Finding quality info on martial arts in general, let alone a specific art like Taekwondo, can be a pain. Websites either have pop-up ads, are unreadable or are trying to get you to sign up for classes. I sifted through the eye-sores so you won’t have to.
Enjoy.
Taekwondo Information
Taekwondo News
- Combat Canada – Canadian Taekwondo News and events
Taekwondo Organizations
The two main forms of TKD are WTF and ITF. Here are their websites:
- World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) - Rules, events, news and hall of fame
- Taekwondo Rules – WTF Taekwondo sparring and pattern (poomse) rules for competition
- Kukkiwon – World Taekwondo headquarters. One of the best quality Taekwondo websites
- International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) - Rules, competitions and info on ITF style TKD
Taekwondo Overview
- Taekwondo – Wikipedia – Includes history, features and info on organizations
- Barrel – Good Taekwondo overview. Description of patterns, languages, Q&A and more
Taekwondo Techniques
- Taekwondo Techniques – Wikipedia – a seperate Wikipedia page dedicated to the techniques used in TKD
How to tie a Taekwondo Belt
- World Taekwondo – When you start out, you might not know how to tie your belt. Many places have this, but I like this one.
Patterns (poomse)
If you’re studying TKD, you’ll be tested on your patterns. These guides will help you study:
- Kukkiwon – Patterns – Step-by-step descriptions of patterns with full colour images in a slideshow style from the Kukkiwon website
- Vuoung’s Taekwondo – The student doing the videos on this page has no spirit whatsoever, but the forms are extremely easy to follow
Stretching
TKD’s all about high, explosive kicks. Here are some resources to help get your foot over your head:
- CMCrossroads – Massive resource, covering everything from the physiology of stretching to achieving the splits
- Stretching – Wikipedia – General overview of stretching theories and techniques
- IFAFitness – Overview of stretching, with an in-depth section on the splits (very good)
Fitness
Most martial arts involve fitness, but two things that will specifically help a TKD student are strong hip flexors and plyometrics training:
- Plyometrics – Wikipedia – an overview of plyometrics for those not in the know
- Sports Fitness Advisor – animated examples of plyometric exercises
- Brian Mac – List of Plyometric training routines
- MyFit – List of exercises for the hip flexors
Korean Language
Depending on how traditional your school is, you may have to know some Korean. Here’s a list of the terms you’ll come across:
- The Martial Arts Resource – Long list of Korean martial arts terms
Taekwondo Media
Taekwondo Books
Check out these books if you want a resource on your shelf
- The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Tae Kwon Do – a great overview for beginners and advanced students alike
- Official Taekwondo Training Manual – loads of photos and endorsed by the WTF
- Tae Kwon Do: The Ultimate Reference Guide to the World’s Most Popular Martial Art
- A Killing Art: The Untold History of Tae Kwon Do – a surprising look at the history of TKD from a 26 year veteran and journalist
Taekwondo Magazines
If you’re looking for further taekwondo articles, you can check out:
- Taekwondo Times – Downloadable PDF articles
- Totally Tae Kwon Do – Ugly website, but a completely free online magazine
Taekwondo Videos
- Youtube – A great resource for any martial artist. Pump in the kick/form/exercise you want and watch a video. Just be sure the source knows what they’re doing
Know something I don’t?
What resources do you use? Post in the comments and get added to the list!
