KENYA TAEKWONDO JIDOKWAN FEDERATION CURRICULUM

The Kenya Taekwondo Jidokwan Federation (KTJF) offers a comprehensive training curriculum designed to cater to practitioners of all ages and skill levels. This curriculum encompasses various aspects of Taekwondo, including fundamental techniques, poomsae (forms), sparring, self-defense, and physical conditioning. Here's an overview of the comprehensive training curricula provided by KTJF:

1. Fundamental Techniques:

   A- Basic Stances:

• - In Taekwondo, stances play a crucial role in maintaining balance, generating power, and executing techniques effectively. Here are explanations of four common stances used in Taekwondo: 1. Walking Stance (Ap Seogi): - The walking stance is a basic stance used for mobility and stability. - To assume the walking stance: a. Start from a parallel stance. b. Step one foot forward, ensuring that the front knee is bent and the back leg is straight. c. The distance between the feet should be approximately one and a half shoulder-widths. d. Ensure that the weight is distributed evenly between both legs. e. The front foot should be facing forward, while the back foot should be turned slightly outward. - The walking stance is often used for moving forward or backward and for executing various techniques such as punches, blocks, and strikes. 2. Parallel Stance (Narani Seogi): - The parallel stance is a neutral stance used for balance and readiness. - To assume the parallel stance: a. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. b. Keep both feet parallel to each other, pointing forward. c. Distribute your weight evenly between both feet. d. Keep your knees slightly bent. e. Maintain an upright posture with your hands either at your sides or in a guard position. - The parallel stance is commonly used as a starting position or transition stance between techniques. 3. L-Stance (Niunja Seogi): - The L-stance is a defensive stance used for stability and evasion. - To assume the L-stance: a. Start from a parallel stance. b. Step one foot forward, ensuring that the heel of the front foot is aligned with the toes of the back foot, forming an "L" shape. c. The distance between the feet should be approximately one shoulder-width. d. Bend the front knee while keeping the back leg straight. e. Distribute your weight evenly between both legs. - The L-stance is often used for executing side and back stances, as well as for performing defensive techniques such as blocks and evasive maneuvers. 4. Horse Riding Stance (Juchum Seogi): - The horse riding stance is a deep and stable stance used for generating power and balance. - To assume the horse riding stance: a. Start from a parallel stance. b. Step one foot sideways, ensuring that the feet are wider than shoulder-width apart. c. Bend both knees deeply, lowering your body closer to the ground. d. Keep your back straight and your weight centered between both legs. e. Maintain an upright posture with your hands either at your sides or in a guard position. - The horse riding stance is commonly used for executing powerful techniques such as kicks, strikes, and blocks, as well as for maintaining stability during sparring or self-defense situations.
  

   B- Blocks: 

- Emphasis is placed on mastering blocking techniques, including high block, middle block, low block, inward block, and outward block.

• 1. High Block (Ollyo Makgi): - The high block is used to defend against attacks aimed at the upper body, including the head and shoulders. - To perform the high block: a. Start from a ready stance. b. Raise your blocking arm upward and across your body, positioning it to intercept the incoming attack above your shoulder level. c. Your forearm should be angled diagonally upward, with your palm facing outward. d. Ensure that your other hand remains up, guarding your face or in a position ready to counter. - The high block is commonly used against overhead strikes, high kicks, or other attacks directed at the head or upper body. 2. Middle Block (Momtong Makgi): - The middle block is used to defend against attacks aimed at the midsection or torso. - To perform the middle block: a. Start from a ready stance. b. Bring your blocking arm across your body horizontally, positioning it to intercept the incoming attack at chest or abdomen level. c. Your forearm should be parallel to the ground, with your palm facing inward. d. Ensure that your other hand remains up, guarding your face or in a position ready to counter. - The middle block is often used against straight punches, roundhouse kicks, or other attacks directed at the midsection. 3. Low Block (Arae Makgi): - The low block is used to defend against attacks aimed at the lower body, including the groin, thighs, and knees. - To perform the low block: a. Start from a ready stance. b. Lower your blocking arm downward and across your body, positioning it to intercept the incoming attack below waist level. c. Your forearm should be angled diagonally downward, with your palm facing inward. d. Ensure that your other hand remains up, guarding your face or in a position ready to counter. - The low block is commonly used against low kicks, sweeps, or other attacks directed at the legs or lower body.
  
