first degree (Dan) and end with the ultimate, ninth degree.
There is, of course, certain significance in the numbering system. With degrees, the number 9 is not only the highest one among one digit numbers but also is the number of 3 multiplied by 3. In the Orient, three is the most esteemed of all the numbers. The Chinese character representing three is written: . The upper line symbolizes the heaven; the middle line, mortals; and the bottom line earth. It was believed that the individual who was successful in promoting his country, fellowmen and God, and able to reach an accord with all three would aspire to become King, which was written thusly: . The Chinese character for three and king are nearly synonymous. When the number three is multiplied by itself, the equation is nine, the highest of the high; therefore ninth degree is the highest of the high-ranking belts. It is also interesting to note that when the number 9 is multiplied by any other single digit number and the resultant figures are added together, the answer always equals 9, i.e. 9×1=9; 9×2=18, 1+8=9 and so on up to 9×9=81, 8+1=9. Since this is the only single digit number having this property, it again points to the number 9 as being the most positive of figures. Taking the use of the number three one-step further, the degrees are further divided into three distinct classes. First through third degree is considered the novice stages of black belt. Students are still merely beginners in comparison to the higher degrees. At fourth degree, the student crosses the threshold of puberty and enters the expert class. Seventh through ninth is composed of Taekwon-Do masters – the elite who fully understand all the particulars of Taekwon-Do, mental and physical.
Why 9 is the highest number in TaeKwonDo?
There is perhaps one question that remains; why begin with the lowest of the two digit numbers, “10” why not begin with the lowest one digit number and proceed from first grade to ninth grade, and then begin again for degrees? Though it would certainly be more logical, the 10 to 1 and 1 to 10 numerical system in the Orient is ageless. It would be impossible, if not even a bit impertinent, to attempt to change a practice that is even carried into children’s games. Perhaps there was an initial logical reason for it: however, it seems to have been lost in antiquity. Anyhow, the number “10” is the lowest existing two-digit number: consequently, a beginner must start at this number rather than 11 or 12 which are numerically higher.
Reproduced, with permission, from “Taekwon-Do” (The Korean Art of Self Defense)
also known as The Condensed Encyclopedia.
Fifth Edition 1999, All rights reserved
Copyright 1988, 1991, 1992, 1995, 1999 General Choi, Hong Hi.
TaeKwonDo Pattern Meanings
Patterns are fundemential movements set amoungst one or more imaginary opponents – These can be practiced in teams or alone, the practice of these enhance co’ordination, balance, technique but they also teach the student hidden deadly self defence combinations that can not be practiced against a ‘Live’ opponent.
1. Chon-Ji – 19 moves – learnt at 9th Kup
Chon-Ji literally means ‘Heaven and Earth’. It is, in the orient, interpreted as the creation of the world or the beginning of human history. Therefore, it is the initial pattern played by the beginner. This pattern consists of two similar parts: one to represent Heaven, the other the Earth.
2. Dan-Gun – 21 moves – learnt at 8th Kup
Dan-Gun is named after the Holy Dan-Gun, the legendary founder of Korea in the year 2333 B.C.
3. Do-San – 24 moves – learnt at 7th Kup
Do-San is the pseudonym of the patriot Ahn Chang-Ho (1876 to 1938), who devoted his entire life to furthering the education of Korea and its Independent Movement.
4. Won-Hyo – 28 moves – learnt at 6th Kup
Won-Hyo was the noted monk who introduced Buddhism to the Silla Dynasty in the year 686 AD
5. Yul-Gok – 38 moves – learnt at 5th Kup
Yul-Gok is the pseudonym of the great philosopher and scholar Yi I (1536 to 1584 AD) nicknamed the ‘Confucius of Korea’. The 38 movements refer to his birthplace on the 38o latitude and the diagram (±) represents the scholar.
6. Joong-Gun – 32 moves – learnt at 4th Kup
Joong-Gun is named after the patriot Ahn Joong-Gun who assassinated Hiro Bumi Ito, the first Japanese governor-general of Korea, known as the man who played the leading part in the Korea-Japan merger. The 32 movements of this pattern represent Mr Ahn’s age when he was executed in the Lui-Shung prison (1910)
7. Toi-Gye – 37 moves – learnt at 3rd Kup
Toi-Gye is the penname of the noted scholar Yi Hwang (16th Century AD), an authority on Neo-Confucianism. The 37 movements refer to his birthplace on the 37-degree latitude and the diagram (±) represents the scholar.
8. Hwa-Rang – 29 moves – learnt at 2nd Kup
Hwa-Rang is named after the Hwa-Rang youth group, which originated in the Silla Dynasty during the early 7th Century AD. This group eventually became the actual driving force towards the unification of the three kingdoms of Korea.
The 29 movements refer to the 29th Infantry Division, where Tae Kwon-Do developed into maturity.
