Tae Kwon-Do was introduced into the United Kingdom during 1967, but owing to subsequent political differences arising in Korea, fist two then several competing groups came into existence. A number of these were and are dominated by foreign nationals with financial and political interests in what they are doing. A group of the most senior British Tae Kwon-Do instructors eventually became so disillusioned with the situation that in 1983 they joined forces to for the Tae Kwon-Do Association of Great Britain (TAGB). The TAGB contains some of the world’s top Tae Kwon-Do performers, with several World, European and British Champions. (Even Olympic Gold Medallist Jade Jones originated from the TAGB before going on to find success in her Olympic career).
Since its inauguration, the TAGB has grown to become the largest and most successful Tae Kwon-Do practicing organisation in Britain with more than 20000 practicing members and 300 schools nationwide.
The TAGB is not only concerned with its own development. That is why it has played a leading role in the reunification of British Tae Kwon-Do into one body. In 1988, the TAGB helped found the British Tae Kwon-Do Council, this being the only governing body of Tae Kwon-Do to be recognised by the Sports Council and Sport England.
The TAGB also helped found Tae Kwon-Do International, the object of which is to bring together Tae Kwon-Do practitioners throughout the world. Tae Kwon-Do International is non-political and it doesn’t attempt to dictate to member countries how they must run their affairs. Since its foundation in 1993, Tae Kwon-Do International has grown to become one of the biggest world Tae Kwon-Do bodies. Its Wold Championships are amongst the largest and best organised and it draws its participants from every continent.
The Martial Mind
Practice of Tae Kwon-Do involves techniques which by their nature are potentially hazardous to your partners and to yourself. For this reason, training must involve both physical and mental discipline. Through self-discipline and respect you will develop both a sensitivity for the needs of others, and a modest pride in your own achievements.
Tae Kwon-Do is more than a mere fighting system. Its practice is intended to have a beneficial effect on your character; therefore, your attitude is one of the most important factors in whether training will be successful or not. A TAGB student with the correct attitude will be polite in their dealings with other students and with the instructor.
Learn to put into practice the following points:
• Never tire of learning! Always be eager to learn and ask questions. A good student can learn anywhere at any time. This is the secret of knowledge.
• Be prepared to make sacrifices for both your art and your instructor. Many students wrongly believe that Tae Kwon-Do training is a commodity which can be brought and sold with the payment of training fees. Such students are unwilling to take part in demonstrations, teaching or work in the dojang. An instructor can afford to lose this type of student.
• Always set a good example to lower ranking students because they will regard you as their role model and copy your attitude, appearance, behaviour etc.
• Always remember your conduct outside the training hall (dojang), as well as inside it, reflects on the public image of Tae Kwon-Do.
• Always be loyal and never criticise your instructor, Tae Kwon-Do, or the teaching methods.
• Never be disrespectful to your instructor. Though you may disagree with him, first follow the instruction you have been given and raise the matter later.
• Practice the techniques you are taught and try to apply them.
• If you adopt a technique from another dojang and your instructor disapproves of it, then either disregard the technique immediately, or transfer your club membership to the dojang it was learned in.
• Ensure you have a good training record, always arrive before the scheduled start time for training.