• 4. Inward Block (Anuro Makgi): - The inward block is used to deflect attacks coming from the outside towards your body's centerline. - To perform the inward block: a. Start from a ready stance (usually the attention stance or fighting stance). b. Raise your blocking arm across your body towards the outside, crossing over your centerline. c. Your forearm should be vertical and close to your body, with your palm facing inward. d. The blocking arm should meet the attacking limb before it reaches your body, redirecting the force away. e. Ensure that your other hand remains up, guarding your face or in a position ready to counter. - The inward block is commonly used against attacks like punches or knife-hand strikes directed towards your side or flank. 5. Outward Block (Bakuro Makgi): - The outward block is used to deflect attacks coming from the centerline towards the outside of your body. - To perform the outward block: a. Start from a ready stance. b. Raise your blocking arm in front of your body, moving it outward and away from your centerline. c. Your forearm should be horizontal, perpendicular to your body, with your palm facing outward. d. The blocking arm should meet the attacking limb before it reaches your body, redirecting the force away. e. Keep your other hand up, ready to defend or counter if needed. - The outward block is often used against straight punches, thrust kicks, or other attacks aimed directly at your torso or face.
  

   C- Strikes: 

 - In Taekwondo, punches, knife-hand strikes, elbow strikes, and ridge-hand strikes are fundamental techniques used for both offensive and defensive purposes. Here's an overview of each:

1. Punches (Jireugi):

   - Punches are straight strikes delivered with a closed fist and are typically used to target an opponent's upper body.

   - To perform a punch:

     a. Start from a stance with your guard up, typically a walking or sparring stance.

     b. Extend your punching arm forward, rotating your fist so that your knuckles are facing the target.

     c. Aim to make contact with the first two knuckles of your fist.

     d. As you punch, engage your hips and core muscles to generate power, and retract your punching arm quickly to guard position after striking.

   - Common types of punches in Taekwondo include the straight punch (front punch), reverse punch, and uppercut.

2. Knife-Hand Strikes (Sonkal Taerigi):

   - Knife-hand strikes involve using the edge of the hand, specifically the area between the base of the pinkie finger and the wrist, to deliver a powerful strike.

   - To perform a knife-hand strike:

     a. Start from a stance with your guard up.

     b. Extend your arm outward with your fingers tightly together and your hand slightly bent at the wrist.

     c. Strike the target with the edge of your hand, aiming for vulnerable areas such as the neck, temple, or collarbone.

     d. Retract your arm quickly after striking.

   - Knife-hand strikes are versatile and can be performed in various directions, including upward, downward, or sideways.

3. Elbow Strikes (Palkup Taerigi):

   - Elbow strikes utilize the point of the elbow to deliver a forceful blow to an opponent's body, typically at close range.

   - To perform an elbow strike:

     a. Start from a close-range stance, such as a clinch or grappling position.

     b. Chamber your striking arm with your elbow bent and close to your body.

     c. Thrust your elbow forward or downward, targeting areas such as the ribs, face, or solar plexus.

     d. Ensure that you generate power from your hips and core muscles while keeping your striking arm tight to your body for maximum impact.

   - Elbow strikes are effective in close-quarters combat situations and are often used in self-defense scenarios.

4. Ridge-Hand Strikes (Sonkal Dung Taerigi):

   - Ridge-hand strikes involve striking with the edge of the hand, specifically the area between the thumb and the index finger, in a chopping motion.

