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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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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

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