Taekwondo is an ancient Korean martial art. It began as a form of unarmed self-defense and has developed over the centuries as a philosophy of life. It is a method of developing civic and moral character in a person. Tae means “to strike with feet,” Kwon means “destroying with the hand or the fist,” and Do means philosogpy. Collectively, Taekwondo translates as “the art of kicking and punching.” It is a nonviolent system of more than fighting techniques. In Taekwondo, you learn to respect life through mental and physical studies, some of which are listed below:
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Mental Development
- - Self-confidence
- - Strong character
- - Good judgment
- - Self-control
- - Sound mind
- - Stress reduction
Physical Development
- - Good coordination and flexibility
- - Strong muscle tone and body
- - Agile body
- - Inner strength through deep breathing
- - Self-defense ability
Philosophical Development
- - Respect for one another
- - Help one another
- - Honesty
- - Always stand by the weak
- - Do your best in everything
Obviously, Taekwondo is more that just a martial art. It is a guide for the formation of outstanding character and a strong basis for a fulfilling life.
Tenets of Taekwondo
- Courtesy (Ye Ui)
Do not be vain or boastful in what you do. - Integrity (Yom Chi)
To possess high moral standards and be honest. - Perseverance (In Nae)
To continue even though you’re tired and keep going. - Self-Control (Geuk Ki)
To have control of your emotions and not show anger, frustration, or fear. - Indomitable Spirit (Backgeol Boolgool)
A never give up attitude under any circumstance.
Children's Home Rules
- I shall show respect for my parents and family members at all times.
- I shall greet my family and friends when they enter and leave my home.
- I shall be truthful at all times
- I shall maintain a good relationship with my brothers and sisters.
- I shall help my parents with household chores.
- I shall keep my own room neat and clean.
- I shall keep my body, hair and teeth clean at all times.
- I shall not interrupt adult conversations.
- I shall finish my homework and parent's errands before playing.
- I shall show respect for teachers and peers at all times.
History of Taekwondo
Taekwondo is the physical expression of the human will for survival and an activity to fulfill the spiritual desires of people. Essentially, all actions in Taekwondo arise from the human instinct for self-defense, reinforced with positive elements as needs arise, to reach an absolute state to overcome the ego and arrive at the moment of perfection, thus giving the sport a philosophical dimension.
Westerners were inclined to regard the feats of Taekwondo as mythical and Asian philosophy as unscientific. Recent study of Asian traditions and culture by the Western world has changed attitudes toward the Far East. Regarding Taekwondo, Occidental observers began to see the unbelievable power of the human mind, body, and spirit with which practitioners can break bricks, roof tiles, and concrete blocks with their bare hands and fists. These abilities have been acknowledged by scientists from many fields.
The Korean Taekwondo Association has devoted itself to developing and disseminating the skills, techniques, and philosophy of Taekwondo, which culminated in the formation of the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) and the first World Taekwondo Championship Competitions, held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, in 1973. More than forty countries from all over the world participated.