   - To perform a ridge-hand strike:

     a. Start from a stance with your guard up.

     b. Raise your arm to shoulder level, with your hand open and fingers together.

     c. Rotate your hand inward so that the edge of your hand is facing the target.

     d. Strike the target with the ridge of your hand, aiming for areas such as the neck, temple, or side of the head.

     e. Retract your arm quickly after striking.

   - Ridge-hand strikes are powerful techniques that can be used to incapacitate opponents and create openings for follow-up attacks.

D - Kicks: 

- Taekwondo is renowned for its diverse array of kicks, each with its own purpose and application. Here's an overview of the front kick, roundhouse kick, side kick, back kick, hook kick, and spinning kicks:

1. Front Kick (Ap Chagi):

   - The front kick is one of the most basic kicks in Taekwondo, executed by driving the foot straight forward.

   - To perform a front kick:

     a. Start from a ready stance.

     b. Lift your knee up towards your chest, chambering your leg.

     c. Extend your foot forward, striking the target with the ball of the foot or the instep.

     d. Ensure that your knee remains slightly bent upon impact to prevent hyperextension.

     e. Retract your leg quickly after the kick.

   - The front kick is versatile and can be used to target various areas of the opponent's body, including the torso, legs, or head.

2. Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi):

   - The roundhouse kick is a powerful rotational kick where the leg is swung in a circular motion, striking the target with the instep or the ball of the foot.

   - To perform a roundhouse kick:

     a. Start from a stance with your guard up.

     b. Pivot on the supporting foot and rotate your hips as you lift your kicking leg.

     c. Swing your leg in a circular arc towards the target.

     d. Strike the target with the instep or the ball of the foot.

     e. Snap your leg back to the starting position after the kick.

   - The roundhouse kick is effective for targeting the ribs, torso, or head of the opponent.

3. Side Kick (Yop Chagi):

   - The side kick is a linear kick executed by driving the heel or the edge of the foot directly sideways towards the target.

   - To perform a sidekick:

     a. Start from a stance with your guard up.

     b. Lift your knee towards your chest, chambering your leg.

     c. Extend your leg directly sideways, driving the heel or the edge of the foot towards the target.

     d. Keep your body upright and facing forward throughout the kick.

     e. Retract your leg quickly after the kick.

   - The sidekick is often used for pushing opponents away, targeting the torso or head.

4. Back Kick (Dwit Chagi):

   - The back kick is a powerful kick executed by thrusting the heel backward towards the target.

   - To perform a back kick:

     a. Start from a stance with your back towards the target.

     b. Pivot on the supporting foot and look over your shoulder towards the target.

     c. Lift your back leg and thrust your heel directly backward towards the target.

     d. Strike the target with the heel of the foot.

     e. Return to the starting position after the kick.

   - The back kick is effective for targeting opponents behind you and can be used defensively or offensively.

5. Hook Kick (Huryeo Chagi):

   - The hook kick is a circular kick executed by swinging the leg in a hooking motion towards the target.

   - To perform a hook kick:

     a. Start from a stance with your guard up.

     b. Chamber your knee as if you were going to perform a roundhouse kick.

     c. Swing your leg in a circular arc towards the target.

     d. Rotate your hip and snap your foot inward, striking the target with the heel or the instep.

     e. Retract your leg quickly after the kick.

   - The hook kick is effective for targeting the head or upper body of the opponent, often used in combination with other techniques.

6. Spinning Kicks (Twimyo Chagi):

   - Spinning kicks involve rotating the body while executing a kick, generating momentum and power.

   - Common spinning kicks include the spinning hook kick, spinning back kick, and spinning crescent kick.

   - To perform a spinning kick:

     a. Start from a stance with your guard up.

     b. Rotate your body in the desired direction, lifting your knee and chambering your leg.

     c. Execute the kick with the appropriate technique (hook kick, back kick, etc.) towards the target.

     d. Complete the rotation and return to the starting position.

