Taekwondo with Mike Campos...

What is taekwondo?

A WTF sparring match

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art and the national sport of South Korea. In Korean, tae means "to strike or break with foot"; kwon means "to strike or break with fist"; and do means "way", "method", or "path". Thus, taekwondo may be loosely translated as "the way of the hand and the foot." 

It combines combat techniques, self-defence, sport, exercise, and in some cases meditation and philosophy. In 1989, Taekwondo was the world's most popular martial art in terms of number of practitioners. Gyeorugi, a type of sparring, has been an Olympic event since 2000.

Taekwondo is known for its emphasis on kicking techniques, which distinguishes it from martial arts such as karate or southern styles of kung fu. The rationale is that the leg is the longest and strongest weapon a martial artist has, and kicks thus have the greatest potential to execute powerful strikes without successful retaliation.

Taekwondo as a martial art is popular with people of both genders and of many ages. Physically, taekwondo develops strength, speed, balance, flexibility, and stamina. An example of the union of mental and physical discipline is the breaking of wooden boards, bricks or tiles, which requires both physical mastery of the technique and the concentration to focus one's power.

What is Chung Do Kwan? Created by Won Kuk Lee in 1944, it is the first of nine schools or Kwan teaching what came to be known as taekwondo. This style of Tae Kwon Do is known for its overall power and emphasis on kicks to the head.

Who is  Mike Campos?

Mike has been training with Chungdokwan for 12 years under Master David Oliver, 6th Dan. His son Master Matthew Oliver has been trained one to one by Master David Jordinson over the past few years, and is starting to lead the training of higher grade students, as well as developing a continuous training syllabus, and training structure for all grades.     

Chundgokwan Taekwondo is about participation - everyone is encouraged to train to whatever level they can achieve. This does not mean they are not pushed and challenged - they are, but in a careful and considerate manner catering for individual circumstances while maintaining the tradition and general improvement of the group. Mikes father is still training at the age of 91 years, and they have some excellent youngsters from the age of 5 upwards.

Mike teaches at the Chungdokwan club based at Washington leisure centre. Classes are held on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. Durham has sessions at the Leisure centre near the Arnison Shopping Centre on Monday, and Thursday evenings. Sessions are also available on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings, and Sunday mornings – see the website for more details 

Links to Korea….

The organisation has good links to and is recognised by Kukkiwon in Korea. The Kukkiwon in Korea is the global headquarters of Taekwondo.

Chungdokwan has clubs throughout the North East of England, Ireland, India, Australia and Dubai. Our local clubs are Washington Leisure Centre, Durham Arnison Leisure Centre, Ferryhill, Wallsend, Aycliffe, Darlington and Shildon.

Our President is Grand Master David Jordinson 8th Dan, who in his lifetime has done more than any other individual in the UK to promote and extend the reaches of Taekwondo.

His instuctor for many years was Grand Master Kim Yong Ho, who has now domiciled in Korea, and travel the world promoting long term traditional Taekwonmudo - Mudo being the 'way' that allows people of all ages to realise their potential. This is why we teach all ages and abilities. The more athletic and physically capable students remain grounded and humble. They appreciate everyone has different strengths. We have no room for prima donnas who think they are better than anyone else. We teach everyone to be as good as they can be as individuals, while appreciating the input of others. Master David has been ably assisted by many high grade instructors.

The younger instructors are now achieving their higher grade promotions and are Master David's legacy to the world of Taekwondo. They will carry on the teaching of traditional martial arts while still catering for students who want to take part in sport Taekwondo.

At Marfest….

Mike will leading a taekwondo demonstration at the festival and will be available to guide you on the taster mats as well, so start limbering up those legs….