Primarily,

taekwondo remains an effective means of selfdefense.
From the days of the Hwarang warriors of ancient Silla
to the present it has consistently demonstrated its defensive
value on the field of battle. Aside from its dynamic kicking
techniques the art features a complete palette of hand strikes,
arm locks and sweeps capable of disabling any assailant. In an
effort to instill courage, the taekwondoist drills repeatedly in a
series of controlled sparring techniques that strives to eliminate
the fear associated with a physical confrontation.