   - Spinning kicks require precise timing, balance, and coordination and are often used as advanced techniques in Taekwondo.

  

 E- Combinations: 

Training involves practicing combinations of techniques to develop fluidity, speed, and precision in executing sequences of movements.

1. Front Kick (Ap Chagi) - Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi):

   - Start with a front kick (lift your knee up, extend your leg, and thrust forward with the ball of your foot).

   - Follow up immediately with a roundhouse kick (pivot on your supporting foot, swing your kicking leg in a circular motion, striking with the instep or ball of the foot).

2. Side Kick (Yop Chagi) - Back Kick (Dwit Chagi):

   - Execute a side kick (lift your knee to the side, extend your leg straight out, and push your foot sideways into the target).

   - Transition smoothly into a back kick (pivot on your supporting foot, turn your body, and kick backward with your heel).

3. Double Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Dollyo Chagi):

   - Perform a roundhouse kick with one leg.

   - As the first leg retracts, immediately follow up with a roundhouse kick with the other leg, creating a continuous motion.

4. Front Kick - Spin Hook Kick (Dollyo Dwi Huryeo Chagi):

   - Begin with a front kick.

   - After retracting the front kick, pivot on the supporting foot and spin your body 180 degrees.

   - Execute a hook kick with the same leg you kicked with initially.

5. Front Kick - Side Kick - Roundhouse Kick Combination:

   - Start with a front kick.

   - Without putting the kicking foot down, transition into a side kick.

   - After retracting the side kick, execute a roundhouse kick with the same leg.

2. Poomsae (Forms):

   - Poomsae training focuses on learning and mastering a series of predetermined movements, patterns, and sequences. Practitioners progress through different poomsae forms as they advance in rank, with each form emphasizing specific techniques, stances, and transitions.

   - Poomsae practice helps develop concentration, balance, coordination, and mental discipline, while also providing a platform for artistic expression and creativity.

Training in Taekwondo poomsae (forms) is crucial for developing discipline, focus, balance, and technique. Here's a guide to training in Taekwondo poomsae:

How to Perfect Your Poomsae

1. Learn the Basics: 

Master the fundamental movements and stances of Taekwondo, such as punches, blocks, strikes, and kicks. Understand the correct execution of each technique, as they form the building blocks of poomsae.

2. Memorize the Poomsae: 

Start by memorizing the sequence of movements for each poomsae. Begin with the basic forms appropriate for your belt level and gradually progress to more advanced ones as you advance in rank.

3. Break Down Each Movement: 

Analyze each movement in the poomsae to understand its purpose, stance, direction, and execution. Pay attention to details such as hand positions, footwork, and timing.

4. Practice Regularly: 

Dedicate regular practice sessions to poomsae training. Repetition is key to mastering the intricate movements and transitions within each form. Practice both individually and with a partner or group to enhance synchronization and timing.

5. Focus on Precision and Fluidity: 

Strive for precision in every movement, aiming for clean lines, sharp angles, and balanced stances. Work on maintaining a smooth and fluid transition between each technique, avoiding pauses or hesitations.

6. Emphasize Breath Control and Rhythm: 

Coordinate your breathing with each movement, inhaling and exhaling at appropriate times to enhance power, focus, and relaxation. Develop a sense of rhythm and flow, matching your movements with a steady tempo.

7. Seek Feedback and Guidance: 

Receive feedback from your instructor or peers to identify areas for improvement. Take advantage of opportunities for individualized instruction and correction to refine your technique and performance.

8. Visualize and Mental Practice: 

Visualize yourself performing the poomsae with perfect technique and execution. Engage in mental rehearsal to reinforce muscle memory and enhance concentration.

9. Train Mind and Body: 

Poomsae training is not just physical but also mental. Cultivate mental discipline, concentration, and focus during practice sessions, maintaining a calm and composed mindset.

