Taekwondo: The Art of Discipline

Khushi Vaid, New Delhi

Taekwondo is one of Korea’s most tough and most scientific classical martial arts, lessoning further than just physical fighting ways. It’s a specialty that teaches us how to enhance our spirits and memoirs by putting out our bodies and minds.

Presently, it is a global sport with a prestigious worldwide reputation and is one of the Olympic official games too.

“Tae” “Kwon” and “Do” is made up of three pieces in English spelling, however, it is only one word in Korean. “Tae” refers to the “foot,” “leg,” or “to walk on,” while “Kwon” refers to the “fist,” or “fight,” and “Do” refers to the “method” or “discipline.”

We can see two fundamental concepts behind “Tae Kwon Do” if we put these three pieces together. First, Taekwondo is the proper way to use Tae and Kwon ‘fists and feet,’ or all the bodily components symbolised by fists and feet. Second, it’s a means to keep the peace by controlling or calming fights. This idea is derived from the definition of Tae Kwon, which is “the right use of all body parts to end conflicts and contribute to the development of a better and more peaceful society.”

Taekwondo has evolved over the span of Korea’s 5000-year history, and has been known by a variety of names. Taekwondo originated in Korea as a kind of self-defence known as “Subak” or “Taekkyon,” and evolved into a method of body and mind training known as “Sunbae” means a man of virtue who never recoils from fighting. It’s defined as the best martial arts in Korea and the group became legendary for their martial art moves (In modern Korea, Sun Bae refers to the most senior). in the ancient kingdom of Goguryo. It had become the backbone of Hwarang-do throughout the Silla period, with the goal of generating national leaders.

Taekwondo gradually gained popularity over time and is now a popular sport. The uniform wore in Taekwondo is Dobok. It was recognised as Korea’s National Sport in 1971. In 1973, the first World Taekwondo Championship were held in Seoul and in 1980, the IOC adopted it as an official event of the Olympic Games. With about 100 million participants worldwide, it has developed into a global sport.

The South Korean government supports the international distribution of Taekwondo masters. In contested territories where they are stationed, active UN Peacekeeping Troops instruct locals in Taekwondo. In many parts of the world, South Korean Taekwondo is revered as a national emblem.

Picture Credits: Wikipedia

Taekwondo nowadays resembles and shares some characteristics with martial arts from other Asian countries, as it has absorbed many distinct forms from the martial arts of Korea’s neighbours, such as Japan and China, during the history of its evolution. However, Taekwondo is not like other eastern martial arts. First and foremost, it is physically very dynamic, with energetic motions that encompass a plethora of foot skills. Second, the primary bodily movements are in sync with the mind’s and life’s overall movements. Third, it has dynamic stances from a different angle.

Taekwondo is known for its unity: unity of body, mind, and life, as well as unity of attitude [“poomsae”] and confrontation, as well as cracking down. When you practise Taekwondo, you should relax your mind and coordinate your motions, then carry this harmony throughout your life and society. In taekwondo, the principles of physical motions, mental training, and life principles all merge into one. The correct poomsae, on the other hand, lead to the appropriate conflict, which eventually produces a significant deal of destructive power.

Taekwondo uses its unique activities to promote harmonious growth and life development. Because of this, Taekwondo may be viewed as a way of life. To truly empower ourselves to live more meaningful lives, we would do well to discover the guiding concepts that Taekwondo has firmly veiled.

We hope you found this article informative. Thank you for reading! Share your thoughts in the comments 🙂

7 Comments Add yours

  1. Very informative and insightful.

  2. Moumita Mondal says:

    I didn’t know that much about taekwondo but this article really helped me to go through it.♥️

  3. Mamoni says:

    The national sport of South Korea, Taekwondo is a very interesting type of self-defence with lots of health benefits which makes me want to learn it❤

  4. This article explains taekwondo in such details 🙌 Loved reading it❤️

  5. anishanath says:

    This article is very informative and I would love learn it one day if I get a chance. Well written.

  6. Tirna says:

    Amazing information about taekwondo.

  7. Such an informative article

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