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.