Although recently introduced to the Western world, Tae Kwon Do has for centuries been an integral part of the Korean society.  Translated literally, Tae Kwon Do means the "art of hand and foot fighting."  It is more than just that, however it is the scientific use of the body in methods of self defense, a body that has gained the ultimate use of its facilities through intensive physical and mental training.  It is a martial art that has no equal in either power or technique. 

The Tae Kwon Do which is today being taught to almost fifty million eager students in more than 70 countries defers greatly from other martial arts.  Since the theory, phraseology, terminology, techniques, systems and methods, as well as spiritual foundations of Tae Kwon Do, were scientifically developed and  systemized, it is an error to think of any physical actions using hands and feet for self defense as being Tae Kwon Do.