Taekwondo Philosophy
The ultimate goal of Taekwondo is the attainment of a harmony of physical,
mental and spiritual centres to achieve what is often referred to as ‘oneness’.
This means that a person will do the right thing at the right time without
uncertainty, be it avoiding a deadly blow, expressing gratitude or coming to
another’s aid. Such a person is said to express an intuitive response to life
unencumbered by hesitation or self-doubt.
The road to this goal is long and arduous and for some may seem impossible.
Still, even after a relatively short period of training many will begin to
experience a heightened sense of calm and focus. Students will find that they
can apply this to other aspects of their life such as work, and parents will
notice an improvement in their children’s self discipline and integrity. The
reason for this is as follows: One of the most stressful things a person can
do is fight, so if a person can fight with their mind free of tension, fear or
anger, then other events in their life that might otherwise be a source of
stress, can be handled objectively and effortlessly. This is achieved as the
novice undergoes:
Fitness & co-ordination training
Good co-ordination, toning, reduction of weight, improved
flexibility, cardiovascular conditioning, increased strength, general fitness.
Self Discipline
Self confidence, self-discipline, better judgement, self
control, stress reduction, better self image, positive attitude.
Team Work
The student learns to work with fellow members as part of
the team in class and interrelation between peer groups, seniors and juniors.
Respect
The student takes on more responsibility in terms of
looking after juniors and guiding them. At the same time, he or she learns to
seek guidance from his or her seniors and is responsible towards them.
High Achievement
The student learns to persevere and develop a strong
tenacity to be responsible for his or her actions and achieve set goals and
tasks.
High Morality
With the aquiring of skills which convert his or her hands
and feet into lethal weapons, the student learns to abide by the tenants and
oath of Taekwondo to achieve a sense of fair play, justice and loyalty to
ethics of Taekwondo.
Not all Taekwondo schools advocate these methods. These are the ways of the
Traditional Taekwondo Association.