What is Taekwondo?

Taekwondo  is one of the most systematic

and scientific Korean Traditional Martial Art

of self-defence that teaches  more than physical

fighting skills.It is a discipline that shows ways of

enhancing   our spirit and life  through training

our body and mind. Taekwondo is characterized

by fast, high, jumping, spinning kicks and quick

foot work. It is an all-aroundprogram that offers

self-defence training, physical exercise, and

artistic expression; all taught by an experienced

professional instructor. Today, Taekwondo has

become one of the most practiced martial arts in

the world, its popularity is mainly due to its

spectacular  techniques and its being fun. It has

also become Global sport that has gained an

international reputation and stands among the

official games in the Olympics.

 Taekwondo Demo by beginners on Independence Day 2005 at Mohali

   

Taekwondo is known as one of the oldest self defence

Systems in the world. It is distinct from Chinese Kungfu and

Japanese Karate. Taekwondo is distinguished from other

Martial Arts in its high degree of sophistication, technical

efficiency as well as the over all fitness developed in its students

It is also known for its deadly knock out kicks. Although

it inculcates most of the karate and Kungfu techniques

but it is very different from many such Oriental martial

arts. First, physically it is   very dynamic with active

movements that include a mirage of foot skills; second,

the principle physical movements are in simpatico with

that of the mind and life as a whole. Third it possesses

dynamic poses from another perspective.

   

Taekwondo is a physical expression of the human

will for survival and  activity to fulfil the spiritual desire

of a human. Basically all the actions in Taekwondo are

developed from the human instinct for self defence

Reinforced with positive elements as needs arise

and ultimately reach the absolute state to overcome

ego and arrive at the moment of perfection, thus

giving the sport a philosophical dimension.

Taekwondo is an overall sport for the whole

physical system, generating energy in every

organ of the body, developing the muscles and

stimulating the brain and thus developing the

will to action, because in it one has to move all

the muscles and joints of the human body.

Taekwondo is a sport that responds rationally to

survival needs those for physical survival in the

human habitat and also those to harmonise with

inner demands for preservation and balance and

also maintains an orderly system uniformly related

to the inner or outer environments of the human

being.

Taekwondo is a complex of highly related 

postures of systematic, scientific acts to move

all parts of the body, therefore , Taekwondo

has become an essential element to prescribe

and maintain the order of  human functions.

The human body is not free of physical rules

and it is in a way a machine that grows,

develops and moves. This human machine

works for various effects by transforming

postures into suitable shape, spiritually it thinks as

enlightened and imagines in the process of mental

  

Benefits of Taekwondo

 Taekwondo was originally developed to preserve

ife and for self-defence, but today, adults and

children have many reasons for wanting to train

in Taekwondo. Some want to learn self-defense,

others want to fight in tournaments, some seek

to become physically fit, some seek the social

interaction, while others just want to have fun.

Modern Taekwondo has developed proven teaching

methods that not only help people learn Taekwondo

quickly and easily, but also provide a wide range of

benefits for students of all ages.

Social interaction gained through Taekwondo

            training has been found to be a buffer against

            the stresses of life for adults, and with long-term

            continued practice it fosters greater independence.

            With progressive training, children become more

            enthusiastic, optimistic, and self-reliant. Many

            anecdotal reports from parents tell how their children,

            both males and females, do better at home and at

            school, both behaviorally and academically.

Taekwondo practitioners seek to develop an

            appreciation for the martial art, achieve physical

            fitness, improve mental discipline and emotional

            stability, develop self-defence skills, and to develop

            respect and responsibility. Taekwondo helps

            practitioners develop balance and harmony

            between their physical and moral selves. It stresses

            responsibility for self, family, community, and to society.

Self-defence is an important Benefit of Taekwondo.

            Self-defense is not just using defences and counterattacks

            against attackers. It is the ability to prevent injury to oneself

            or others from attackers. This includes learning to fall safely,

             to communicate with aggressors, and to escape from violent

            situations. Self-defence is not just concerned with physically

            dealing with violence; it is mostly concerned with avoiding

            becoming a victim of violence.

The physical benefits of Taekwondo include

improvements in coordination, agility, flexibility,

balance, muscular strength, and endurance.

Taekwondo promotes a healthy lifestyle that includes

a healthy mixture of nutrition, training, and rest. Physical

development also helps develop self-confidence.

Self-confidence is based on self-improvement,

as opposed to confidence based on the ability to perform

a task. This type of self-confidence does not come from

being a winner in competition; it comes from the feelings

of self-worth that are derived from improving oneself.

Belt advancement provides a means to document personal

achievement. Advancement requires setting a goal and

working toward its attainment, which builds confidence and

 a feeling of self-worth.

Training in Taekwondo increases one's self-concept

(the beliefs that you have about yourself, as opposed to

understanding who you are via other people's opinions

of you). For instance, it has been found that women

raining in Taekwondo have a greater physical, personal,

social, identity, and satisfaction self-concept. Students

who are more self-confident and compete in Taekwondo

tournaments are more likely to win their bouts.

The moral benefits of Taekwondo include development

of good character, self-control, and a non-violent attitude.

Taekwondo stresses showing respect for oneself, fellow

students, instructors, parents, elders, and members of the

public.

Humility is a quality of all serious Taekwondo

students. Although practicing Taekwondo boosts

self-confidence, this does not convey a false sense

of superiority. On the contrary, a good student should

be humble and considerate

Psychologically, Taekwondo reduces tension

and anxiety by teaching students to control aggression

and by giving them a healthy way to vent hostility and

frustration. Taekwondo is a psychological leveler.

Students with quick, hot tempers learn to control their

emotions. Students who are meek and mild learn to be

more assertive when needed.

Taekwondo is an artistic discipline that allows

artistic expression. There are strict standards for the

performance of techniques but there is still some

latitude for self-expression. Taekwondo movements

nd techniques express beauty and grace and allow

students to strive continuously to develop and improve

their artistic presentation.