In Austin Texas, there resides a dojo, hidden among the Pizza Huts and General Stores. North Austin Tiger Rock teaches the art of TaeKwonDo (Tie-Kwon-Doe), an ancient martial arts practice that stems back generations. In addition to self defense, it teaches discipline, strength and balance. I have been practicing TaeKwonDo for quite a while, and that’s why I’m here to break it down for you. *DISCLAIMER* We are not in any way sponsored, although if we were that’d be pretty nice. (Also, remember to read all bold text in the announcer’s voice from Super Smash Bros.)

FOOT AND HAND ATTACKS

Every attack is made up of some sort of root. All hand attacks (and blocks) stem from a chamber, then movement. A punch, for example, starts at your waist, then comes into the punching motion you know. Kicks stem from picking up your bent leg, kicking, re-bending it, then set it down. A front kick goes toward the front, sidekick side, etc.

STANCES

Every stance is different and has different foot positions, and weight balancing. Here are the basic ones:

Front Stance: Both feet face the front, shoulders face the front, hips face the front, and front knee is bent.

Back Stance: Feet in ‘L’ shape, 70% weight on back leg, 30% weight on the front leg.

Sitting Stance: Feet double shoulder-width apart, 50% weight on both legs.

Chung-Bi Stance: Feet shoulder-width apart, hands at front of the waist, before from (means ready stance)

Attention Stance: Hands and feet at sides, for paying attention

Those are the most basic fundamentals of TaeKwonDo. It’s hard to explain it all in text form, but that is the best I can do. I haven’t even BEGUN to delve into the deep arts of TaeKwonDo. There are forms, board breaks, sparring, even a separate class for weaponry, and another separate class for black belts. There’s so much to learn here, and the people are very kind and nice. Such a great community and a chance to learn to defend yourself is a great offer.