What is Tae Kwon Do
Taekwondo is the most popular martial art in the world,
practiced in 165 countries. There two primary governing bodies for Tae
Kwon Do worldwide: The World Tae Kwon Do Federation (WTF), led by Dr.
Un Yong Kim, and the International Tae Kwon Do Federation (ITF), founded
and led by Gen. Hong Hi Choi. The Korean government only recognizes
the WTF. For this reason, due to its involvement in the Olympics, World
Games, and the World Tae Kwon Do Championships, the WTF is considered
politically the more powerful of the two,
Tae Kwon is action philosophy. “Tae” is
‘kicking, jumping, or using the feet’. “Kwon”
is ‘striking or using the hands’. “Do” means
‘A Way or Path through life’. Taekwondo is therefore “The
Way or Art of striking with the hands or feet.”
It is a martial art that promotes physical, mental,
and spiritual growth through life, respect to elders, helping the less
fortunate, and betterment of one’s community.
Taekwondo can help a person develop good coordination,
while gaining strength, flexibility, and improving cardiovascular conditioning.
A person can also build self-confidence, gaining better judgment and
improving self-control.
While developing a strong body, along with a sound mind,
it is important to learn valuable lessons offered by Tae Kwon Do. Tae
Kwon Do has three lessons, which are
The way to be honest, always standing for justice
How to respect and help others
The meaning of loyalty and courtesy
Incorporating these aspects and lessons in one’s
person’s life will help them become a disciplined, strong, humble,
and gentle person. It will also help promote in developing self-respect
for themselves and others.
(This information was researched and organized by Jessica Bennett)
(image designed by EDI, Eckert Design Ink)
Copyright © 2008 by Northern Michigan Tae Park Tae Kwon Do,
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