Taekwondo is known for its 

emphasis on kicking techniques, 

and kicks thus have the greatest potential to 

execute powerful strikes without successful retaliation.

An example of union of mental and physical discipline 

is the breaking of wooden boards, bricks or tiles, which 

requires both physical mastery of the technique and the 

concentration to focus one's power. It is traditionally 

performed in bare feet, a sparring which may include 

7-, 3-, 2- and 1-step sparring, free-style sparring, 

arranged sparring, point sparring, and other types

Relaxation and meditation exercises; breathing 

control. Throwing and/or falling techniques 

A focus on mental and ethical discipline, 

etiquette, justice, respect, and 

self-confidence

Breaking using techniques 

to break boards for testing and demonstrations. 

Often also incorporate bricks, tiles, and blocks of 

ice or other materials. 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 

using jumping or flying techniques 

to attain greater heights, 

distances, or to clear 

obstacles

Exams to progress 

to the next rank. Some schools teach 

the "sine wave" technique when performing patterns. 

Involves raising one's center of gravity between techniques, 

then lowering it as the technique is performed, producing the 

up-and-down movement from which the term "sine wave" is 

derived. Other schools teach that one's center of 

gravity should remain generally constant 

throughout the performance of 

a pattern 

Some taekwondo 

instructors also incorporate the use of pressure 

points, known as jiapsul, as well as grabbing self-

defense techniques borrowed from other martial arts, 

such as hapkido and judo. A system of blocks, kicks, 

punches, and open-handed strikes and may also 

include various take-downs or sweeps, 

throws, and joint locks 

19.37