Tae - Use of the foot to strike or crush
Kwon - Use of the hand to strike or crush
Do - The Art/Way

Brief History:
During the Japanese occupation of Korea, many Korean were able to escape their homeland. Some of these individuals learned various martial arts in other Asian countries. When they returned to their homeland after the occupation they set up Martial Arts Schools. Then in the 1950’s the Korean government wanted to unify the various schools into one martial art. The name Taekwon-Do was original chosen by Korean General Choi because it sounded similar to Tae-kyon.
Tae-kyon was an ancient Korean system that emphasized kicking. The system had become very obscure. The goal was for Tae Kwon Do to emphasize powerful kicking but to still have well rounded hand techniques. Originally, Tae Kwon Do was geared toward being a self-defense system, a way of physical fitness and an art form that could be used as a sport. Many Taekwon-Do stylist still adhere to this older type of mentality and are commonly referred to as “Traditional” Taekwon-Do practitioners. Although, the training has evolved over the years, the underlying objectives remain the same for the traditionalist.

Some years later the Korean government decided to change the direction of Taekwon-Do to be more sport oriented and get the sparring recognized as an Olympic event. This type of Taekwon-Do is known generally as “Olympic” Taekwon-Do The rules for Olympic style Taekwon-Do sparring puts an extreme emphasis on kicking. While, generally, traditional Taekwon-Do Do sparring still emphasizes kicks but puts more emphasis on hand technique than the Olympic style sparring.

Traditional and Olympic Taekwon-Do are similar but the emphasis is somewhat different. Generally, “sport” style is oriented more toward competition particularly sparring Olympic style. While generally traditional Taekwon-Do tends to emphasize the art form and self-defense. However, many traditional Taekwon-Do practitioners compete in traditional style Taekwon-Do tournaments as well as open (open to all styles) martial art tournaments but generally the traditional training does not expressly gear students toward competition, rather the style can be utilized in this way if desired. Master Hendrix had a very successful career as a tournament competitor and now focuses his energy on teaching.


Master Hendrix Training With Grand Master Hwang

Throughout the world, there are many traditional oriented Taekwon-Do associations as well as many Olympic oriented Taekwon-Do associations. Some organizations recognize both.

Master Hendrix' Taekwon-Do program emphasizes traditional Taekwon-Do training and methodologies. Again, traditional Taekwon-Do emphasizes powerful kicking but also teaches a vast array of hand technique. Specifically, Traditional Taekwon-Do teaches such exercises as Forms/tuls (pre arranged sequences), target pad striking, board breaking (advanced students),
sparring and basic two person defensive drills. It also teaches basic focus and breathing drills.
Master Hendrix has also added a creative aspect to Traditional Taekwon-Do by teaching creative drills; and by teaching the use of Taekwon-Do techniques from a variety of self-defense situations. He encourages students to devise new ways to use their Taekwon-Do knowledge for sport, self-defense, fitness and the art. Highly advanced students will also learn ways to apply their Taekwon-Do knowledge to basic weapons (beginner students wanting to learn weapons should try out
Philippine Combatives).

Master Hendrix has also implemented simple and basic elements of takedowns, joint manipulation, control techniques, pressure points, body holds, boxing, ground defense, weapons defense and multiple attacker defense. These additional techniques are to complement and enhance the
Taekwon-Do program.

If a student has an even greater desire in learning weaponry, they should inquire about Philippine Combatives. If you desire to know more about combining striking with throws and joint manipulation as well as a deeper understanding of meditation then inquire about Traditional HapKiDo.

Students of Master Hendrix will come to realize they are not only studying under a Taekwon-Do master but also a martial arts innovator who teaches the best of traditional Taekwon-Do combined with a creative and eclectic approach. Traditional style Taekwon-Do is an excellent martial art for anyone who wants to become a very proficient, accurate and precise striker with their feet, hands, knees and elbows with an emphasis on powerful, long range kicking. Taekwon-Do is an excellent workout because it involves a lot of movement.

While Master Hendrix teaches basic falling, joint manipulation, holds, ground defense, pressure points and takedowns for self-defense in his Taekwon-Do program, the emphasis of the program is stand up striking and not getting thrown around or rolling around on the ground. However, Master Hendrix offers
other programs which give more detail in these areas.