Advantages of Taekwon-Do

POPULARITY:

Young and old, male and female, and in some cases even handicapped persons are able to practice Taekwon-Do. Physical strength, weight and body build are of no consequences. A 60 year old, 85 pound, one armed women can derive as much personal satisfaction, along with marked improvement in her mental and physical state of health, as an 18year old Olympic decathlon champion.

Patterns may be chosen according to a student’s limitations and since Taekwon-Do boasts a myriad of techniques, those best suited for an individual student can be chosen or modified. A word of encouragement for those who are physically underdeveloped; the majority of Taekwon-Do masters today were not initially endowed with physical strength or natural co-ordination. In fact, an instructor usually prefers an underdeveloped student not only because of the personal challenge, but because this type of student will usually work much harder and become the most dedicated student.

In some ways, Taekwon-Do is similar to gymnastics. A student has merely to repeat what the instructor has demonstrated with occasional corrections on proper technique. Also a student with even limited training can be introduce another beginner to techniques the student himself has already mastered.

ECONOMY:

Although a practice suit is a prerequisite in classroom training as an aid for mental and spiritual conditioning, one can just as easily train in shirts, tracksuit or even street clothes.

To train or harden an attacking or blocking tool, straw rope wound around a piece of wood, a bag filled with sand or a piece of cloth or paper suspended by a string can suffice if the regular training aide is not available.

Since Taekwon-Do can be practiced in a cleared space in your backyard or even public park in the absence of training hall, the student has the convenience of training by himself any time it suits him.

TENACITY:

There are two pitfalls all students, regardless of rank, should avoid.

Boredom: There is a common tendency among beginners to tire of repeating the same techniques over and over. Boredom will usually set in between the third and sixth month for a beginning student. This is the period when a student is building his Taekwon-Do foundation by learning fundamental technique and building power.

Impatience, lack of self-confidence, inability to perceive improvement and just plain physical fatigue combine to cause a psychological and physical ennui. After the seventh month, however, the student develops physically and fatigue is reduced. The student begins to learn techniques that he can use to gauge his rate of advancement; and through breaking techniques and sparring the student develops confidence. The best way to combat boredom is to attend classes regularly and develop to attain a specific goal.

LACK OF THOROUGHNESS:

Too often the students sacrifice thoroughness in the learning process, because they tend to lose patience and insist on progressing to a higher technique before mastering the previous one. Students should realize that it is extremely important for them to know thoroughly one single technique until it becomes reflexive before advancing to the next.

The secret of becoming a black belt is a simple one: learn thoroughly each technique, especially patterns, step by step , not only developing a physical reflexive action, but developing mental concentration as well.

Significance of Belt Colours

There are six belts: white, yellow, green, blue, red and black. White is given to beginners and black is given to students who have progressed through the grades and have a solid foundation for learning the techniques of Taekwon-Do.

The definition of the belts, are as follows:

• White Belt:Signifies innocence, as that of the beginning student who has no previous knowledge of Taekwon-Do.
• Yellow Belt: Signifies the earth from which a plant sprouts and takes root as the foundation of Taekwon-Do is being laid.
• Green Belt: Signifies the plant’s growth as Taekwon-Do skills begin to develop.
• Blue Belt: Signifies the Heaven towards which the plant matures into a towering tree as training in Taekwon-Do progresses.
• Red Belt: Signifies Danger, cautioning the student to exercise control and warning the opponent to stay away.
• Black Belt: Opposite of white, therefore signifying the maturity and proficiency in Taekwon-Do, also indicates the wearer’s imperviousness to darkness and fear.

Students must grade through the following belts in the following order:

• White belt given to the beginner – 10th gup
• White belt yellow tags – 9th gup
• Yellow belt – 8th gup
• Yellow belt green tags – 7th gup
• Green belt – 6th gup
• Green belt blue tags – 5th gup
• Blue belt – 4th gup
• Blue belt red tags – 3rd gup
• Red belt – 2nd gup
• Red belt black tags – 1st gup
• Through to Black Belt – 1st dan/degree

Taekwon-Do and Mental Effect

Taekwon-Do is an art that implies a way of thinking and life, and particularly in instilling moral civilization and generating the power for justice. Taekwon-Do is also known as one of the best means of developing and enhancing the emotional, perceptual and psychological characteristics that enable the younger generation, regardless of age, social status or sex, to effectively learn and participate in the social demands of his peers.

