Welcome to Missouri International Taekwon-Do.  We are members of the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) and the Korean/American Martial Arts International. This is a National Progressive Taekwon-Do Association (NPTA) certified training facility. The school (dojang) is run by Paul Martin, 4th Degree Black Belt, International Instructor Certified.We are located in Versailles and Eldon, Missouri. Our school opened in the summer of 2006 and has been operating 6 days a week ever since. Class size is limited to 30 students, ensuring each student receives individual attention, ample time and sufficient repetitions of techniques to commence the process of muscle memory.

What is Taekwon-Do?

Taekwon-do is a Korean Martial Art developed between 1946 and 1955 by Gen. Choi Hong Hi. Tae means to kick, Kwon means to punch, and Do means the Art of the Way. Therefore, Taekwon-Do is the art of kicking and punching. But, more than that, it is a way of life that is based on the tenets of courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit.

Brief History of Taekwon-Do

Although the exact origin of Martial Arts is not known, man has used his hands and feet as a means of self defense since creation. Under the basic definition of Taekwon-Do (Kicking, Punching, the Art or Way of), almost any country might try to lay claim to it. But, upon thorough study of this Art, you will distinguish Taekwon-Do from all other Martial Arts. General Choi Hong Hi, the founding father of Taekwon-Do, began his study of Martial Arts (Tae-Kyon, Korean Foot fighting) early in life. With the Japanese occupation of Korea (1909-1945), the General mastered the Japanese art of Karate. Soon after the Korea was liberated (1945), General Choi was placed in the privileged position of founding member of the South Korean Armed Forces. By 1954, General Choi had nearly completed the foundation and development of this new modern Martial Art of Korea. On April 11, 1955, this art was officially named "Taekwon-Do." The spiritual aspect of Taekwon-Do is based on many traditional, ethical and moral principles of the Orient and the General's own personal beliefs. The General explained these basic ideals for all Taekwon-Do practitioners:

By developing an upright mind and a strong body, we will acquire the self-confidence to stand on the side of justice at all times.

We shall unite with all men in a common brotherhood, without regard to religion, race, national or ideological boundaries.

We shall dedicate ourselves to building a peaceful human society in which justice, morality, trust and humanism prevail.

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Philosophy and Goals

The philosophy of Missouri International Taekwon-Do is the same as that espoused by the founding father of Taekwon-Do, General Choi Hong Hi, and is based on the ethical, moral, and spiritual standards by which men can live together in harmony. 

Our goal is a simple one: To build leaders in the dojang, in school, at home and in the community by developing and promoting positive "life skills" and attitudes.