Martial Arts are various methods of unarmed combat, originally used in warfare in the Far East and shaped by Eastern Asian philosophical concepts.
The martial arts are popular in many parts of the world today as means of personal development (self esteem, self confidence, focus and concentration, self discipline) self-defense, physical fitness, competitive sports and law enforcement tactics. Among the better known forms are karate, kung fu, taekwondo, jujitsu, judo, aikido, tai chi chuan, and kendo.
| Tae = Kick or to Strike with the Foot Kwon = Fist or to Strike with the Fist Do = Art, Method the Way or Path of Discipline |
Taekwondo means "The Way of Fist and Foot Fighting" |
The Art of Taekwondo
Although an ancient and once secret Korean art of weaponless self-defense, Taekwondo is now a Korean sport in which either two persons practice methods of unarmed fighting or one person can exercise for both physical fitness and self-defense. Taekwondo is recognized as one of the oldest forms of martial arts in the world.Still primarily a defensive art of self-protection, in the past two decades Taekwondo has also rapidly developed as an injury-free international competitive sport that resembles a composite of the French foot fighting martial art known as Savate and boxing. Technically, taekwondo is a unique style of Oriental martial arts combining Korean foot techniques with Chinese hand techniques.
The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) was established in 1972 as the international governing body for the sport aspects of taekwondo. Taekwondo has been an Olympic medal sport since the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. Taekwondo is now practiced around the world.
The Taekwondo student, through many years of daily practice, develops his/her feet and body into hidden weapons of defense. They can respond with lightning-like speed and explosive force should they be physically attacked. Taekwondo has been called the ultimate in self-defense because it trains reflexes so keenly and accurately that students can effectively defend themselves from attack by multiple assailants, yet they are also able to spar vigorously and in complete safety with fellow students without heavy protective garments.
Unlike most other sporting activities, taekwondo promotes the continuous improvement of one's character in addition to learning essential self-defense skills. Training improves a student's self-discipline and self-confidence. Skills learned through taekwondo can be applied in many areas of life.
In the friendly yet competitive atmosphere of this amazing art form, students work out, sweat, give their all together and push each other to their upper potential and beyond -- 100%, 150%, 200% or more. Flexibility and agility are essential and are developed through regular training and practice.
The taekwondo Master teaches the importance of both physical and mental conditioning by building up each student's self-confidence, self-respect and self-discipline. The dance-like rhythym of this incredible art, especially during form practice, is a pleasure to watch.When free-sparring, students pull punches and kicks and demonstrate good techniques at all times; taekwondo is never a bloody street brawl. After a workout, not only does one's heartbeat and breathing rate need to be slowed, but also one's spirit needs to be calmed through meditation.
Although knowing valuable self-defense skills generates a tremendous sense of security, the true martial artist should be able to walk away from potential or threatening fight situations without a loss of self-esteem; ego gratification is never required.
Ultimately, through training and regular practice, a sound mind in a sound body will succeed in its life's calling.