Every movement of Taekwon-Do is scientifically designed with specific purpose and a skillful instructor may, therefore, develop in the student a belief that success is possible for anyone.

Constant repetition teaches patience and the resolve to overcome any difficulty. The tremendous power generated from one’s body develops the self-confidence to meet any opponent, at any place, and in any situation. Sparring teaches humility, courage, alertness and accuracy, adaptability as well as self-control.

Patterns teaches flexibility, grace, balance and co-ordination, while the fundamental exercises develop precision and teaches the method, principle, imagination and purpose. Eventually, this training permeates every conscious and subconscious action of the student.

Taekwon-Do and Physical Fitness

The study of Taekwon-Do offers several unique advantages to the physical fitness of the student. No doubt one of life’s most treasured assets is good health. Therefore, one of the great cardinal sins of mankind is his abuse of this asset. Incidentally, he who does not abuse or hurt his own body, including the hair, is defined as obedient to his parents; so described in Oriental philosophy.

Wealth, power, fame and the blessing of physical beauty are all relatively unimportant if one does not posses good health. An individual owes it to himself and his family to constantly maintain and improve his health. Confucius said “Being in good health is a way of showing great devotion to the parents, as child’s health is their utmost concern”.

The students will realize, how important Taekwon-Do is to human health through the following article written by Dr Robert S. Arner, a black belt holder of Taekwon-Do.

“Taekwon-Do may be practiced individually or in groups without the use of weights or special equipment. It is, in most cases, practiced alone except the sparring. Since the body sets its own limits, injuries or strains are rare and the physical condition of the student paces him automatically. The entire muscle system of the body, from the fingers to the toes, is brought into play.

The training does not produce large knotty muscles; it tends to exchange flabby fat tissue for leaner and more flexible musculature. Such muscles have more of their areas close to blood supply routes, thus producing maximum endurance and well-being (Brown and Kenyon, “Classical Studies on Physical Activity, p231).

The emphasis in twisting the trunk in executing the kicking movements and in counterbalancing the hand movements builds a firm, well muscled abdomen. The high leg raise preceeding most of the kicks in Taekwon-Do develops the side of the trunk and inner thigh muscles. The study of Taekwon-Do is particularly recommended for women because of its development of the lower abdomen. Hips and inner thighs, areas which produce a youthful feminine figure for women of all ages.

After childbirth in particular, these areas are stretched and weakened; Taekwon-Do training is ideal to restore muscle tone for health as well as appearance.

The typical training regimen, involving extensive movements of the entrie body, raises the pulse rate and oxygen characteristics of the heart and lunchs over an extended period. This increased ventilation is termed an aerobic effect (Cooper, Kenneth H “Aerobics p108) and provides the following benefits:

1. Helps the lungs operate more efficiently.
2. Enlarges the blood vessels, making them more pliable and reducing the resistance to blood flow, thus lowering blood pressure.
3. Increases the blood supply, especially red blood cells and haemoglobin.
4. It makes the body tissue healthier in supplying it with more oxygen.
5. It conditions the heart, providing more reserve for emergencies.
6. It promotes better sleep and waste elimination.

The training tends to be a normaliser of body weight in that it results in a gain of solid tissue for the underweight and a loss of body fat for the obese. The estimated calorie consumption for a vigorous Tawkwon-Do workout is about six hundred calories per hour, one of the highest for any sports activity.

Since the expenditure of about 3,500 calories results in a weight loss of one pound, it will be seen that a weekly training schedule of only six hours will result in weight loss of one pound per week.

System of Rank

In Taekwon-Do, character development, fortitude, tenacity, and technique are graded as well as individual capacity. The promotional scale is divided into nineteen ranks – 10 grades (Gups) and nine degrees (Dans). The former begins with 10 th grade (Gup) the lowest and ends at first grade. Degrees begin with the first degree (Dan) and end with the ultimate, ninth degree.

There is, of course certain significance in the numbering system. With degrees, the number 9 is not only the highest one among one digit numbers, but also is the number of 3 multiplied by 3. In the Orient, three is the most esteemed of all the numbers. The Chinese character representing three is written :. The upper line symbolizes the heaven; the middle line, mortals; and the bottom line earth. It was believed that the individual who was successful in promoting his country, fellowmen and god, and able to reach an accord with all three would aspire to become King, which was written thusly :.

