Philosophy of Taekwondo

Philosophy of Taekwondo The utmost purpose of Taekwondo is to eliminate fighting by discouraging the stronger's oppression of the weaker with a power that must be based on humanity, justice, morality, wisdom and faith, thus helping to build a better and more peaceful world.

In recent years, there has been an upsurge in violence and loss of morality in all levels of society, especially among the young. There are, of course, a number of reasons for this. Many psychologists today feel that this problem stems from frustration. Analysts point out that these misguided people are, indeed a disillusioned segment of society searching for values and relevance in what they consider a deceitful, materialistic, and absurd world of wars, racism, and decadence. Unfortunately, however, instead of constructively channeling their extraordinary energy and potential, far too many strike out in blind anger, destroying rather than building, or merely running away from it all by isolating themselves with drugs and their own worlds of fantasy. Presently, the tendency of "the stronger preying upon the weaker", appears to be at its peak. In fact, the present world closely resembles a "corrupt age". This is not merely because of the struggle for survival, but because of an over developed, material, and scientific civilization.

Since the former misleads the young to the extreme materialism or egoism, while the latter seizes human beings with fear-though playing an essential role in public welfare. Then what would be the remedy? Useless to say that it is the development of moral civilization - the proper mental status of a human being as the lord of creation-enough to prevail or at least keep abreast with the development of material and scientific civilization. Taekwondo is an Art that implies a way of thinking and life and particularly in instilling moral civilization and generating the power for justice. Taekwondo is also known as one of the best means of developing and enhancing the emotional, perceptual, and psychological characteristics that enable the younger generation regardless of age, social status or sex to effectively learn and participate in the social and play demands of his peers. Every movement of Taekwondo if scientifically designed with specific purpose and a skillful instructor may therefore, develop in the student a belief that success is possible for anyone. Constant repetition teaches patience and the resolve to overcome any difficulty. The tremendous power generated from one's body develops the self-confidence to meet any opponent, at any place, and in any situation. Sparring teaches humility, courage, alertness and accuracy, adaptability as well as self-control. Pattern teaches flexibility, grace, balance, and coordination, while the fundamental exercises develop preciseness and teaches the method, principle and purpose. Eventually, this training permeates every conscious and subconscious action of the student.

Perhaps in some way, Taekwondo and the guiding hand of a qualified instructor may serve as an aid to misguided, insecure, and physically weak because the student who comes to love the Art quickly realizes that to excel, the body must be kept at its optimum peak of conditioning and he will, consequently, hesitate to jeopardized his training in any way. Thus, Taekwondo offers a strict self-imposed discipline along with a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. Together with discipline, there are many who need and search for acceptance and leadership, and are anxious to associate with a group or a strong leader. If the student trains conscientiously, his peers and superiors will easily accept him. If the instructor and ranking belts are articulate, well-groomed, polite, humble, confident, intelligent, and understanding, this leadership will provide, perhaps, the best of all possible influences on the student.

Prejudice is taught at an early age but there is little time for petty prejudices while sharing the camaraderie and Spartan training atmosphere of Taekwondo. Through severe training classes one learns to communicate with the obvious result that racial barriers are stripped away. The harmonious exchange of Taekwondo between races certainly helps to eradicate the unfortunate lack of understanding that often exists between people.

Obviously, the training one receives in Taekwondo has numerous other advantages. Taekwondo can be quite beneficial for preparing youth not only for taking his place in society, but also for his academic life. The art teaches, among other things, tenacity and concentration; and it is also conducive for relieving the tensions and pressures effectuated by the rigors of long, tedious hours of study. A session of training can refresh the student and help calm and clear the mind, permitting the student to once again focus his energies completely on his studies. Students tend to become lethargic and distracted after long hours in the confines of a classroom. Through breaking, the student learns to clear his mind and remove obstacles that might normally detract from focused power.

Using this same principle against a specific target, a diligent student can learn to concentrate his resources with a minimum loss of energy. Taekwondo also tends to accelerate a student's process of maturation, since the seriousness of the art, its potentiality, and the profound respect he eventually gains from the training stimulates the student's sensitivity and perception. Here is perhaps the instructor's most important phase of instruction: the ability to teach a student methods of using the body as a weapon without abusing that knowledge.

Though the process may be a frustrating one, the task of educating the public and responsible leaders in the community and introducing the stimuli of Taekwondo to the young is a challenge all dedicated students undertake. It is hoped that the foregoing information has sufficiently expressed the reasons why Taekwondo has been spreading like wildfire throughout the world. However it must be clearly remembered that the moral civilization while enables the younger generations to possess their own view of life and philosophy, eradicating a deteriorative tendency is the prime reason of all.