Introduction to TaeKwonDo |
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What is TaeKwonDo?Tae Kwon Do is a martial art and sport that without the use of weapons, teaches the practitioner techniques for defense and offense. Regardless of age or sex, Tae Kwon Do teaches the practitioner to use his or her hands and feet in any defensive situation. FunctionsAs a form of physical exercise, Tae Kwon Do has a great effect on children's growth and development as well as youths' and elders' physical fitness. The techniques and forms of Tae Kwon Do are designed to develop control of all parts of the body. In addition, Tae Kwon Do demonstrates poise, allows flexibility in all joints of the body, and helps relieve fatigue and stress. As a martial art, Tae Kwon Do involves attacking opponents with bare hands and feet. The one distinguishing factor that Tae Kwon Do has from other martial arts is its powerful and diverse foot techniques, which make this martial art one of the world's most powerful sports. Even though Tae Kwon Do involves no use of weapons, it has the ability to knock down an opponent in one single blow. However, Tae Kwon Do emphasizes mastering defense techniques which come from the Tae Kwon Do thinking of respecting peace and justice. Tae Kwon Do teaches practitioners to practice the attitude of self-discipline to defend oneself and never attack or defeat others. As a modern sport, Tae Kwon Do has new merits. Spectators have created quite a following in venues such as the Olympic and Pan American Games. One would have a difficult time finding another sport that could compare to the gracefulness, accuracy, and power that is when thousands of practitioners perform. Just as Tae Kwon Do was performed in the opening ceremonies of the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, it has also grown into a popular international sport due to increase development of rules and protective gear that reduces injuries. Tae Kwon Do is now an official Olympic Event. As an educational tool, Tae Kwon Do not only improves a person's physical well-being, but their mental state as well. Through Tae Kwon Do, a practitioner practices the art of self perfection and understands the techniques in pursuit of the virtue of human life. In the school (Do-Jang in Korean) the student not only develops his body, but his mind as well. With the physical exercise of stretching, strengthening, drilling and sparring, the Tae Kwon Do student learns respect for their instructors, senior students, classmates, and themselves. The development and cultivation of good character and positive attitude is the central theme in the teaching of Tae Kwon Do. |
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