10. Set Goals and Track Progress: 

Set specific goals for your poomsae training, whether it's mastering a new form, improving technique, or competing at a higher level. Keep track of your progress and celebrate achievements along the way.

3. Sparring (Kyorugi):

Taekwondo sparring, also known as "kyorugi," is a dynamic aspect of Taekwondo training that focuses on applying techniques in a simulated combat situation against an opponent. Here's a guide to Taekwondo sparring training:

1. Safety First: 

Always prioritize safety during sparring sessions. Wear appropriate protective gear, including headgear, mouthguards, gloves, shin guards, and groin protectors. Ensure that the sparring area is free of hazards and that participants adhere to safety rules and regulations.

2. Understand the Rules: 

Familiarize yourself with the rules and scoring system of World Taekwondo (WT) competition Rules. Understand the permissible target areas, legal techniques, scoring criteria, penalties, and time limits. 

3. Develop Fundamental Skills: 

Build a strong foundation of fundamental Taekwondo techniques, including various kicks, punches, blocks, and footwork. Practice drills to improve speed, power, accuracy, and timing in executing these techniques.

4. Work on Sparring Specific Techniques: 

Focus on techniques specifically applicable to sparring, such as combination kicks, feints, counterattacks, and evasive maneuvers. Train to maintain a proper distance from your opponent and effectively control the engagement.

5. Partner Drills: 

Engage in partner drills to practice sparring techniques in a controlled setting. Work on maintaining proper distance, timing your attacks and defenses, and developing a sense of rhythm and flow.

6. Sparring Strategies: 

Develop strategies and tactics for sparring based on your strengths, weaknesses, and opponent's tendencies. Experiment with different approaches, such as offensive aggression, defensive counterattacking, or strategic counteroffensive.

7. Conditioning and Endurance: 

Improve your physical conditioning and endurance to endure the intensity of sparring matches. Incorporate cardiovascular training, strength training, and flexibility exercises into your overall fitness regimen.

8. Mental Preparation: 

Develop mental toughness, focus, and resilience to perform effectively under pressure. Practice visualization techniques to imagine various sparring scenarios and mentally rehearse your responses.

9. Controlled Contact: 

Practice sparring with controlled contact to gradually build confidence and adaptability. Start with light contact and gradually increase intensity as you gain experience and proficiency.

10. Feedback and Evaluation: 

Seek feedback from coaches, instructors, and sparring partners to identify areas for improvement. Analyze sparring sessions to assess your performance, strengths, and weaknesses, and develop strategies for continuous growth.

Remember that sparring is not about winning or losing but about learning and improving as a martial artist. Approach each sparring session with an open mind, humility, and a willingness to challenge yourself and others in a spirit of mutual respect and camaraderie.

4. Self-Defense Techniques:

   - Self-defense training covers practical techniques for defending against common attacks and threats, including grabs, punches, kicks, and holds.

   - Techniques are taught progressively, starting with basic defenses and advancing to more complex scenarios, incorporating joint locks, throws, and takedowns.

Taekwondo includes a variety of self-defense techniques designed to help practitioners defend themselves in real-life situations. Here are some common Taekwondo self-defense techniques:

1. Blocks:

   - High Block (Eolgul Makgi): 

Raise your forearm to block strikes aimed at your head or neck.

   - Low Block (Arae Makgi): 

Use the outer edge of your forearm to deflect kicks or strikes targeting your lower body.

2. Strikes:

   - Palm Heel Strike (Sonbadak Najunde Jireugi): 

Thrust the palm of your hand forward to strike your opponent's nose, chin, or throat.

   - Elbow Strike (Palkup Jireugi): 

Drive your elbow into your opponent's chest, abdomen, or face at close range.

3. Kicks:

   - Front Kick (Ap Chagi): 

Execute a forward thrusting kick with the ball of your foot to create distance or strike your opponent's midsection.

