What Is

Tae Kwon Do?

It is more than just learning a few moves, earning a belt, and going to tournaments.

Tae Kwon Do is (and should be) a complete martial arts system passed down from Master to student for generations and involves your whole person. Mind and body training is the idea. Learning perfect control, explosive power, composure under stressful situations, and dynamic leadership are just a few topics that are part of the learning process. The training here is very vigorous, which leads to a very high fitness level. There is a definite structure to the curriculum, so you have a good idea of where the training is going. And, while the training method is authentic with very old roots, our studio and teaching methods are very up-to-date.

Discover More at Blue Wave Life Martial Arts!

At Blue Wave Life, we offer more than just our Martial Arts Programs. We’re also proud to host a variety of community events, including Self-Defense Seminars, Birthday Parties, and exciting Live Demonstrations.

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The History Of Tae Kwon Do

Blue Wave Life Martial Arts The History Of Tae Kwon Do

The martial art style known as Tae Kwon Do or Taekwondo is richly imbued with Korean history.

However, some of that history is a little murky because of conflicting stories of early times and the longtime Japanese occupation of Korea. The name “Tae Kwon Do” is derived from the Korean words Tae (meaning “foot”), Kwon (meaning “fist”), and Do (meaning “method” or “way”). “Tae Kwon Do” literally means “the way of foot and fist,” but a better way to describe the idiomatic expression is that martial art includes every weapon on the body from head to toe (including the brain).

Tae Kwon Do is the national sport of South Korea.

And is known for its almost gymnastic striking and athletic kicking. Because of the outflow of many great Masters in the late 50s through the early 70s, Tae Kwon Do has become very popular worldwide, as more people are practicing Tae Kwon Do today than any other martial arts style. Estimates are that over 70 million students practice Tae Kwon Do worldwide, which has also been an Olympic event.

Blue Wave Life Martial Arts The History Of Tae Kwon Do

During the first half of the 20th century, Korea endured an occupation by the Japanese military.

During this period, the public practice of martial arts was prohibited. Martial art training did occur, but it was in secret, with students and teachers often not exchanging names. After the end of World War II, the Japanese left Korea, and martial arts training became a public practice, and it was a popular pastime. In the late ’40s and early ’50s, nine separate schools emerged (there was some interchange), giving rise to the modern Tae Kwon Do systems we see today.

The first Kwan to open (Chung Do Kwan) was founded and taught by Won Kuk Lee.

Here at Blue Wave Life, we look at Won Kuk Lee as our direct Great-Grandmaster. One of Lee’s early students was Yong Taek Chung. Chung later left Korea and taught in Japan for 20 years before ending up in the United States. Master Chung opened his school in Kansas City, Missouri (Chung’s Karate School), where he taught until he retired. One of his students is the owner and instructor at Blue Wave in Flint Hill, Missouri – Master David Blevins. All instructors at Blue Wave Life were students of Master Blevins.

Chung Do Association

Blue Wave Life friends and associations. These are other schools that share a common lineage with us. Check them out for more details!

Blue Wave Forever Icon
Blue Wave Forever

Started as “St. Joseph Taekwondo” in 2000 by John Mee, this Taekwondo school has since grown with students of all ages. We train every Tuesday and Thursday at 4:30 pm in the school building of St. Joseph Church.

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Lyndell Institute Icon
Lyndell Institute

Lyndell Institute is a family-friendly martial art and fitness center emphasizing self-confidence, discipline, perseverance, and motivation for health and success in school, sports, and life. They provide a fun, positive social and support network.

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Blue Wave Martial Arts and Fitness Icon
Blue Wave Martial Arts and Fitness

Blue Wave is where four of our Blue Wave Life instructors started and continued their journey in martial arts. Master David Blevins provides top-notch instruction in tae kwon do as well as fitness and personal training programs.

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Blue Wave - Edwardsville Icon
Blue Wave - Edwardsville

Blue Wave’s purpose is to help clients grow through the use of fitness and martial arts training in such a way that they can achieve happiness in their life and equip them with the tools to enable them to reach their full potential.

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Don't Take Our Word For It:

A fantastic group of instructors! I am very proud of all of you and wish you the best of luck in your new location!

David B.
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David B.<br> ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Testimonial

Anyone would be extremely lucky to be taught by these amazing instructors! They are all so very knowledgeable, caring and compassionate. Do yourself a favor and go check them out!

Renee N.
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Renee N.<br> ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Testimonial

Some of the most caring people that you could meet! The passion that they show and give to the Chung Do Kwan family is amazing!

Tess B.
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Tess B.<br> ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Testimonial

Browse Our Class Schedule!

Ready to join us on the mat? Visit our class schedule to find the perfect time for you and your family to train!

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Blue Wave Life Martial Arts

Contact Us Today

(314) 833-9283
info@bluewavelife.net
2505 South Brentwood Blvd Brentwood, MO 63144

Blue Wave Life Martial Arts welcomes everyone from nearby communities including Maplewood, Webster Groves, Shrewsbury, Clayton and the rest of the St. Louis area. We are located inside the Brentwood Community Center!