Taekwondo – The Art of Self-Defense

taekwondo

The Art of Self-Defense

Taekwondo is a martial art that teaches students how to use their bodies as weapons in combat. It is a system of self-defense that originated in the ancient kingdom of Korea, and is considered to be one of the most effective martial arts.

Practicing Taekwondo develops your body, mind and spirit. It is a form of exercise that builds strength, flexibility, balance, endurance, speed, memory, concentration and self-control.

Innae, Geuggi and Unity

In Taekwondo, unity (innae), perseverance (geuggi) and harmony with the surroundings are all important aspects of training. These values are embodied in the way that the instructor conducts and teaches classes as well as in how the student trains themselves.

Perseverance is the ability to push on when it seems impossible, and to stay motivated when times are tough. This is often a key factor in overcoming the difficulties that come with taekwondo training, as well as in life in general.

It is also an excellent way to keep your emotions in check, and help you remain calm under pressure. This is particularly important in taekwondo sparring, where you are required to think fast and make decisions quickly in order to defeat your opponent.

Breaking Boards and Tiles

In taekwondo, it is believed that a person who has trained for a long time can easily break boards, bricks, or tiles of various thicknesses with a single blow or the edge of a palm. The theory is that if a punch or kick is delivered with an oscillating movement, the target material will bounce off the blow.