The Benefits of Taekwon-Do
What is Taekwon-Do?
One can not simplify the meaning of Taekwon-Do, but to
put it in its most basic form, Taekwon-Do originated in Korea and is the
art of kicking and punching. Taekwon-Do is a version of unarmed combat
designed for self-defense, but it is also more than that. It is the
scientific and ultimate use of the body gained through intensive physical
and mental training.
Taekwon-Do was designed on the fundamentals of kinetic
and potential energy due to velocity and gravity respectively. Applying
these principles together and correctly along with the theory of power
this martial art creates unequal power and technique.
Though Taekwon-Do is a martial art, its discipline,
technique and mental training are the fundamentals for building a strong
sense of justice, fortitude and humility. It is the mental conditioning
that separates the true practitioner from the sensationalist content with
mastering only the fighting aspects. This is one of the reasons that
Taekwon-Do is called an art of self-defense. It also implies a way of
life, particularly in instilling a concept of self-imposed discipline and
an ideal of noble moral rearmament.
Mental Fitness
Through devoted training one can gradually attain mental
fitness. By practicing and repeating each step to perfection, we become
more patient. Self-confidence is attained through the power of one's body
and the knowledge of how to use it at any place and in any situation.
Sparring helps us build humility, courage, alertness, and accuracy and
develops self-control. By doing patterns, we increase our flexibility,
grace, balance and co-ordination. Through discipline and interaction with
others, we learn co-operation and mutual respect. Prejudices are not
welcome and we soon learn that racial barriers only stand in the way of
our training.
Physical Fitness
There are many physical benefits for a person who
practices Taekwon-Do. Along with developing a healthier, leaner and more
flexible body, we also increase endurance through a typical training
regime. The health-related effects of training are numerous. Taekwon-Do
training:
- Helps to release stress and enhances concentration
- Builds strength, agility and flexibility
- Helps the lungs to operate more efficiently
- Conditions the heart
- Enlarges the blood vessels and lowers the diastolic
blood pressure
- Increases blood supply to all parts of the body
- Creates healthier body tissue by supplying it with
more oxygen
- Promotes better sleep and waste elimination
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