About our arts

Taekwondo is often viewed as the Korean version of what people usually think of as Karate. Taekwondo, however, has actually become the world’s most popular martial art. This is due in part to its impressive kicking techniques and to sport Taekwondo’s status as an Olympic sport this past decade. Literally translated, the word Taekwondo means, “the art of kicking and punching.”

Perhaps the main reason Taekwondo has become so popular is its accessibility and value to students of all ages. Anyone can participate and achieve at their level. Ten-year-olds and seventy-year-olds have achieved the rank of black belt. Gone are the days of schools filled only with young tough-guys trying to best each other. Girls and boys, women and men, of all ages, abilities and backgrounds enjoy the benefits to body, mind and character gained through Taekwondo training. Taekwondo training today is fun, challenging, and beneficial to anyone!

Taekwondo is a great physical workout. It fosters lifelong health and fitness. It offers very effective self-defense. Taekwondo’s aims, however, are more than physical. Through training students develop their confidence, concentration and self-discipline. Taekwondo teaches restraint and humility. Taekwondo seeks to improve the individual, and even the community, through a focus on the five tenets of  courtesy, integrity, self-control, perseverance and indomitable spirit.

One of the unique benefits of the instruction at Cloquet Taekwondo is that the curriculum is a carefully integrated blend of Taekwondo, which focuses on kicking and punching, and Hapkido, a Korean art which features techniques such a throws, sweeps and joint locks. Between these two arts, students are assured that they are learning effective self-defense, and that they are on the path to becoming complete martial artists.

Further, through Master Bruce Sodahl at North Shore Taekwondo, students may separately enroll in Kumdo training, the Korean Art of the Sword. Visit here to learn more about this unique and highly-specialized art.