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Taekwon-Do: More Than a Martial Art
Taekwon-Do: More Than a Martial Art
Taekwon-Do, "the way of the hand and foot," is the national martial art of Korea, developed as a formidable system of self-defence. Its story begins with its founder, General Choi Hong-Hi of the South Korean Army, who envisioned a martial art for his nation that was scientifically designed for combat effectiveness. Drawing from older martial arts and applying modern physics, he created the powerful system that was taught to the Korean military.
At Lionheart Martial Arts, we practice the Ch'ang-Hon style of Taekwon-Do. While you may have seen the sport-focused style in the Olympics, our path is the traditional one. We emphasize Taekwon-Do as it was originally intended: a practical art of self-defence rich in tradition and technical detail, with a structure that shares roots with classic Okinawan Karate.
To ensure authenticity and adherence to the highest standards, Lionheart Martial Arts is a certified club within the International Ch'ang-Hon Taekwon-Do Federation (ICTF). This affiliation connects our students in Blackfalds to a global community dedicated to preserving the legacy of General Choi.
Taekwon-Do Founder General Choi Hon Hi
The Pillars of Taekwon-Do
The Pillars of Taekwon-Do
To build a complete martial artist, our training is structured around six core pillars. Each component is essential, working together to develop skill, discipline, and confidence. These pillars are: Fundamental Movements, Patterns, Sparring, Self Defence, Power, and Theory.
Fundamental Movements
Fundamental Movements
Every advanced technique in Taekwon-Do is built upon a strong foundation. The fundamental movements are the essential building blocks of our art, forming the core of each belt level. In this stage, students will systematically learn and practice:
Stances: Creating stability, power, and mobility.
Attacking Tools: Developing precise and effective hand and foot strikes.
Blocking Tools: Mastering the techniques to defend against an attack.
Practice begins with mastering the correct form. As students gain confidence, they will apply these techniques on pads and shields, learning to generate power safely. This partner work is crucial, as it also teaches students how to properly hold pads and absorb impact, preparing them for more advanced training. Mastery of these fundamental movements is required before a student can test for their next belt.
Patterns
Patterns
The 24 patterns (Tul) of Ch'ang-Hon Taekwon-Do are the legacy of our founder, General Choi Hong-Hi. He referred to them as the soul of the art, comparing them to a writer's calligraphy—a unique expression of logic, power, and beauty. Each pattern represents a significant figure or event in Korean history, instilling a sense of tradition and purpose in our training.
These patterns are ingeniously choreographed to simulate combat against one or more attackers. As you practice them, you are not just memorizing movements; you are honing your ability to transition seamlessly between offence and defence, developing spatial awareness, and improving your focus. They are the primary tool used to build upon fundamental techniques, preparing the student for the realities of sparring and self-defence.
Mastering the specific pattern for your rank is a fundamental requirement for promotion. It is a testament to your discipline, understanding, and commitment to the art.
Sparring
Sparring
Sparring, or Matsogi, is where students learn to apply their techniques in a dynamic, controlled environment. It is the bridge between solo patterns and real-world application, teaching timing, distance, and strategy against a partner. Our approach to sparring is methodical and safety-focused, progressing through two key stages.
Step Sparring (Yakusoku Matsogi)
This is the foundational stage. Step sparring is a pre-arranged drill where students practice specific offensive and defensive sequences. Its purpose is to perfect critical skills without the pressure of a real match, including:
Mastering the precise distance and angle for each technique.
Understanding which blocks are most effective against specific attacks.
Developing timing and reaction speed in a predictable environment.
Free Sparring (Jayu Matsogi)
Once a student demonstrates control and understanding, they progress to free sparring. This is where techniques are used more spontaneously against a partner. We introduce this stage gradually, beginning with no-contact drills and moving to light-contact as a student's control improves. Free sparring is essential for developing crucial attributes like emotional control, critical thinking under pressure, and outstanding physical fitness.
Self Defence
Self Defence
Ch'ang-Hon Taekwon-Do itself was born from the need for effective military hand-to-hand combat, designed by General Choi. Honoring this legacy, our training focuses on what works. For those unavoidable situations where a physical response is necessary, we teach practical, decisive techniques designed to ensure your safety and allow you to escape.
At Lionheart Martial Arts, we teach that the most effective form of self-defence is to be highly aware, avoid danger, and de-escalate conflict whenever possible. This philosophy is central to our curriculum and is grounded in Head Instructor Mr. Leonhardt's years of experience as a Police Officer and Defensive Tactics Instructor.
Power (Board Breaking)
Power (Board Breaking)
In Taekwon-Do, true power comes from the perfect union of technique, speed, and mental focus. Board breaking is not about destruction; it's a powerful tool for self-discovery, teaching students to overcome their own limitations and build unshakable confidence.
The journey begins safely on pads and shields, where students learn to generate force correctly without hesitation. As their confidence grows, they advance to rebreakable boards, honing the pinpoint accuracy and commitment required for a successful break.
When a student breaks a wooden board during a testing or demonstration, they are not just breaking a piece of wood. They are breaking through their own self-doubt. It is a physical manifestation of their hard work and a powerful testament to the abilities they have cultivated through disciplined training.
Theory
Theory
While the physical aspects of Taekwon-Do build a strong body, its theory builds a strong mind and spirit. The name itself, "Tae" (foot), "Kwon" (hand), and "Do" (the way), reveals its true purpose. The "Do" is the most critical part of the name, as it signifies that Taekwon-Do is more than a method of combat—it is a path to guide one's life.
This philosophy is put into practice through core ethical guides that every student learns and embodies:
These principles govern our conduct inside the Dojang (training hall) and, more importantly, serve as a moral compass for our actions in everyday life. Alongside this ethical framework, students develop their minds by learning the history of our art, the principles of physics behind power generation, and the purpose of each technique. This complete understanding—of philosophy and application—is a requirement for promotion to each new level.
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