The Art of the Ax Kick: the World Taekwondo Federation

The audience watched attentively as Christopher J. Shim '02 approached his wooden target. In a quick spin of motion, his foot flew up and made contact with a resounding crack.

"My master once told me that breaking a board is like breaking a bone," Shim said. "I could break someone's ribcage with the kick of a foot...it's reassuring."

But, Shim and his fellow members of the newly-created Harvard World Taekwondo Federation Club (WTF) are quick to add, the Korean martial art is, well, an art.

Literally translated, Taekwondo means "the art of the hands and feet."

Last Thursday night's inaugural meeting of the WTF featured techniques ranging from the more aggressive board breaking to demonstrations of form.

Demonstrating the movements needed to earn a black belt, Shim sliced the air with a series of precise punches and kicks, his face drawn in concentration.

"It is an art just as much as tap dancing and ballet are," Shim said.

WTF leaders said the activity will appeal to students interested in the spiritual side of Taichi, those looking to learn self defense and "those with a more competitive Bruce Lee side," said Brian K. Kim '01, a co-founder of the group.

Not yet officially recognized as a club sport by the University, the club is currently under the jurisdiction of the Korean Association.

"We can go to competitions and compete as students who go to Harvard, but not as a Harvard team," Shim explained.

He has contacted both the Athletic Department and University Hall in hopes that the club, led by Master Peter Lee, a fifth degree black belt who qualified for the Olympic Trials in 1988, will receive recognition within a month or so.

The campus already boasts two other Taekwondo organizations, the American Taekwondo Association and the Korean Karate Club.

But according to Shim, the new WTF club is distinct from the others in its style and its form.

"It's like comparing squash and tennis," Shim said. "They're totally different."