If you seek martial arts in Glendowie, the first question to answer is, "What type of martial art interests me?"

What style of martial art?

Broadly, martial arts can be categorised as weapon styles or unarmed styles. Weapon styles are very cool, but we can't carry weapons around for self defence. We have laws against that in New Zealand.

Unarmed styles of martial arts can be further classified into striking styles and grappling styles. Here it comes down to preference. International Taekwon-Do is a striking style of martial art - we kick and punch (and strike and thrust and block and cross-cut). We also practise releasing from grabs and breakfalls; we don't spend a lot of time grappling.

It can be argued that grappling, while presently very popular, is best suited to one opponent. If you are attacked by multiple opponents, stay on your feet and strike!

The "art" of martial arts

Of course, martial arts are more than just self defence. They are an art form, and the art of International Taekwon-Do is beautiful to watch. We have a set of 24 patterns, or tul (kata in Japanese, or forms in some martial arts), which together are called the Chang-Hon style. It takes years to learn and master all 24 patterns - we learn the final pattern at 6th degree black belt. We have great patterns in New Zealand, and a number of World Champions, such as Carolina Dillen, to prove it!

The art of International Taekwon-Do also contains beautiful and devastating flying kicks - it was the flying kicks that attracted World Champion Carl van Roon to International Taekwon-Do. Fly high in the air and throw two, three or even four kicks before you land.

International Taekwon-Do comes from Korea

Martial arts may also be classified by origin. International Taekwon-Do comes from Korea - one Korea, neither North nor South. It is a new martial art, named in 1955, and it is heavily based on scientific principles: we develop power by understanding how the human body works, and understanding the physics of what power is.

Come along

At International Taekwon-Do Glendowie, our approach to the martial art is holistic. We learn the whole of International Taekwon-Do. There is a lot to learn, and we have tremendous fun learning it.

If you are in Glendowie, St Heliers, Glen Innes, Kohimarama or neighbouring areas, come along and try it out. We'd love to see you!