   - Side Kick (Yop Chagi): 

Push your foot sideways into your opponent's knee, thigh, or abdomen to disrupt their balance and create openings.

   - Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi): 

Swing your leg in a circular motion to strike your opponent's body or head with the instep or ball of your foot.

   - Back Kick (Dwit Chagi): 

Kick backward with your heel to counter an attack from behind or to strike an opponent approaching from the rear.

4. Joint Manipulation:

   - Wrist Locks: 

Use leverage and pressure to control and immobilize an opponent's wrist, preventing them from attacking or escaping.

   - Arm Bars: 

Apply pressure to an opponent's elbow joint to hyperextend the arm and cause pain or submission.

5. Throws and Takedowns:

   - Hip Throw (Huryeo Sut): 

Use your hip and leverage to off-balance your opponent and throw them to the ground.

   - Sweep (Goro Chagi): 

Sweep your opponent's leg with your own to disrupt their balance and bring them down.

6. Escapes and Releases:

   - Wrist Escape: 

Break free from an opponent's grip on your wrist by twisting or pulling away with force.

   - Bear Hug Release: 

Use techniques such as knee strikes, elbow strikes, or stomps to escape from a bear hug hold.

7. Awareness and Avoidance:

   - Situational Awareness: 

Stay alert and attentive to your surroundings to anticipate and avoid potential threats before they escalate.

   - Verbal De-escalation: 

Use calm and assertive communication to defuse confrontations and resolve conflicts without resorting to physical force.

5. Physical Conditioning:

   - Physical conditioning is an integral part of the training curriculum, focusing on developing strength, flexibility, agility, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness.

   - Conditioning exercises may include calisthenics, plyometrics, circuit training, interval training, and aerobic exercises tailored to enhance Taekwondo-specific attributes and performance.

Incorporating a variety of training methods into your Taekwondo regimen can help improve overall fitness, strength, agility, and endurance. Here's how you can integrate calisthenics, plyometrics, circuit training, interval training, and aerobic exercises into your Taekwondo training:

1. Calisthenics:

   - Push-Ups: Strengthen your chest, shoulders, and triceps with different variations of push-ups, such as standard, wide grip, narrow grip, and diamond push-ups.

   - Bodyweight Squats: Develop lower body strength and endurance by performing bodyweight squats with proper form, focusing on depth and control.

   - Lunges: Target your quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes with forward lunges, reverse lunges, and lateral lunges.

   - Planks: Improve core stability and endurance by holding a plank position for extended periods, focusing on maintaining a straight line from head to heels.

2. Plyometrics:

   - Jump Squats: Enhance explosive power in your legs by performing jump squats, explosively jumping into the air from a squat position.

   - Box Jumps: Develop lower body explosiveness and coordination by jumping onto a plyometric box or platform from a standing position.

   - Bounding: Practice bounding exercises to improve stride length and power in your running and kicking movements.

   - Depth Jumps: Increase reactive strength and vertical jump height by stepping off a box or platform and immediately jumping upward upon landing.

3. Circuit Training:

   - Design a circuit that includes a series of exercises targeting different muscle groups and fitness components, such as strength, endurance, and agility.

   - Perform each exercise for a set duration or number of repetitions before moving on to the next exercise with minimal rest in between.

   - Examples of circuit exercises include burpees, mountain climbers, kettlebell swings, jumping jacks, medicine ball slams, and agility ladder drills.

4. Interval Training:

   - Incorporate interval training into your workouts to improve cardiovascular fitness, anaerobic capacity, and recovery time.

   - Alternate between periods of high-intensity exercise (e.g., sprints, high knees, or fast-paced kicking drills) and periods of low-intensity recovery or active rest.

   - Experiment with different work-to-rest ratios and intensity levels to challenge yourself and progressively improve your conditioning.

