Taekwondo is:
1. Self Defense:
Self
defense is not only fighting. A person who is calm and alert will naturally avoid danger and dangerous situations. Sometimes
the best defense is calling for help. Not walking alone in a dark alley or a bad neighborhood is self defense.
You can defend your community through protesting, writing letters, etc. Just like the physicians first law is "First
do no harm", the Taekwondo practitioner's first law is "First do not get harmed". As for the physical
aspects of martial art, a person must take responsibility to perfect the techniques. It is simply not enough to train
one or twice a week and expect the instructors to magically transform you into a master. The techniques
must be practiced daily to develop the muscles and muscle memory to be able to use the techniques when needed. So to
become proficient at self defense you must put the emphasis on yourself.
2. Self Discipline
It is said that a person that learns to discipline himself can accomplish anything within reason. That discipline,
be it dietary restriction, religious devotion, an exercise regimin or some other form of devotion, can help form a personality
trait that transfers to other forms of dedication. If a person wants to be successful at Taekwondo they must not only
submit to the discipline of the dojang, but also become self disciplined. To become a master of any art form you
must first be a slave to it.
3. Self Control
It is not acceptable for a person
to simply say "I couldn't help myself." It is up to the person to learn how to control their impulses, temper,
moodiness, disposition, speech, and general demeanor. The beginning of this is controlling your technique, submitting
to the regiment of the dojang, and respecting your fellow students, seniors, and instructors.
ONCE YOU HAVE TRULY ACCOMPLISHED THESE THREE THINGS YOU WILL BEGIN TO HAVE SELF CONFIDENCE.
.
.
Taekwondo is ART, SPORT, and SELF DEFENSE
.
Taekwondo is composed primarily of Patterns,
Step Sparring, and Sparring.
While patterns are mostly thought
of as ART, they must be practiced also as SPORT and SELF DEFENSE. The mind needs to focus not only on beautiful
technique but also powerful and practical technique. The student must envision a real fight and perform the techniques
with maximum power as they would if their life depended on it. The student must be constantly competing with himself to rise
to new heights, performing the patterns better and better every day.
.
.
While step sparring
is mostly thought of as SELF DEFENSE, they must be practiced also as ART and SPORT. The techniques must be performed
with regard for accuracy, balance and stance. The student should constantly compete with himself to increase his
performance and develop creativity.
.
.
While sparring is mostly thought of as SPORT, it must be practiced also as ART and SELF DEFENSE. The techniques
must be performed with regard for accuracy, balance and stance. The student should constantly compete with himself to
increase his performance and develop creativity. The reflexes will rise to a new level, sharpening the skills for self
dense.