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 “way” or “method.” 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:
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.
