Taekwon-Do

Classic Taekwon-Do is a traditional Korean martial art valued for its efficacy both as a method of self-defense and as a psychophysical discipline. “Tae” means to strike, jump, and destroy with the foot, and “Kwon” properly indicates the fist, but also striking and destroying with the hand. “Do” represents the spiritual content, the path, the way.

The practice of Taekwon-Do, promoted by Grand Master Son Jong-Ho, aims at physical and mental well-being. Through practice, the student develops a powerful and healthy body and a strong mind. Strengthening the mind cannot be separated from that of the body, as they are interconnected and intertwined. This progression is analogous to climbing a ladder: the student cannot reach the next step of “strong mind” without passing through the previous step of “strong body.” The next step cannot be achieved without overcoming the previous step. If the student halts their training and practice, the strength of mind and body cannot be maintained; such strength ceases to develop and a path of decline begins. All progress, with the cessation of practice, regresses. Practice is vital for the evolution of any martial artist, master, or student.

The benefits of classic Taekwon-Do

PHYSICAL FITNESS: Training in Classic Taekwon-Do promoted by Grand Master Son Jong-Ho engages health and physical fitness in a global way. Cardiovascular health will improve alongside coordination, strength, speed, and flexibility.

STRESS RELIEF: Today, the stress of daily life afflicts us all. The accumulation of stress can cause or exacerbate many physical ailments. Taekwon-Do is a good way to alleviate stress. After practice, one feels relaxed and at peace with oneself.

SELF-DEFENSE: Avoiding and refusing dangerous situations is always preferable to physical confrontation. However, in cases where this is not possible, self-defense can prevent us from becoming one of the numerous victims of violent crimes that too often fill the pages of our newspapers.

WEIGHT LOSS: Taekwon-Do is a healthy, effective, and enjoyable way to lose excess weight. Thanks to the increased metabolism from constant practice, calories can be burned even at rest.

SELF-CONFIDENCE: Self-confidence develops in parallel with the mastery of skills attained through practice. This inner strength helps in all aspects of life and allows people to maintain a positive attitude even in the most difficult situations.

MENTAL STRENGTH: Taekwon-Do trains the mind along with the body. Mastery of techniques and complex combinations improves attention and concentration through the teaching of patience and perseverance.

Grand Master Son Jong-Ho

Grand Master Son Jong-Ho is one of the pioneers of Taekwon-Do in Austria, Italy, and Germany. His goal is to impart his extensive knowledge and experiences regarding physical and mental health to his students, aiming to deepen the understanding of Classical Taekwon-Do and provide them with a possible life model. After many years of constant dedication, he succeeded in establishing a solid federation, whose size attests to the effectiveness of the classical method of this martial art.

At the age of just 12, Grand Master Son Jong-Ho began practicing Taekwon-Do, and by the age of 18, he had already founded his first school at his high school, organizing performances that attracted up to 2000 spectators.

In 1968, he graduated in physical education from Kyong Hee University in Seoul but continued to further his university studies in natural medicine and acupuncture.

From 1968 to 1974, he collaborated with the Taekwon-Do Association of Busan and served as a Taekwon-Do military instructor.

In 1974, he founded the first Taekwon-Do school in Austria, and in the following years, also in Italy and Germany.

In 1990, he founded the “Son Jong-Ho Taekwon-Do / Austria.“

In 1995, he founded the “Son Jong-Ho Classic Taekwon-Do Federation / Europe.”

He is the creator of the following Hyong (forms):

1995: Chung-Hee – Part 1 of 3, 54 movements

1999: Go Un, 81 movements

2002: U-Nam, 129 movements

2005: Yon-Gaesomun (Gat schin-dong), 99 movements

2009: Chung-Hee – Part 2 of 3, 77 movements

2010: Un-Ki (Coli), 108 movements

2014: Manaha-Tan, 152 movements