The Chinese character for three and king are nearly synonymous. When the number three is multiplied by itself, the equation is nine, the highest of the high; therefore ninth degree is the highest of the high-ranking belts. It is also interesting to note that when the number 9 is multiplied by any other single digit number, and the resultant figures are added together, the answer always equals 9 ie. 9 x 1=9, 9 x 2=18, 1 + 8=9 and so on up to 9 x 9=81, 8 + 1=9. Since this is the only single digit number having this property, it again points to the number 9 as being the most positive of figures.

Taking the use of the number three one step further, the degrees are further divided into three distinct classes. First through third degree is considered the novice stages of black belt. Students are still merely beginners in comparison to the higher degrees. At fourth degree, the student crosses the threshold of puberty and enters the expert class. Seventh through ninth is composed of Taekwon-Do masters – the elite who fully understand all the particular of Taekwon-Do, mental and physical.

There is perhaps one question that remains; why begin with the lowest of the two digit numbers, “10” why not begin with the lowest one digit number and proceed from first grade to ninth grade, and then begin again for degrees? Though it would certainly be more logical, the 10 to 1 and 1 to 10 numerical system in the Orient is ageless. It would be impossible, if not even a bit impertinent, to attempt to change a practice that is even carried onto children’s games. Perhaps there was an initial logical reason for it, however, it seems to have been lost in antiquity. Anyhow, the number “10” is the lowest existing two-digit number, consequently, a beginner must start at this number rather than 11 or 12 which are numerically higher.

THEORY OF POWER – (Him Ui Wolli)

The beginning student may ask; “Where does one obtain the power to create the devastating results attributed to Taekwon-Do?” This power is attributed to the utilization of a person’s full potential through the mathematical application of Taekwon-Do techniques. The average person uses only 10 to 20 percent of his potential. Anyone, regardless of size, age or sex who can condition himself to use 100 percent of his potential can also perform the same destructive techniques.

Though training will certainly result in a superb level of physical fitness, it will not necessarily result in the acquisition of extraordinary stamina or superhuman strength. More important, Taekwon-Do training will result in obtaining a high level of reaction force, concentration, equilibrium, breath control and speed; these are the factors that will result in a high degree of physical power.

REACTION FORCE – Bandong Kyok

According to Newton ’s Law, every force has an equal and opposite force. When an automobile crashes into a wall with the force of 2,000 pounds, the wall will return a force of 2,000 pounds; or forcing the end of the seesaw down with a ton of weight will provide an upward force of the same weight; if your opponent is rushing towards you at a high speed, by the slightest blow at this head, the force with which you strike his head would be that of his own onslaught plus that of your blow.

The two forces combined, his which is large, and yours which is small is quite impressive. Another reaction force is your own. A punch with the right fist is aided by pulling back on the left fist to the hip.

CONCENTRATION – Jip Joong

By applying the impact force onto the smallest target area, it will concentrate the force and therefore, increase its effect. For example, the force of water coming out of a water hose is greater if the orifice is smaller. Conversely, the weight of a man spread out on snow shoes, makes hardly an impression on the snow. The blows in Taekwon-Do are often concentrated onto the edge of the open palm or to the crook of the fingers.

It is very important that you should not unleash all your strength at the beginning but gradually and particularly at the pint of contact with your opponent’s body, the force must be so concentrated as to give a knock-out blow. That is to say, the shorter the time for the concentration, the greater will be the power of the blow. The utmost concentration is required in order to mobilize every muscle of the body onto the smallest target area simultaneously.

In conclusion, concentration is done in two ways; one is to concentrate every muscle of the body, particularly the bigger muscles around the hip and abdomen (which theoretically are slower than the smaller muscles of other parts of the body) towards the appropriate tool to be used at the proper time; the second way is to concentrate such mobilized muscles onto the opponent’s vital spot. This is the reason why the hip and abdomen are jerked slightly before the hands and feet in any action, whether it be attack or defence. Remember, jerking can be executed in two ways; laterally and vertically.

