Waldorf Maryland Martial Arts and Fitness

Posts Tagged ‘Way Of Life’

The Truth About Taekwondo

Tae Kwon Do. What is it? To most, it’s a method of simply learning how to defend one’ self. Many simply think it’s a sport or “activity” their children can do for a few months…until football or soccer season begins again. Some believe it to be violent and heavily influenced by Eastern Religion. Let me tell you what it’s really all about, based on my 37 years of study of the Art of Tae Kwon Do.

Tae Kwon Do translated into English means “Kick-Punch-Way”. But much gets lost in this literal translation. Tae Kwon Do is a multifaceted and deeply profound way of living one’s life. To more accurately describe the depth and complexity of this martial art, the translation needs to be expanded. The power of this martial art is all-encompassing. It is not just about learning how to defend yourself. Tae Kwon Do has many layers that are peeled away and revealed slowly over one’s entire life. That is why anyone of any age can enjoy the benefits of Taekwondo. Unlike most sports that are reserved only for the young, Tae Kwon Do can be practiced well into old-age.

Tae Kwon Do more accurately described is “a way of life that shapes the practitioner’s self-concept in its entirety; one’s physical, mental, and spiritual spheres. It accomplishes this through extremely rigorous training of one’s body which, if practiced over many years, eventually leads to mastery of the many kicking and punching techniques it teaches and, thus, forges the body to levels that are remarkable. A natural consequence of this physical transformation is the extraordinary mental confidence and spiritual enlightenment that is also achieved.”

Tae Kwon Do, taught in a traditional manner, is a holistic method of character development, a personal improvement system that can totally affect one’s way of life and way of thinking. The Art of Tae Kwon Do has a deep philosophy, rich in the traditions of East Asia’s warrior class (i.e. Samurai). A philosophy of necessity to these soldiers. This is known today as the Way of “Budo”, or the Way of the Warrior. Their philosophy cherished life in the highest regard. To take a life was the last resort. These warriors held values such as honor, courage, loyalty, respect, integrity, humility, gratitude, and service in great revere.

Tae Kwon Do, today, emphasizes the same set of values to its practitioners. Unlike what is portrayed in film, its philosophy is based on a peaceful way of life built on freedom and justice. Tae Kwon Do skills should never be used until all other options have expired (i.e., walking away, talking it out). It underscores the importance of honor and respect towards parents, teachers, seniors, fellow students, and of course, one’s self. Tae Kwon Do’s philosophy also places a high priority on the protection of those younger and weaker, and, never to use one’s martial skills unjustly.

Tae Kwon Do is not easy, it’s benefits are not quickly obtained. It takes years to become proficient. But then, think about it. Anything of value requires hard work, patience, discipline, and dedication. Otherwise, it would hold no value. For those who stay the course, the results of their commitment and sacrifice are immeasurable!

In the end, a true practitioner of Tae Kwon Do lives a life striving for mastery of mind, body, and spirit through consistent and committed life-long training. Tae Kwon Do itself is a vehicle to build a more peaceful and harmonious individual and society . . .to build a more peaceful world. In fact, advanced practitioners pledge an oath to “share what I have learned with others” in hopes of achieving this end.

Martial Arts & Middle Schools!

I am going to make a bold statement, based partly on what I see day in and day out at my martial arts school and also on the behavior I witness of our community’s youth when I am out in public:

I think it should be a requirement that ALL students in Middle School study a martial art!

Not to learn how to defend themselves (although that is one of the many benefits acquired through study), but rather, to be exposed to the fundamental elements of respect, discipline, focus, and confidence that are inherently learned through the structure and function of a martial arts class.

In addition, not only will students learn these fundamental human values through the study of martial arts, they will also gain a profound understanding of what it takes to succeed at a worthwhile goal.  They will learn how to be patient and to persevere, even through failure; life lessons that are not easy, but which are sorely needed in the technologically speedy world in which we live today.

Respect, Discipline, Focus, and Confidence

The martial arts have, through the centuries, been founded on and operate by these basic human elements (respect, discipline, focus, and confidence) which are its underlying foundation.  These are elements which are integral to a warrior’s existence, as well as the existence of the society which he protects.  The warrior’s code, “Bushido”, has always and by necessity must demand of its members respect for authority, discipline to obey orders and superiors, focus on the mission at hand, and confidence to stand strong and fight alongside of your fellow warriors; even when being vastly outnumbered.  This is known simply as the “Way of the Warrior”.  It is a profound way of life.

Today, these elements of “Bushido” are still in use, but have been carried over in a totally different manner, to use as tools by martial arts instructors to build character in our students, especially our youth.  However, today we stress respect for our teachers, parents and our own body.  We stress discipline to do what’s right and not to be a victim of negative peer pressure.  We teach our students to focus on the positive and when trying to accomplish a task they must focus their eyes, their mind, and their body to be successful.  We instill self-confidence in them by believing in them ourselves and by showing them how to develop their own self-confidence by helping others who are younger or weaker than themselves.  The same concepts used centuries ago by the Samurai.  But used in a totally appropriate way for the youth of today.

Patience & Perseverance

Because of the speed that our society now operates, children also need to learn about patience and perseverance.  Patience and perseverance are extremely important elements in realizing any meaningful goal.  Anything of value takes hard work, effort, and time (A.K.A., patience) to accomplish.  If it didn’t, everyone would have it and its value would be worthless.

Furthermore, I believe that “success is composed of 99% failure”.   So perseverance is also essential to succeed at anything worth attaining.  What I mean is that at some point in life, we all fail at something.  We must understand that failure is a part of success and that we must continue past our failure by getting up brushing ourselves off and persevering towards our goal.

Unfortunately, I see that kids today have very little patience and perseverance to accomplish anything worthwhile, anything that takes a great amount of time, effort, or patience.  Furthermore, they are not willing to put out the effort necessary to really be excellent at something.  It seems that “good enough” is the standard among most of our youth.  This worries me.  No goals, no ambition…no future.

Martial Arts, taught properly, can change these negative attitudes.  I’ve seen it happen firsthand.  Again through the structure and function of a martial arts class, it provides the foundation to learn what it takes to accomplish a valuable goal (such as the Black Belt); to strive for excellence; to not be satisfied with mediocrity; and to try and reach for your full potential as a person!  It’s certainly not easy, but, with patience, perseverance, and passion anyone can be a success!  Goals we set are goals we get!

Conclusion

The martial arts are something that is sorely needed in our modern technologically enhanced society; for our youth in particular.  They need the solid moral and ethical foundation that martial arts will provide them:  A foundation that may be structurally a part of the academic school system’s curriculum, but not functionally brought to life as it is in a martial arts classroom; a foundation that may or may not be taught in the home.  We need to instill in our youth a solid foundation of moral and ethical values that will enhance their lives as well as the communities in which they live.  And the martial arts can and will do this, given the opportunity.

So again, I make the bold statement:

I think it should be a requirement that ALL students in Middle School study a martial art!

I hope you agree.

Regards,

Mr C.