| It's a known fact that exercise improves our sense of | | | | Taekwondo often appears as an aggressive self |
| well being. In Martial arts, specifically Taekwondo is | | | | defense sport, but it is actually considered a supportive |
| considered by many to be an ideal workout as it | | | | sport by those who practice and master it. The goal is |
| combines most elements sought after in a balanced | | | | not to injure, but to protect, and the main competitor is |
| fitness program. Often translated in modern terms as | | | | ‘self’. The sports aspect of marital arts involves |
| "the way of the hand and foot," Taekwondo is a | | | | physical contact, and there are vast amounts of |
| Korean form of martial arts that combines rapid hand | | | | martial arts supplies to support the various aspects of |
| and foot movements, kicks and spins. With regular | | | | this art. Since the major goal is the protection of self, it |
| practice, not only can one increase their fitness level, | | | | is important to have the proper Taekwondo supplies. |
| but overall it is a great way to shed unwanted pounds | | | | As such, during sparring, students wear specially |
| and other bad habits. Taekwondo can also increase | | | | designed Taekwondo gear for protection and safety. |
| balance, strength, and flexibility. An added plus is an | | | | Element #5 – The Ethics |
| increase in confidence, and an overall sense of well | | | | Since Taekwondo builds the students confidence and |
| being. While the origins of Taekwondo date back | | | | ability to protect and defend them, it is important for |
| nearly 2000 years, its modern form and practice dates | | | | students to always embody integrity, humility and self |
| back to the 1950's. Hear are a few of elements to | | | | control. The forces of right and wrong are always |
| consider while looking into this form of martial arts. | | | | present in day to day life, and a good student is self |
| Element #1 – The Mind | | | | aware and seeks to demonstrate good behavior and |
| Often potential students and other enthusiast are | | | | proper judgment in all situations. |
| intrigued by the martial arts gear seen in movies, | | | | Element #6 – The Advancement |
| television, and advertisements. From the swords and | | | | It is important to research schools (dojo) and clubs |
| other sharp weapons, mats, shields, and targets, | | | | prior to becoming a student to ensure that |
| figuring out the proper Taekwondo gear can be | | | | advancements in the art are based on quality training |
| puzzling. What is surprising is that the practice of | | | | and acquiring the proper skills and techniques. Students |
| Taekwondo begins with properly engaging the mind. | | | | generally advance through exams administered by |
| As the student evolves in practice, the mind begins to | | | | instructors or during competition. Schools/clubs |
| sharpen and concentration is enhanced. The art and | | | | generally have very strict guidelines on advancement |
| form of Taekwondo resides with the dedication of the | | | | procedures. Exams usually include: kicking, sparring, and |
| students and not with martial arts uniforms or fancy | | | | demonstrating forms. During exams and competitions, |
| martial arts gear. Without the proper adjustment in the | | | | different schools/clubs are identifiable by the markings |
| mind of the student, the martial arts supplies will be of | | | | on their martial arts uniforms. The ranks of the |
| little use in improving the student’s life. | | | | students are determined by the colors of the belts |
| Element #2 – The Body | | | | they wear. |
| Taekwondo systematically engages and energizes all | | | | Element #7 – The Taekwondo Uniform |
| parts of the body. Each training session involves | | | | One of the first orders of business when joining a |
| stretching, balancing, sit-ups, squats, kicks, push-ups and | | | | class is to acquire the proper attire. Martial arts |
| punches. Anyone who has observed the sport has | | | | uniforms, specifically Taekwondo uniforms are |
| witnessed impressive displays of speed and agility, | | | | functional and symbolic. The uniform demonstrates |
| along with high kicks and punches. Once properly | | | | unity, and discipline, and is an indication of a serious |
| trained, the student’s body can be used defensively | | | | student. Taekwondo uniform for students, called |
| against attacks regardless of the height and weight of | | | | DoBok (Clothing for our way of life), are white to |
| the opponent. | | | | symbolize purity. Along with the white v-neck top and |
| Element #3 – The Spirit | | | | loose fitting white pants is the belt. The belt colors |
| Taekwondo brings the mind, body and spirit together. | | | | change as the students advance to higher degrees, |
| Practitioners believe that through the regular practice | | | | starting with white and building as skill is acquired to |
| and perfection of the technique, the sprit evolves to a | | | | black. |
| point of perfection. This spirit serves as the foundation | | | | Remember, these are just a few of Taekwondo’s |
| of all of the elements of Taekwondo, thus it is | | | | elements, all of which are intertwined and lend to the |
| considered a way of life and not a mere sport. | | | | successful application of this art. |
| Element #4 – The Sport | | | | |