HISTORY OF THE T.A.G.B.
Tae Kwon-Do was introduced into the United Kingdom during 1967, but owing to subsequent political differences arising in Korea, first two then several competing groups came into existence. A number of these were and are dominated by foreign nationals with financial and politcal 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 form the Tae Kwon-Do Association of Great Britain. The TAGB contains some of the world’s top Tae Kwon-Do performers, with several World, European and British champions.
Since its inauguration, the TAGB has grown to become the largest and most successful Tae Kwon-Do practising organisation in Britain, with more than 12,000 members training in over 300 schools nationwide.
The TAGB is not just 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 (BTC), this being the only governing body of Tae Kwon-Do to be recognised by the Sports Council.
The TAGB also helped found Tae Kwon-Do International, the object of which is to bring together Tae Kwon-Do practioners 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 World Championships are amongst the largest and best organised and it draws its participation from every contingent.
OFFICERS OF THE T.A.G.B.
The TAGB comitee consists of 8 people; a Chairman and nine Area Co-ordinators. The officers of the TAGB are:
CHAIRMAN: Mr D.K. Oliver
VICE-CHAIRMAN: Mr M. Dew
TREASURER: Mr R. Sergiew
MIDLANDS AREA CO-ORDINATOR: Mr B.Towndrow
NATIONAL SECRETARY: Mr D. Atkins
LIASON OFFICER: Mr P. Donnelly
NATIONAL COACH: Mr K. Walton
WELSH NATIONAL COACH: Mr G. Peros
The TAGB headquarters are Redfield Leisure Centre, 163A Church Road, Redfield, Bristol BS5 9LA
Tae Kwon Do Association of Great Britain website
The History of Tae Kwon-Do
Tae Kwon-Do is the Korean Art of self-defence and means ‘Art of Hand and Foot Fighting’. It is a version of an ancient form of unarmed combat practised for many centuries in the Orient. Tae Kwon Do came to be perfected in it’s present form in Korea. Translated from Korean, “Tae” literally means to jump, kick or smash with the foot. “Kwon” denotes a fist chiefly to punch or destroy with the hand or fist. “Do” means art, way or method. Tae Kwon Do indicates the technique of unarmed combat for self-defence, involving the skilled application of punches, kicks, blocks, dodges and interception with the hand, arms and feet to the rapid destruction of the opponent.
Tae Kwon Do was inaugurated in South Korea on April 11, 1955 following extensive research and development by the founder Major General Choi Hong Hi, 9th Degree Black Belt. It was introduced into the United Kingdom in 1967. To the Korean people Tae Kwon Do is more than a mere physical use of skilled movements. It also implies a way of thinking and life, particularly in instilling concept and spirit of strict self-imposed discipline and an ideal of noble moral rearmament.
In these days, where violence and intimidation seem to plague our modern societies, Tae Kwon Do enables the weak to possess a fine weapon to defend himself or herself and defeat the opponent as well. When wrongly applied it can be a lethal weapon.
Even if Tae Kwon Do is practised for exercise alone, the enjoyment dervied will justify the time invested and spent. As an exercise it is equally suitable for old as for the young, for men and for women.