Facing American and Korean flags hanging on the wall, they begin another class, carrying on a tradition that dates back thousands of years. Chris Williams, Tae Kwon Do instructor and third-degree black belt, meets with his class Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Hart Wrestling Room, just off the Auxiliary Gym from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The time is split between beginning and advanced levels. Classes are open to all students, their spouses and faculty , and are free of charge.

To start each class, the students, some in traditional robes and others in gym clothes, follow commands from the instructor in stretching and warming up. They also recite their creed to improve themselves “mentally, physically, spiritually and to have good character.”

After warming up, the class practices sequences of kicks, punches and blocks. The moves are almost gymnastic in their coordination and are aimed at specific parts of the opponent’s body.

Students of all experience levels participate, from those just beginning to those with around 10 years of experience. Ngozi Ajinwo, a freshman from Lagos, Nigeria, recently heard about the classes from a friend. “I do it to relieve stress and to be able to defend myself,” Ajinwo said.

Afton Mower, a BYU-I graduate, and her husband, Chris, a senior from Rexburg, started the class as a way to spend time together while having fun. Both have now earned their gold belts.

The advanced class meets after the beginners’ class to practice routines and spar. After donning pads, two contenders face-off to use the moves they have practiced.

Jumping, pivoting and skimming across the padded floor, the contenders attempt to score points by hitting certain pads or areas of the body. Only green belts (fourth level) and higher are allowed to spar.

Besides getting to do high-kicks, punch and yell, John Brodie, a black belt and a sophomore from Barre, Vt., may best explain why students love the sport: “You learn self-defense and self confidence; that helps you out in all aspects of life.”