Taekwondo is perfectly suited for teenagers and adults of both gender who want to learn self-defence, gain fitness or to lose and control their weight.  Taekwondo stresses discipline, speed, power, and combat techniques which include free-sparring, as well as, kicking and punching techniques for real-life self-defence situations.

A study conducted by researchers Columbus and Rice (1998), Phenomenological meanings of martial arts participation, Journal of Sport Behaviour, 21, 16-29, examined why people participate in martial arts and found four main reasons:

• Fear of criminal victimisation;

• Seeking growth and discovery, including challenging oneself, either mentally, physically, or spiritually, and facing ones fears;

• Life transition and wanting to get life in control; and

• Task performance and reaching martial arts achievement as contributions to achievement in other life situations.

Taekwondo helps practitioners to develop an appreciation for martial arts, achieve physical fitness, improve mental discipline, emotional stability, and develop self-defence skills.

Self-defence in Taekwondo is not just about using defences and counterattacks against attackers but possessing the ability to prevent injury to one-self or others from attackers. This includes learning to fall safely, to communicate with aggressors, to escape from violent situations and if necessary strike swiftly and effectively. Taekwondo also helps practitioners to develop balance and harmony between their physical and moral selves by stressing responsibility to self, family, community and to society.