9. Choong-Moo – 30 moves – learnt at 1st Kup
Choong-Moo was the given name of the great admiral Yi Sun-Sin of the Yi Dynasty. He was reputed to have invented the first armoured battleship, nicknamed Kobukson, which was the precursor to the present day submarine, in the year 1592 AD. The reason why this pattern ends with a left hand attack is to symbolise his regrettable death, having had no chance to show his unrestrained potentiality, checked by the forced reservation of his loyalty to his King.
Black Belt Patterns
10. Kwang-Gae – 39 moves – learnt at 1st Dan
Kwang-Gae is named after the famous Kwang-Gae-Toh-Wang, the 19th King of the Koguryo Dynasty who regained all of the lost territories including the greater part of Manchuria. The diagram (±) represents the expansion and recovery of lost territory. The 39 movements refer to the 1st two figures of 391 AD, the year he came to the throne.
11. Po-Eun – 36 moves – learnt at 1st Dan
Po-Eun is the pseudonym of the loyal subject Chong Mong-Chu (1400 AD) who was a famous poet and whose poem ‘I would not serve a second master though I may be crucified a hundred times’ is known to every Korean. He was also a pioneer in the field of physics. The diagram (?) represents his unerring loyalty to his King and country towards the end of the Koryo Dynasty.
12. Ge-Baek – 44 moves – learnt at 1st Dan
Ge-Baek is named after Ge-Baek, a great General in the Baek-Je Dynasty (660 AD). The diagram ( ? ) represents his severe and strict military discipline.
13. Eui-Am – 45 moves – learnt at 2nd Dan
Eui-Am is the pseudonym of Son Byong Hi, leader of the Korean independence movement on March 1, 1919. The 45 movements refer to his age when he changed the name of Dong Hak (Oriental culture) to Chondo Kyo (Heavenly way religion) in 1905. The diagram represents his Indomitable Spirit, displayed while dedicating himself to the prosperity of his nation.
14. Choong-Jang – 52 moves – learnt at 2nd Dan
Choong-Jang is the pseudonym given to General Kim Duk Ryang who lived during the Yi Dynasty, 16th century. This pattern ends with a left-hand attack to symbolize the tragedy of his death at 27 in prison before he was able to reach full maturity.
15. Juche – 45 moves – learnt at 2nd Dan
Juche is a philosophical idea that man is the master of everything and decides everything. In other words, the idea that man is the master of the world and his own destiny. It is said that this idea was rooted in Baekdu Mountain which symbolizes the spirit of the Korean people. The diagram represents Baekdu mountain.
16. Sam-Il – 33 moves – learnt at 3rd Dan
Sam-Il denotes the historical date of the independence movement of Korea which began throughout the country on March 1, 1919. The 33 movements in the pattern stand for the 33 patriots who planned the movement.
17. Yoo-Sin – 68 moves – learnt at 3rd Dan
Yoo-Sin is named after General Kim Yoo Sin, a commanding general during the Silla Dynasty. The 68 movements refer to the last two figures of 668 A.D., the year Korea was united. The ready posture signifies a sword drawn on the right rather than left side, symbolizing Yoo Sin’s mistake of following his Kings’ orders to fight with foreign forces against his own nation.
18. Choi-Yong – 46 moves – learnt at 3rd Dan
Choi-Yong is named after General Choi Yong, premier and commander in chief of the armed forces during the 14th century Koryo Dynasty. Choi Yong was greatly respected for his loyalty, patriotism, and humility. He was executed by his subordinate commanders headed by general Yi Sung Gae, who later became the first King of the Yi Dynasty.
19. Yong-Gae – 49 moves – learnt at 4th Dan
Yong-Gae is named after a famous general during the Koguryo Dynasty, Yon Gae Somoon. The 49 movements refer to the last two figures of 649 A.D., the year he forced the Tang Dynasty to quit Korea after destroying nearly 300,000 of their troops at Ansi Sung.
20. Ul-Ji – 42 moves – learnt at 4th Dan
Ul-Ji is named after general Ul-Ji Moon Dok who successfully defended Korea against a Tang’s invasion force of nearly one million soldiers led by Yang Je in 612 A.D. Ul-Ji employing hit and run guerilla tactics, was able to decimate a large percentage of the force. The diagram represents his surname. The 42 movements represent the author’s age when he designed the pattern.
21. Moon-Moo – 61 moves – learnt at 4th
Moon-Moo honours the 30th King of the Silla Dynasty. His body was buried near Dae Wang Am (Great King’s Rock). According to his will, the body was placed in the sea “where my soul shall forever defend my land against the Japanese.” It is said that the Sok Gul Am (Stone cave) was built to guard his tomb. The Sok Gul Am is a fine example of the culture of the Silla Dynasty. The 61 movements in this pattern symbolize the last two figures of 661 A.D. when Moon Moo came to the throne.
22. So-San – 72 moves – learnt at 5th Dan
So-San is the pseudonym of the great monk Choi Hyong Ung (1520-1604) during the Yi Dynasty. The 72 movements refer to his age when he organized a corps of monk soldiers with the assistance of his pupil Sa Myunh Dang. The monk soldiers helped repulse the Japanese pirates who overran most of the Korean peninsula in 1592.
