
Traditional Technique is where the 'art' in martial art becomes apparent. Students learn the formal way of performing blocks, kicks and strikes, and Patterns ( known as Taegeuks or Poomsae) are a major feature of this part of Taekwondo. Self Defence utilises all the moves you have learned in traditional, but in a practical and fluid way. Finally, there is sparring. Taekwondo became an Olympic sport at the Seoul Olympics in 1988 and this aspect is almost entirely footwork and kicking. As a student progresses through the belt colours (white, yellow, green, blue, red, black) he or she is gradually introduced to more complex syllabus, at a pace suitable to them. All classes (apart from the Elite Team classes which are entirely sparring) cover a mix of each aspect of Taekwondo to ensure the student gains a rounded experience of the martial art.