TAEKWONDO (태권도/跆拳道)
Taekwondo is the most systematic and scientific Korean traditional martial arts, which teaches more than mere physical fighting skills. It is a discipline which shows ways of enhancing our spirit and life through training our body and mind. It is also a modern sport that has gained international reputation, and is one of the official games in the Olympics.
‘Tae‘ means to kick or smash with the feet, ‘kwon‘ implies punching or destroying with the hands or fists and ‘do‘ means the art or the way. Hence, taekwondo, a Korean phraseology, literally means the art of foot and hand fighting. ‘The way’ indicates not only the physical but also the spiritual aspect of this form of martial art. In reality, greater emphasis is placed on the spiritual rather than the physical matters of the art. The ultimate purpose of taekwondo, the true martial art, is the development of healthy bodies and virtues of modesty, benevolence, valor, wisdom, justice, courtesy and perseverance. Therefore, the true Taekwondo enables the realization of the full potential of man, both spiritual and physical.
AS A MARTIAL ART
Taekwondo techniques are designed to defend and attack with bare hands and feet. The one distinguishing factor that taekwondo has from other martial arts is that its powerful and diverse foot techniques, which make this martial art one of the world’s more powerful sports. Even though taekwondo involves no use of weapons, it has the ability to knock down an opponent in one single blow. Due to the traditional thinking of respecting peace and justice, taekwondo training emphasizes on mastering the defensive techniques.
AS A MODERN SPORT
Taekwondo has evolved into a modern sport while maintaining the virtues and practices of the art and efficient self-defense techniques. As a sport it involves the utilization of the skills of two superbly coordinated and conditioned contestants attempting to score points through skillful maneuvering adept footwork and a series of kicks and punches. The sport is governed by a set of rules and regulations designed by the World Taekwondo Federation. Amongst other things, the aim of the rules and regulations is to eliminate injurious techniques. The safety aspect is further enforced by the mandatory use of head gear, mouth guard, body protector, groin guard, shin guards and forearm guards. Taekwondo is a wonderful sport as it provides the opportunity for the participants to channel their aggressive tendencies through such a constructive activity governed by a set of rules and a spirit of fair play. It enables them to build and maintain a strong body through vigorous muscle exercise and also develop confidence, courage, self-reliance, quick thinking and respect for one’s fellow men. Another outstanding feature of the sport is the provision of a practical experience for participants to stand alone and face a series of difficult problems that call for split second decisions.
AS A FORM OF PHYSCIAL EXERCISE
Taekwondo has a great effect on the development of physical fitness for children, youths and the elderly. The techniques and form of taekwondo are designed to develop control of all parts of the body. In addition, taekwondo demonstrates poise, allows flexibility in all joints of the body, and helps relieve fatigue and stress.
AS AN EDUCATION TOOL
Taekwondo not only improves a person’s physical well-being, but also one’s mental state. Through taekwondo a practitioner practices the art of self perfection and understands the techniques in pursuit of the virtue of life. With the physical exercise of stretching, strengthening, drilling and sparring, practitioner learns to respect for their coaches, seniors and fellow members as well as their parents. The development and cultivation of good character and correct attitude is the central theme in Taekwondo training.
TAEKWONDO PHILOSOPHY
“The taekwondo spirit, which has been directly influenced by the national traditional thoughts, is infused with the national soul molded through common experiences of joy, anger, sorrow and pleasure throughout ages.”
The Koreans’ traditional martial art Taekwondo not only aims to acquire power on skill for self-defense but to perfect oneself with the character of devoting one’s life to the safeguard of justice, of respecting the responsibilities and of embodying the thought of universal equality. The ultimate goal of Taekwondo practice is to develop the character and personality in each practitioner through physical, mental and spiritual training. It inculcates the following tenets:
SELF CONTROL 극기 – PERSEVERANCE 인내 – COURTESY 예의 – INTEGRITY염치 – INDOMITABLE SPIRIT 백절불굴
ACME TAEKWONDO . 절정태권도 . 炫烽跆拳道