5. Aerobic Exercises:

   - Include aerobic exercises such as running, cycling, swimming, or jumping rope in your training routine to improve cardiovascular endurance and stamina.

   - Perform aerobic activities at a moderate intensity for sustained periods to elevate your heart rate and strengthen your heart and lungs.

   - Incorporate interval training techniques to add variety and intensity to your aerobic workouts, alternating between periods of steady-state cardio and bursts of high-intensity effort.

Remember to warm up thoroughly before engaging in any high-intensity exercises or plyometric drills, and cool down with stretching and mobility exercises to aid in recovery and reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, listen to your body and adjust the intensity and volume of your training based on your fitness level and individual needs.

6. Mental and Character Development:

   - Training in Taekwondo encompasses mental and character development, emphasizing the cultivation of discipline, perseverance, respect, integrity, and indomitable spirit.

   - Practitioners are encouraged to apply Taekwondo principles and values ​​in their daily lives, fostering personal growth, resilience, and positive attitudes towards challenges and adversity.

Taekwondo places a strong emphasis on mental and character development, aiming to cultivate not only physical prowess but also mental discipline, self-confidence, respect, and integrity. Here's how Taekwondo contributes to mental and character development:

1. Discipline: 

Taekwondo instills discipline through the rigorous practice of techniques, adherence to rules and etiquette, and commitment to regular training. Practitioners learn to set goals, follow a structured training regimen, and persevere through challenges with determination and self-control.

2. Focus and Concentration: 

Taekwondo training requires intense focus and concentration, whether performing techniques, sparring, or practicing forms. Through mindful practice, practitioners learn to block out distractions, stay present in the moment, and maintain mental clarity under pressure.

3. Self-Confidence: 

As practitioners progress in their training and overcome obstacles, they develop a sense of self-confidence and belief in their abilities. Successes in training and competition reinforce positive self-esteem and empower individuals to tackle challenges both inside and outside the dojang (training hall).

4. Respect and Courtesy: 

Taekwondo emphasizes respect for oneself, instructors, training partners, and opponents. Practitioners learn to bow as a sign of respect, follow instructions with humility, and treat others with courtesy and consideration. This fosters a culture of mutual respect and cooperation within the Taekwondo community.

5. Perseverance and Resilience: 

Taekwondo teaches the value of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. Practitioners learn to push through fatigue, setbacks, and failures, understanding that growth and improvement come from overcoming challenges and setbacks.

6. Integrity and Sportsmanship: 

Taekwondo promotes integrity, honesty, and ethical conduct both on and off the mat. Practitioners adhere to the tenets of Taekwondo, which include integrity, courtesy, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit. They uphold these values in their interactions with others and demonstrate good sportsmanship in competition.

7. Goal Setting and Achievement: 

Taekwondo encourages goal setting and achievement, providing a framework for practitioners to strive for personal excellence and self-improvement. Whether aiming to earn higher belt ranks, master new techniques, or compete at a higher level, setting and working towards goals fosters motivation, growth, and self-development.

8. Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation: 

Taekwondo training promotes mindfulness and emotional regulation by teaching practitioners to be aware of their thoughts, emotions, and reactions. Through breathing exercises, meditation, and mindfulness practices, practitioners learn to manage stress, control impulses, and maintain emotional balance in challenging situations.

Overall, Taekwondo serves as a holistic system for personal development, nurturing not only physical fitness but also mental strength, character, and values that extend beyond the confines of the training hall and into everyday life.

The comprehensive training curriculum provided by KTJF is designed to instill a holistic understanding and appreciation of Taekwondo as a martial art, sport, and way of life. Through systematic and progressive training, practitioners have the opportunity to develop their physical abilities, technical skills, mental discipline, and character, ultimately realizing their full potential as martial artists and contributing members of society.

Carefully Researched, Compiled, and Authored by:

Gm Michael Kavita Rec, 7th Dan World Jidokwan

President: Kenya Taekwondo Jidokwan Federation