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History of Taekwon-Do

Although Taekwon do is the art of self defense founded by a Korean General named Choi Hong Hi.
GC
Gen. Choi Hong Hi
9th Degree Grand Master
Taekwon do was officially recognized on 11th April 1955 when Gen Choi, after exhaustive researching, developing and experimenting, proclaimed Taekwon do to the world as a completely valid and unique martial art having a basic Korean origin.
Translated literally “tae” stands for jumping or flying, to kick or smash with the foot. “Kwon” denotes the fist – chiefly to punch or destroy with the hands or fist. “Do” means art or way – the right way built and paved by the saints and sages of the past.

Taekwon do is a martial art that has no equal in either power or technique, which has been developed using the principles of modern science. It provides the practitioner with a fine weapon to defend him / herself. Used wrongly, Taekwon do can be a lethal weapon. Therefore mental training must always be stressed to prevent the student from misusing it and to promote a strong sense of justice, fortitude, humility and resolve.

Taekwon do in Ireland
Taekwon do was introduced to the Republic of Ireland by Master Rhee Ki Ha in 1968. The cliché “from little acorns, great oak trees grow” is certainly true of Taekwon do. Although starting in Dublin, It soon spread nationwide through the dedicated work of a few founding members

I.T.F. Plaque.

Student Oath

I shall observe the tenets of Taekwon do
I shall respect the instructor and seniors
I shall never misuse Taekwon do
I shall be a champion of freedom and justice
I shall build a more peaceful world

The Irish National Taekwon-Do Association (INTA)

The Irish National Taekwon-Do Association (INTA) was established in 1991 by Master Brendan O'Toole


Master Brendan O'Toole
VII Degree

President Of The I.N.T.A.

(VII Degree) and Mr. Gerry Martin (VI Degree), who both have experience in Taekwon-Do spanning over 35 years. The association was set up with the aim of providing it's members with the highest quality instruction possible in ITF style Taekwon-Do as taught by the founder, General Choi Hong-Hi. The Taekwon-Do Centre ,the associations headquarters, located in the heart of the capital is Ireland's longest established full-time ITF Taekwon-Do academy providing classes six days a week.

Master O'Toole, Mr. Martin and Master Val Douglas (VII Degree) now form the constitutionally elected board of the Association and oversee its smooth running and day to day activities. These activities include; gradings, seminars, instructors classes and competitions serving the entire membership consisting of over 30 clubs spanning Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Wexford, Kildare, Laois, Louth and Meath.

The INTA are the National Association for the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) and for The All European Taekwon-Do Federation (AETF) .

The INTA are constantly promoting ITF Taekwon-Do and actively encourage black-belts to open new clubs and also to welcome existing Taekwon-Do clubs to the ITF system.