Translated literally, 'Iin' is defined as person or individual, not just in the physical sense, but the essence or soul of the person. 'Tae' means kicking, jumping, stepping or flying of the feet, and 'Kwon' means punching, striking or beating of the hands or fists. Iin-Tae Kwon is the blending of both mental and physical training. A total understanding of how the body moves and works synergistically with the mind. The realization of how one must not only use both sides of the body and the upper and lower halves of the body together, but to understand the relationships between each muscle and joint being used in order to have balance of power and control over the movements that are created and performed through the body of the practitioner. It is an evolutionary level in the martial arts that supersedes the element and need for self-defence and adheres to a level that can be taught but eventually learned through training. It is a realm of interpersonal responsibility that extends beyond the training platform and carries forth into day to day living.

Beyond the physical strength of flesh and bone lies internal power, gained through mental calmness, breath control, and energy flow within the center of the body. An advanced student should have the ability to consciously 'feel' their entire musculature. Almost like a sixth sense, the student can control the contraction speed of each muscle, developing explosive power from relaxed, fluid movements. With the body's energy 'rooted' through the legs, like a tree drives its roots into the ground, the student stands solid and immoveable, yet soft and flexible.

Disciples of Iin-Tae Kwon will learn that what they are studying is both an 'internal' and 'external' style. Like the principle of Yin and Yang, one cannot exist without the other. For instance, think of basic opposites such as hard and soft, hot and cold, up and down, life and death. How can one know what is, without knowing what it is not?







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