Martial Arts

Why Learn a Martial Art?

People study martial arts for a variety of reasons. Some come to class because they enjoy the discipline, others relish learning new techniques, and most appreciate the relief from the pressures of daily life. Training appeals to people of all skill levels, ages, and interests. Many students discover ability in martial arts which eluded them in other sports. Flexibility and physical strength are not prerequisites for beginners; perseverance and mental attributes determine your success.

Practitioners will start noticing improvement in flexibility, cardiovascular fitness, and stress reduction from the beginning. Later on, mental discipline, concentration, and reflexes increase with time. The variety of dynamic exercises ensures a comprehensive workout. The benefits can be enjoyed by people of all ages; no one should worry about ability or athletic condition starting out. Only a commitment to learning is required.

What is a Black Belt?

A black belt is a symbol of health, strength, and confidence in your ability to defend yourself. It is an outstanding achievement in leadership, which will help you become a winner in life.

A student who has attained the rank of black belt understands that this is quite an accomplishment. While she has seen many of his classmates drop out over the years, she has persevered. This individual understands that time, dedication, and commitment is required to achieve such a worthy goal – a lesson that is applicable to everyday life.

Yet, one must understand that a black belt is not an end in itself, but a beginning. It is a means to achieve an end. A black belt has proved to his master, his peers, and hopefully to himself, that he can perform the basics of his chosen martial art. This is, however, only a start. One who has achieved this can only now begin to study to attain perfection - an admirable but quite impossible goal. The black belt is still a student, with a long path ahead.

In today's world of mass-produced black belts, there is too much haughtiness and pride. Hollywood perpetuates the black belt myth by associating this rank with being an accomplished fighter. Nothing could be further from the truth! How many times have we read in the newspaper about a "black belt" getting hurt or killed by an experienced street fighter or worse yet, a beginning Taekwondo student! Their pride was their downfall.

At the World Martial Arts Institute, a black belt is bestowed upon the student who not only possesses the physical moves, but has other attributes as well. It would be ridiculous to compare, for instance, the high side kick of a 60-year old to the high side kick of an 18-year old. Both may be black belts, but one's physical attributes may exceed the other's. How can they, then, both be black belts, you may ask? A black belt is a state of mind, regardless of age, gender, or physical handicap. It is in the mind and in the heart. The true test is one of perseverance, dedication to his Master and school, courtesy, integrity, modesty, morality, indomitable spirit, and other such characteristics. That is why you learn things like the Student Creed and the Tenets of Taekwondo - not just to memorize them for a belt test, but to actually live by these rules in your everyday life. The physical aspect of Taekwondo is the easiest to attain, but can fade with age. What is in the mind and in the heart, however, cannot be swept away by the oceans or stolen by a thief.

While not everyone can obtain a black belt, it should never become a basis for pride. It is a source of humility. One must understand their shortcomings and set a good example for others. When one becomes a black belt, that individual becomes a student in the science of learning how they can make a difference in their community and be a positive influence in the world.

Grand Master Kyung-Ho Park, Ph.D.

Why Learn at the World Martial Arts Institute?

Credits