TAEKWONDO

Taekwondo means "The art or way of hand and foot ( art of self defense )" Although an ancient and once secret Korean art of weaponless self-defense, it is now a Korean sport in which either two persons practice methods of unarmed defense or one person can exercise for both physical fitness and self-defense. Still primarily a defensive art of self-protection, Taekwondo has in the past two decades also rapidly developed as an injury-free international competitive sport .

The Taekwondo student has through many years of tedious daily practice developed their feet and body into hidden weapons of defense. They can respond with lightning-like speed and explosive force should they be physically attacked. Taekwondo has been called the ultimate in self-defense because it trains reflexes so keen and accurate that students can effectively defend themselves from attack by multiple assailants, yet they are also able to spar vigorously with fellow student without heavy protective garments and in complete safety.

Unlike most other sporting activities, Taekwondo promotes the improved formation of one's character. In the friendly yet competitive atmosphere of this amazing art form, students workout, sweat, and put out their all together, pushing each other to their upper potential and beyond - 100%, 150%, 200%, or more. Flexibility and agility are essential. The Taekwondo master teaches the importance of both physical and mental conditioning by building up his student's self-confidence, self-respect, and self-discipline. The dance-like rhythm of this incredible art, especially during form practice, is a pleasure to watch. When free-sparring, punches and kicks are pulled and good technique is shown. After workout, not only does one's heartbeat and breathing rate need to be slowed, but also one's spirit needs to be calmed through meditation. Although knowing valuable self-defense skills generates a tremendous sense of security, the true martial artist should be able to walk away from potential or threatening situations without a loss of self-esteem; moreover, ego gratification is never required. Ultimately, the sound mind in a sound body will succeed at its life's calling.

FILIPINO MARTIAL ARTS

Eskrima (also known as Arnis and Kali) is a weapons based martial art which comes from the Philippines. It is the national sport of the Philippines,and has a very long history of combat effectiveness. Only recently has this art become more conspicuous in many countries and enjoyed the popularity of other more traditional Asian arts. Its difference from other martial arts is that the student is taught to train with weapons from the very start, rather than starting on empty hands training (like many martial arts do). This type of training builds manual dexterity in the practitioner and also trains faster conditioned responses to various attacks. Although it is weapons based, it also includes striking (kicking and punching), wrestling and grappling, and even groundfighting, as well as teaching practical defenses against most weapons. In the Philippines it is referred to as Arnis in the northern islands (Luzon), is known as Eskrima in the central islands (Visayas), and is known as Kali in the southern islands (Mindanao).

GROUNDFIGHTING

Ground Fighting refers to the gripping, handling and controlling of an opponent without the use of striking, typically through the application of various grappling holds, choke holds, and counters to various hold attempts.  Sports that use grappling include Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Judo, Wrestling and mixed martial arts. Grappling is a mode of fighting used by many different martial arts around the world. It is not a distinct martial art, but rather, similarly to striking, a collection of techniques and strategies aimed at defeating an opponent, these can be subdivided into: Throws, Joint Locks and Pinning techniques.

Most include all of the above aspects while others focus one. There is no definite dividing line between the sections as locks may be used in throws and a throw may lead directly to a pin. A possible fourth category are sweeps and escapes, used to improve position in ground fighting either escaping from or moving into a position where a lock or pin may be better applied.

GUMDO