EQUILIBRIUM – Kyun Hyung

Balance is of utmost importance in any type of athletics. In Taekwon-Do, it deserves special consideration. By keeping the body always in equilibrium, that is, well balanced, a blow is more effective and deadly. Conversely, the unbalanced one is easily toppled. The stance should always be stable yet flexible, for both offensive and defensive movements.

Equilibrium is classified into both dynamic and static stability. They are so closely inter-related, that the maximum force can only be produce when the static stability is maintained through dynamic stability.

To maintain good equilibrium, the center of gravity of the stance must fall on a straight line midway between both legs when the body weight is distributed equally on both legs, or in the center of the foot if it is necessary to concentrate the bulk of body weight on one foot. The center of gravity can be adjusted according to body weight. Flexibility and knee spring are also important in maintaining balance for both a quick attack and instant recovery. One additional point; the heel of the rear foot should never be off the ground at the point of impact. This is not only necessary for good balance but also to produce maximum power at the point of impact.

BREATH CONTROL – Hohup Jojul

Controlled breathing not only affects one’s stamina and speed but can also condition a body to receive a blow and augment the power of a blow directed against an opponent. Through practice, breath stopped in the state of exhaling at the critical moment when a blow is landed against a pressure point on the body can prevent a loss of consciousness and stifle pain. A sharp exhaling of breath at the moment of impact and stopping the breath during the execution of a movement tense the abdomen to concentrate maximum effort of the delivery of the motion, while a slow inhaling helps the preparation of the next movement. An important rule to remember; Never inhale while focusing a block or blow against an opponent. Not only will this impede movement but it will also result in a loss of power.

Students should also practice disguised breathing to conceal any outward signs of fatigue. An experienced fighter will certainly press an attack when he realizes his opponent is on the point of exhaustion. One breath is required for one movement with the exception of continuous motion.

MASS – Zilyang

Mathematically, the maximum kinetic energy or force is obtained from maximum body weight and speed and it is all important that the body weight be increased during the execution of a blow. No doubt the maximum body weight is applied with the motion of turning the hop. The large abdominal muscles are twisted to provide additional body momentum. Thus the hop rotates in the same direction as that of the attacking or blocking tool as in figure F. Another way of increasing body weight is the utilisation of a springing action of the knee joint. This is achieved by slightly raising the hip at the beginning of the motion and lowering the hip at the moment of impact to drop the body weight into the motion.

In summarizing, it is necessary to point out that the principles of force outlined here hold just as true today in our modern scientific and nuclear age as they did centuries ago.

I am sure that when you go through this art, both in theory and in practice, you will find that the scientific basis of the motions and the real power which comes out of a small human body, cannot fail to impress you.

SPEED – Sokdo

Speed is the most essential factor of force or power. Scientifically, force equals mass multiplied by acceleration (F=MA) or (P=MV2).

According to the theory of kinetic energy, every object increases its weight as well as speed in a downward movement. This very principle is applied to this particular art of self-defence. For this reason, at the moment of impact, the position of the hand normally becomes lower that the shoulder and the foot lower than the hip while the body is in the air.

Reaction force, breath, control, equilibrium, concentration and relaxation of the muscles cannot be ignored. However, these are the factors that contribute to the speed and all these factors put together with flexible and rhythmic movements, must be well co-ordinated to produce the maximum power in Taekwon-Do.

Training Secrets of Taekwon-Do

An old proverb says that even heaven cannot make a diligent worker poor. However, in Taekwon-Do, diligence or intensive training alone does not produce quality techniques. On the contrary, instructions from a false or unqualified instructor would be worse than not being taught at all because unscientific movements not only reduce the power but require a tremendous amount of time to correct. On the other hand, under the proper guidance of a competent instructor, a student who trains earnestly with dedication will learn the true techniques of Taekwon-Do in a comparatively short period of time with less effort.

Students should keep in mind the following secrets:

• To study the theory of power thoroughly.
• To understand the purpose and method of each movement clearly.
• To bring the action of eyes, hands, feet and breath into one single co-ordinated action.
• To choose the appropriate attacking tool for each vital spot.
• To become familiar with the correct angle and distance for attack and defence.
• Keep both the arms and legs bent slightly while movement is in motion.
• All movements must begin with a backward motion with very few exceptions.
• To create sine wave during the movement by utilizing the knee spring.