Editing Taekwondo (section)

== Features ==
[[File:Flying Double Side Kick in Martial Arts.JPG|upright=1.15|thumb|Flying twin foot side kick]]
[[File:Master Scott Leonard.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.15|A jumping reverse hook kick]]
{{See also|List of Taekwondo techniques}}
Taekwondo is characterized by its emphasis on head-height kicks, jumping and spinning kicks, and fast kicking techniques. In fact, WT sparring competitions award additional points for strikes that incorporate spinning kicks, kicks to the head, or both.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.worldtaekwondo.org/wtf_eng/site/rules/competition.html|title = WT Competition Rules|access-date = September 7, 2014|website = WorldTaekwondo.org}}{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

=== Typical curriculum ===
[[File:TAEKWONDO PRACTICIONER KORYO.jpg|thumb|A young red/black-belt performs Koryo]]
While organisations such as ITF or Kukkiwon define the general style of taekwondo, individual clubs and schools tend to tailor their taekwondo practices. Although each taekwondo club or school is different, a student typically takes part in most or all of the following:<ref name="Kim">{{Cite book| last = Kim| first = Sang H.| title = Martial Arts Instructors Desk Reference: A Complete Guide to Martial Arts Administration| publisher = Turtle Press|  year = 2002| asin = B001GIOGL4
}}</ref>
* [[poomsae|Forms]] ({{Korean|hangul=품새|rr=pumsae|labels=no}} or {{Transliteration|ko|poomsae}}, also  {{Korean|hangul=형|hanja=型|labels=no|rr=hyeong|mr=hyung}}, and {{Korean|hangul=틀|labels=no|rr=teul|mr=tul}}): these serve the same function as {{transliteration|ja|[[kata]]}} in the study of karate
* [[Sparring]] ({{Korean|labels=no|hangul=겨루기|rr=gyeorugi}} or {{Korean|labels=no|hangul=맞서기|rr=matseogi}}): sparring includes variations such as freestyle sparring (in which competitors spar without interruption for several minutes); seven-, three-, two-, and one-step sparring (in which students practice pre-arranged sparring combinations); and point sparring (in which sparring is interrupted and then resumed after each point is scored)
* [[Breaking (martial arts)|Breaking]] ({{Korean|labels=no|hangul=격파|hanja=擊破|rr=gyeokpa}} or {{transliteration|ko|weerok}}): the breaking of boards is used for testing, training, and martial arts demonstrations. Demonstrations often also incorporate bricks, tiles, and blocks of ice or other materials. These techniques can be separated into three types:
** Power breaking – using straightforward techniques to break as many boards as possible
** Speed breaking – boards are held loosely by one edge, putting special focus on the speed required to perform the break
** Special techniques – breaking fewer boards but by using jumping or [[Flying kick|flying]] techniques to attain greater height, distance, or to clear obstacles
* [[Self-defense|Self-defense techniques]] ({{Korean|labels=no|hangul=호신술|hanja=護身術|rr=hosinsul}})
* Throwing and/or falling techniques ({{Korean|labels=no|hangul=던지기|rr=deonjigi}} or {{transliteration|ko|tteoreojigi}} {{Korean|hangul=떨어지기|labels=no}})
* Both [[anaerobic exercise|anaerobic]] and [[aerobic exercise|aerobic]] workout, including stretching
* [[Relaxation technique|Relaxation]] and [[meditation]] exercises, as well as [[breathing]] control
* A focus on mental and ethical [[discipline]], [[etiquette]], [[justice]], [[respect]], [[self-confidence]], and leadership skills
* Examinations to progress to the next rank

Though weapons training is not a formal part of most taekwondo federation curriculum, individual schools will often incorporate additional training with weapons such as [[Bō|staffs]], knives, and sticks.