About Taekwondo
What is Taekwondo
Taekwondo is a martial art developed over many years in Korea.
The general translation of Taekwondo is the way of the foot and fist. The
main feature of Taekwondo is that it is a highly skilled self-defense art using
bare hands and feet to repel an opponent. Taekwondo incorporates kicks,
punches, blocks, strikes and teaches patience, endurance, perseverance and
respect. Taekwondo is similar to Karate however Taekwondo's emphasis on kicking gives practitioners a great
aerobic workout and improves balance and coordination. In addition to
being a martial art, Taekwondo's Free-Sparring is an
Olympic Sport.
Taekwondo is more than an art of action. It has spiritual significance,
formulates one's character and creates a physical and mental awareness of one's
own existence. The only way to truly understand Taekwondo is to experience its
training, philosophy, history and direction.
Taekwondo's Training is composed of four main
elements:
What is Taekwondo Jidokwan? 
Taekwondo Jidokwan is one of the original five (some say eight) kwans of
Taekwondo. The general translation of Jidokwan is Way of Knowledge.
Jidokwan actions are unrestrained to allow more fluid movements unlike most
other styles that emphasize ancient, rigid "robot actions".
Taekwondo Jidokwan still exists as a fraternal organization supporting Kukkiwon
Taekwondo. The symbol represents the Otogi, an object that when
knocked over keeps coming back up. Practitioners of Jidokwan are encouraged to
live the philosophy upon which the art is built - which is to spread through the
continents of the world The Spirit of Jidokwan. The Spirit of Jidokwan means
getting up eight times when you have fallen seven times. It means to always
stand upright in all tribulations, and never give in to failure.
Each petal of the flower may represent each of the Eight Manners of
Solemnity
- View Rightly
- Think Rightly
- Speak Rightly
- Order Rightly
- Contribute Rightly
- Have Ability
- Conduct Rightly
The Benefits of Taekwondo
- Learn self-defense
- Get a great cardiovascular workout
- Improve coordination, flexibility &
agility
- Develop confidence & discipline
- Stress relief & weight control
Improve your child in these areas
Children learn discipline and respect while they learn the art of self-defense.
They will improve their self-confidence and self-respect through achievement.
Taekwondo is good clean fun and a great way for kids to exercise and burn off
all that energy.
- Lack of self-discipline & confidence
- Negative attitudes and habits
- Attention & concentration problems
- Abuse at school due to shyness or weight problems
- Lack of self-respect or respect for others
Discipline and Self-Confidence
One of the benefits of Taekwondo is that in the practice of Taekwondo one learns
discipline and greater self-confidence. The way to self-confidence is not
through any magical means but through your own achievement. Taekwondo is not
about obtaining a higher rank but about what you can achieve. When students face
challenges and achieve, they gain self-confidence. In the continued challenges
and achievements of Taekwondo, one learns the discipline in working toward their
goals.
It is not for me.
Taekwondo is for you. You do not have to be a super athlete or "in
shape" to start learning Taekwondo. It is not just about all the fancy kicking
and punching you see in the movies and on television. The benefits are helpful
to everyone. With today's fast paced, hectic life that people lead,
Taekwondo is something you can do for yourself or together with your family.
It helps you improve yourself. It is for you! |
