What is Taekwon-Do?
Taekwon-Do is a martial art that combines physical and mental training for self-defense, emphasising discipline, technique, and moral values. "Tae" means to kick, "Kwon" means to punch, and "Do" means the way or art.
Tae kwon-do is a martial art that not only focuses on physical fitness but also on mental discipline and personal growth. It can be an effective tool for building confidence and empowering individuals who may feel weak or vulnerable. Through the practice of Tae kwon-do, students learn self-defense techniques that can be applied in real-world situations. However, it is essential to emphasize the importance of responsible use of Tae kwon-do techniques and to prevent the misuse of martial arts training.
One of the core tenets of Tae kwon-do is respect, and this extends to using techniques only for self-defense and never to bully or harm others. Mental training is an essential part of Tae kwon-do, and students are encouraged to develop a strong sense of discipline, perseverance, and focus. The practice of meditation and mindfulness is often integrated into Tae kwon-do training, which helps students to develop a clear and calm mind, even in stressful situations.
In addition to mental training, physical fitness is also a key aspect of Tae kwon-do. The impressive feats such as breaking boards and attacking multiple targets in succession require a high level of physical strength and power. Constant training and practice are necessary to maintain and improve physical fitness and power.
Furthermore, Tae kwon-do training involves a combination of different exercises and techniques that help to develop strength, flexibility, endurance, and balance. It is a complete workout that targets all major muscle groups and improves overall fitness levels.
In conclusion, Tae kwon-do is a martial art that not only provides practical self-defense skills but also promotes mental and physical development. While the physical aspects of Tae kwon-do can be impressive, it is essential to remember the importance of mental training and the responsible use of techniques. Through consistent practice and training, individuals can build confidence, improve physical fitness, and develop a sense of discipline and focus that can benefit all areas of life.
Tae Kwon-Do offers a comprehensive approach to fitness, with each training session starting with a warm-up and incorporating sparring. In addition, the regular stretching involved in Tae Kwon-Do training helps to improve overall flexibility over time.
Participation in Tae Kwon-Do can also improve confidence by introducing individuals to new people and challenging them to try something new. As individuals progress and become more skilled in Tae Kwon-Do, their self-confidence is likely to increase.
Learning patterns, or a series of movements performed in a fluid and rhythmic motion, is an essential part of Tae Kwon-Do training. Practicing patterns helps to improve balance and skill, and each belt level introduces a new pattern to be learned.
Self-defense techniques are also a key component of Tae Kwon-Do training, and individuals can learn to defend themselves and their families from a variety of attacks. As individuals progress in Tae Kwon-Do, they can also learn more advanced self-defense techniques.
Sparring is taught in various forms, including free sparring, semi-free sparring, and step sparring. These different types of sparring can improve speed, reaction time, and overall fitness.
Tae Kwon-Do is also well-known for its special techniques, such as flying techniques and multiple kicks in the air. Practicing these techniques helps to improve overall skill and control.
To prove the effectiveness of Tae Kwon-Do techniques, individuals practice breaking power test boards. This exercise demonstrates the power and precision of Tae Kwon-Do techniques.
Finally, bag work is an excellent way to practice correct punching and kicking techniques while also improving fitness. A variety of different types of kicks and sparring drills can be practiced through bag work.
THE TENETS OF TAEKWON-DO
(Taekwon-Do Jungshin) TAEKWON-DO AIMS TO ACHIEVE
Courtesy (Ye Ui)
Integrity (Yom Chi)
Perseverance (In Nae)
Self-Control (Guk Gi)
Indomitable Spirit (BaekjuiBoolgool)
COURTESY (Ye Ui)
Taekwon-Do students should attempt to practise the following elements of courtesy to build up their noble character and to conduct the training in an orderly manner as well.
1) To promote the spirit of mutual concessions
2) To be ashamed of one's vices. contempting those of others
3) To be polite to one another
4) To encourage the sense of justice and humanity
5) To distinguish instructor from student. senior from junior, and elder from younger
6) To behave oneself according to etiquette
7) To respect others' possesions
8) To handle matters with fairness and sincerity
9) To refrain from giving or accepting any gift when in doubt
INTEGRITY (Yom Chi)
In Tae kwon-Do, the word integrity assumes a looser definition than the one usually presented in Webster's dictionary. One must be able to define right and wrong and have the conscience. if wrong, to feel guilt.
Listed are some examples, where integrity is lacking:
1) The instructor who misrepresents himself and his art by presenting improper techniques to his students because of a lack of knowledge or apathy.
2) The student who misrepresents himself by "fixing" breaking materials before demonstrations.
3) The instructor who camouflages bad techniques with luxurious training halls and false flattery to his students.
4) The student who requests rank from an instructor, or attempts to purchase it.
5) The student who gains rank for ego purposes or the feeling of power.
6) The instructor who teaches and promotes his art for materialistic gains.
7) The student whose actions do not live up to his words.
8) The student who feels ashamed to seek opinions from his juniors.
PERSEVERANCE (In Nae)
There is an old Oriental saying, " Patience leads to virtue or merit:' "One can make a peaceful home by being patient for 100 times." Certainly, happiness and prosperity are most likely brought to the patient person. To achieve something, whether it is a higher degree or the perfection of a technique. one must set his goal. then constantly persevere. Robert Bruce learned his lesson of perseverance from the P8fSistant efforts of a lowly spider. it was this perseverance and tenacity that finally enabled him to free Scotland
in the fourteenth century. One of the most important secrets in becoming a leader of Taekwon-Do is to overcome every difficulty by perseverance.
Confucius said; "one who is impatient in trivial matters can seldom achieve success in matters of great importance."
SELF-CONTROL (Guk Gi)
This tenet is extremely important inside and outside the do jang, whether conducting oneself in free sparring or in one's personal affairs. A loss of self- control in free sparring can prove disasterous to both student and opponent. An inability to live and work within one's capability or sphere is also a lack of self-control.
According to Lao-Tzu "the term of stronger is the person who wins over oneself rather than someone else."
INDOMITABLE SPIRIT (Baekjul Boolgool)
"Here lie 300, who did their duty," a simple epitaph for one of the greatest aots of courage known to mankind.
Although facing the superior forces of Xerxes. leonidas and his 300 Spartans at Thermopylae showed the world the meaning of indomitable spirit. lt is shown when a courageous person and his principles are pitted against overwhelming odds.
A serious student of Taekwon-Do will at all times be modest and honest. If confronted with injustice. he will deal with the belligerent without any fear or hesitation at all, with indomitable spirit, regardless of whosoever and however many the number may be.
