WHAT IS
TAEKWONDO?
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
WHAT IS TAEKWONDO?
Taekwondo is one of the most systematic and scientific Korean traditional martial arts, that teaches more than physical fighting skills. It is a discipline that shows ways of enhancing our spirit and life through training our body and mind. Today, it has become a global sport that has gained an international reputation, and stands among the official games in the Olympics. First, Taekwondo is the right way of using Tae and Kwon 'fists and feet,' or all the parts of the body that are represented by fists and feet. Second, it is a way to control or calm down fights and keep the peace. This concept comes from the meaning of Tae Kwon 'to put fists under control' [or 'to step on fists']. Thus Taekwondo means "the right way of using all parts of the body to stop fights and help to build a better and more peaceful world." Taekwondo has been developing with the 5000-year long history of Korea, being called by several different names in the course. In Korea, Taekwondo began as a defense martial art called "Subak" or "Taekkyon," and developed as a way of training body and mind in the ancient kingdom of Koguryo, under the name of "Sunbae." In the Shilla period, it had become the backbone of Hwarangdo that aimed at producing leaders of the country.
Taekwondo can be characterized by unity: the unity of body, mind, and life, and the unity of the pose ("poomsae") and confrontation, and cracking down. When you do Taekwondo, you should make your mind peaceful and synchronize your mind with your movements, and extend this harmony to your life and society. This is how in Taekwondo the principle of physical movements, the principle of mind training, and the principle of life become one and the same.
FIVE MENTAL BENEFITS TO TAEKWONDO TRAINING
1. Heightened Self-Esteem
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At Chung's Taekwondo Total Martial Arts Academy we emphasize the mental benefits of all martial arts and are continually surprised when people overlook them. Taekwondo students quickly learn that their mental strength grows along with their physical stature. Individuals with low self-esteem believe they are incapable of doing anything at a high level, but that changes as their training progresses.
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Suddenly, they find that the process of learning new taekwondo moves gives them more confidence, and they can feel a significant change inside. With a new-found ability to defend themselves, kids who have been bullied find it easier to stand up to their aggressors, and this also leads to a profound change in their mental attitude.
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2. Improved Cognitive Function
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It has been discovered that physical activity levels are linked to improved cognitive functions in children. Along with neurological benefits, taekwondo gives students an outlet to move their bodies, and this works to improve memory. As a result, practicing a martial art like taekwondo can actually help a child get better grades in school!
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3. Stronger Self-Discipline
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An accusation commonly leveled at individuals in the modern era is that they are mentally weak. Instead of having an understanding that life is filled with challenges, people can grow up with a sense of entitlement due to a lack of discipline. When you practice taekwondo, you quickly become aware that hard work is the key to success.
Whether you are an adult or a child, this knowledge can help you shake off the lethargy holding you back. As you progress in taekwondo, it becomes apparent your hard work is paying off, and this mental attitude is likely to spread to other areas of your life. You could develop the discipline needed to meet all your life goals by practicing taekwondo.
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4. Better Focus
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With the aforementioned discipline comes an element of mental clarity. Regardless of whether you have to push through the pain barrier, focus your energy on breaking a board, or practice a tough form that requires immense concentration, taekwondo will help because it requires control of your mind over your body. Those who achieve this are rewarded with clean, crisp techniques, and once again this focus carries over into your everyday life.
5. Ability to Set & Meet Goals
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Those who are mentally strong have clearly defined goals and a pre-written path to achieving them. In life, success comes from completing a series of small goals in order to achieve a major one. This is exactly the same way taekwondo operates, as you practice technique after technique and are ultimately rewarded with mastery.
Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.
— Mahatma Gandhi