Introduction to Tae Kwon Do

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Introduction
	You may know that there is no discrete art called "Karate" or "Kung Fu." These are umbrella terms that describe a wide variety of striking arts. Karate refers to many different styles of empty-handed fighting from Japan and Okinawa, and Kung Fu is a similar term used to describe many of the martial arts of China. The term "Tae Kwon Do" refers to a Korean tradition of martial arts that resemble Kung Fu or Karate.
	To the beginning student, these three martial art systems may seem quite similar in appearance. All are "hard" styles, meaning they rely on strikes (kicks, punches, and other attacks with the hands, feet, elbows, and knees) to express their fighting power. Other arts like Aikido, Judo, Jujitsu, or T'ai Chi are called "soft" because they use grappling techniques (throws, trips, joint manipulation, etc.) as their primary combat mode.
	The literal translation of Tae Kwon Do is "The Way of Kicking and Punching." Serious students and teachers know that the most important part of this name is the word "Do"-the "Way." Practitioners of Tae Kwon Do learn the techniques of kicking and punching, but they also learn much more. As they continue their training, as years pass, most grow in directions they never imagined at the start. They learn a new way of experiencing the world in which they live. This Way is the true purpose of Tae Kwon Do and all other martial arts. The Way is a process, a path, and many people believe that following it can become one of life's most rewarding journeys.