About

Taekwondo

[tahy kwon doh] noun; 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”; domeans “way, method, or art”. Thus it is loosely translated as “the art of the foot and fist”.

Pak’s Martial Arts Fitness Center specializes in the teaching of Taekwondo, an action philosophy. Taekwondo is much more than a physical activity. It is designed as a nonviolent art, a system of complete body exercise, and a way of life. It includes physical techniques, mental disciplines, and a deep philosophy.

Taekwondo Emphasizes Practice

Physical Practice: Taekwondo will help you develop coordination, strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. A strong body and good health result from these practices.

Mental Practice: Taekwondo will help build your self-confidence, improve judgment, as well as improves self-control. A sound mind results from these mental disciplines.

Philosophical Practice: Taekwondo helps build confidence by helping the students to better understand and respect themselves and others. These aspects help students to reach success in the ultimate goal–to achieve true happiness and build strong friendships, contributing to a strong and happy community.

Taekwondo is an Investment in the Entire Family

Benefits for men and women:

Develop the power of positive thinking
Release the stresses of daily life
Learn practical self-defense
Develop excellent physical fitness
Lose weight
Improve performance at work
Build self-confidence
Increase stamina

Benefits for children:

Build confidence/self-esteem
Strengthen character and goal setting
Learn self-discipline
Physical and mental fitness
Improve balance and coordination
Recommended by physicians for ADD and ADHD
Learn special self-defense skills
Improve concentration
Improve school grades
Learn respect for oneself and others
Improve flexibility

A Special Note to Parents from Grandmaster Pak

“Your child’s progress in Taekwondo is the direct result of a successful partnership between your child, instructors, and you. Our experience in teaching hundreds of children has taught us that you can help by treating Taekwondo lessons as a part of a daily routine. Over time, this will yield positive results. Punishing your child by missing class, or by expecting progress at an unrealistic rate, will only cause frustration discouragement.

Do not expect overnight changes or improvements. These changes will occur only after much time and commitment from you and your child. Remain in control and encourage your child during some periods of discouragement. Taekwondo teaches and instills in your child a “stick with it” attitude that will be invaluable for the rest of his/her life.”

Seven Home Rules for Children

1. Children shall greet parents with “Hi, Mom!” or “Hi, Dad!” when entering the house and tell parents “Goodbye!” when leaving.
2. Children shall always be respectful to their parents, teachers, and elders.
3. Children shall be kind to their family members.
4. Children shall keep their household neat and clean.
5. Children shall clean their hair, ears, body, and teeth daily.
6. Children shall not interrupt adult conversation.
7. Children shall follow the “Recipe for Straight A’s” daily.

Recipe for Straight A’s

When you come home from school, open the refrigerator and have a piece of fruit and a glass of milk.

Open your books and review what you have studied today.

Do all your homework.

Grandmaster Pak

The martial arts have flourished here in the United States due, in part, to Grandmaster Pak’s arrival from Seoul, South Korea in 1977. All throughout his time of teaching Taekwondo, he has greatly motivated thousands of students in achieving academic, personal, moral, and physical excellence.

Grandmaster Pak has practiced the martial arts for more than 50 years and has achieved the ranks of 9th degree Black Belt in Taekwondo, 7th degree Black Belt in Hapkido, and 4th degree Black Belt in Kung-Fu.

In addition to founding Pak’s Martial Arts Fitness Center in Rock Hill, Grandmaster Pak’s many accomplishments include:

President, Southeastern Taekwondo Association
President, Southeastern Taekwondo Federation
Past President, South Carolina State Taekwondo Association
International Master and Instructor of state and national champions
1988 U.S. Olympic Taekwondo team delegate
Member of U.S. Southeastern Taekwondo Federation, World Taekwondo Federation, World Taekwondo Chung Do Kwan Federation
Numerous awards, citations, and certificates from local, state, national, and international agencies for his unselfish, charitable contributions and his leadership in furthering the development and promotion of Taekwondo throughout the world