23. Se-Jong – 24 moves – learnt at 5th Dan
Se-Jong is named after the greatest Korean King, Se-Jong, who invented the Korean alphabet in 1443, and was also a noted meteorologist. The diagram represents the king, while the 24 movements refer to the 24 letters of the Korean alphabet.
24. Tong-Il – 56 moves – learnt at 6th Dan
Tong-Il denotes the resolution of the unification of Korea which has been divided since 1945. The diagram symbolizes the homogenous race.
Content courtesy of http://truro-taekwondo.com
LTSI LATEST NEWS
LTSI MAIN EVENTS
The L.T.S.I. run some of the biggest independent Open TaeKwonDo Championships in the U.K. Master Snow and team have run many non profit events, each never disappointing the hundreds of guest in attendance. Over 400 attend our events and medals and the organisation of our events are what many compliment us on. (Click the image to visit our events page)
Why join or affiliate to the L.T.S.I.
Top class events / awards as standard
Since 2004, the L.T.S.I. has hosted events in the U.K. that facilitate I.T.F. and independents from all over the four nations. The events have rules that suit both sides, meaning our opens are the fairest on the market. Profit is not our goal, unity and networking is. The awards we offer are amongst the best around - FACT!
No compromise on standards or dress code
Dress code is one of our top priority. All our Black Belts are required to attend all events in full official attire as above. There is NO compromise on how we conduct ourselves.
Certification and Licensing
One thing for sure, you will not find another U.K. group or body offering what we do. From license books for colour belts to Black Belt license books and status cards, we offer it all! We also provide International ITF Union certification as well.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
Quality across the board
Value for money always
Traditional values always
Fully insured schools of Martial Arts
All grades fully verified
Many events hosted yearly
Our next main event
We host a number of events every year, weather it is open Taekwon-do championships that are trusted and proven or have an interest in seminars and courses we have you covered. Our affiliates have 100% freedom and we never interfere.
We've got you covered all the way
Whether it's insurance, recognition in a national group or looking for international recognition under an ITF body, we can help. Join us as a fully fledged member, or just affiliate to us....the choice is 100% yours with no hard sell.
What do I need to do if I'm interested?
Simply fill in the online form. All enquiries are 100% confidential, so no bridges will be burnt. We tend to get back in touch after we have done some research on you - this usually takes about 24 hours.
What info do you keep on my members?
To insure your members, we only need their name, age, and the school they attend. We only ask for the instructor's email, phone number, and address. We never contact your members. If you decide to leave, there’s no malice or hard feelings. We don’t profit from you; we’re simply here to help with things.
What happens if I join as a full member then want affiliated membership?
We are not an organisation that rules on fear (you know, the ones that attack you just because you decide it's not for you). Let us know and that's it. To be honest, we often say affiliation is best, then go full member after if you like. Again, there's no pressure.
Can I keep my own identity?
If you join fully, you gain many benefits, but it means using our suits etc. If you take affiliation, nothing changes and you can get access to everything we use at cost. We don't control anyone - all we ask is you follow correct timelines on exams and never put our group into disrepute online.
Can I grade my own students?
The rules are set by ITF system for all full members and affiliates -
- Only 4th Degrees that have been on IIC's can examine members
- 4th and 5th Degree can grade up to 2nd Degree
- 6th Degree can grade up to 3rd Degree
- 7th Degree can grade up to 5th Degree
- 8th Degree can grade up to 7th Degree (7th is by permission of ITF Promotion committee)
When you join, we will request proof of your promotions unless we know you already.
Do you have a constitution?
The L.T.S.I. sees constitutions as a way to enforce rules set by the organisation. We have a very basic Charter that works. No Board of Control, just an administration that looks after daily activities.
Full benefit information is only available to full members.
Our club was a full member of the L.T.S.I. in the start. We left to be part of another ITF body and chose to come back. We are now affiliated - no fuss, no pressure. We enter their events and love them. Highly recommended by Berkhamstead TKD
I've been a student of Master Snow's since 1996. I choose full membership as it works for my clubs and I have no interest in the politics, No stress, no pressure. The administration is on point and events are pretty classy.
We were affiliated to the L.T.S.I. for a number of years and never had any issues. Sadly, after Covid-19 my clubs folded, but I can verify their admin is pretty top notch. It's worth a punt if you want freedom.
Seminars with World class Masters and Grandmasters
The L.T.S.I. is led by Master Snow, 8th Degree
Despite our group head having one of the highest level degree belts in Taekwondo, we have a philosophy to provide the best Masters around for a given field. Whether it's sparring, patterns or technical, you can be sure the L.T.S.I. will always give you the best money can buy and make it competitive.
Grandmasters of the highest creed
We know our limits - getting a Grandmaster in from a reputable organisation gives our membership and attendees the best low cost experience money can buy.
