Taekwon-Do is a way of life and is a universal art of unarmed combat designed for the purpose of self defense. Modern day Taekwon-Do is practiced by millions of people around the world today. In Korean, Taekwon-Do means the way of the hand and foot, as Tae is literally translated as “to smash with the foot”, kwon means “destroy with the hand or fist” and do means “the art or way of.”
On April 11, 1955, General Choi Hong Hi was credited with officially naming this martial art, calling it Taekwon-Do, which he had developed, initially based off of elements of Taekkyon (an ancient Korean martial art dating back 2000 years) and Shotokan Karate, which he studied while in Japan. General Choi was also credited with starting the spread of Taekwon-Do internationally by stationing Korean Taekwon-Do instructors around the world to promote and teach it. The ITF (International Taekwon-Do Federation) was officially formed on March 22, 1966. Modern day Taekwon-Do has evolved and has been perfected over the years, encompassing philosophical values and goals which are rooted in the traditional moral culture of the orient. Taekwon-Do is also a technical martial art and based off of principles of physics.
TEN DETAILED REASONS HOW TAEKWON-DO BENEFITS CHILDREN
In a culture that seems to glorify violence in everything from music to video games and television shows, the idea of enrolling your child in Taekwon-Do training classes does not always seem like a good one. While martial arts centered action films seem to be filled to the brim with violent behavior and gory injuries, you may be surprised to learn that Taekwon-Do training is actually very beneficial to children. Like so many other things that Hollywood doesn’t always get right, Taekwon-Do isn’t quite the brutal, vicious pastime that it seems. In fact, below are ten of the reasons why you may want to consider Taekwon-Do training for your children.
Fostering Self-Discipline – One of the central tenets of all forms of the martial arts is an absolute focus on self-discipline. Today’s children are so accustomed to receiving instant gratification that lessons in self-restraint and discipline are not always easy to come by. Children with a martial arts background, however, are continually reminded of how essential self-discipline is.
Boosting Socialization Skills – Children who do not always thrive in highly social environments may find it easier to get to know people and make new friends when they are in a room filled with peers who share a common interest. The children on the playground may not always have much common ground, but devotees to the martial arts are able to get to know one another through shared pursuits. Partner driven exercises can also foster camaraderie, as they force children to pair off and build their skills together.
Encouraging Physical Activity – Limiting screen time is a great idea when it comes to getting children off the couch and encouraging them to be more active, but it only goes so far. Enrolling an inactive child in such a physically demanding pastime not only discourages the sedentary lifestyle they are used to, but also gives children an enjoyable activity that inspires them to keep moving.
Learning to Set and Achieve Goals – Most forms of martial arts are based around an accomplishment system of colored belts that signify the wearer’s degree of skill. When your child strives toward each new belt, he’s learning valuable lessons about setting and reaching his or her goals.
Increased Self-Esteem – Confidence comes with achievement, so your child’s self-esteem level will get a boost with every new move he or she masters and every belt he or she earns. Children who struggle with a low sense of self-worth usually become more confident as time progresses while they are enrolled in a Taekwon-Do class.
Instilling a Sense of Respect – Learning any martial arts style will require your child to show their instructor unflinching respect. Today’s child culture does not always include respect for authority, adults, or those in advanced positions. When children go to Taekwon-Do classes, though, your child will be learning lessons in respect along with new techniques.
Encouraging Non-Violent Conflict Resolution – Thinking that Taekwon-Do instruction promotes violent behavior is justified if your only experience with the activity comes from television or movies. In fact, many defensive styles teach children peaceful, non-violent conflict resolution skills and emphasize the importance of avoiding a physical altercation.
Improving Listening Skills – In order to master the skills children are being taught and advance through the belt ranks, your child will have to exercise superior listening skills. Children who are not always adept when it comes to paying attention to what they are told can benefit from the verbal instruction and one-on-one work in the Taekwon-Do dojang.
Developing Teamwork Skills – Whether children are breaking boards to get a new belt or sparring in a practice setting to master a new maneuver, there are some things that your child does in Taekwon-Do classes that will be done on their own and some things that are done with a partner. Working together to learn new things and accomplish goals is an important life lesson for children to learn, and instruction in Taekwon-Do can help your child learn that lesson.
Improvement in Other Areas of Life – The benefits of Taekwon-Do training do not end in the dojang. The boost in confidence, increased fitness level and new cooperation skills will also help your child navigate the academic and social aspects of school, affect their behavior at home and have an all-around good influence on them as they develop into a young adult.
Sine Wave
The sine wave movement is unique to ITF Taekwon-Do. Its purpose is to maximize the power in each technique by maximizing body mass and kinetic energy. Sine wave permits greater control over body movements enabling smoother changes in direction and transition from one movement to another.
There are 3 stages to the sine wave motion:
Stage 1 The body drops slightly by bending the knees. At this stage the body is relaxed and moves into a balanced position while keeping the arms in a neutral position (the arms move slightly to a natural relaxed position but should not drop or make unnecessary movements)
Stage 2 The body rises up but the knees must not straighten completely. The arms extend to prepare for the technique, but must not extend fully (approximately 80% is sufficient). This stretches the muscles that will be used to execute the technique. The whole body should still be relaxed at this stage.
Stage 3 The body drops quickly to maximize the acceleration of the technique. This dropping motion helps the muscles in other parts of the body to remain relaxed (like in freefall), while the muscles used for accelerating the arms work more freely and effectively. At the end of the movement the muscles are tensed to stop the body’s dropping motion, to stop the arms moving (usually ending with a twisting motion), and to end the breath control all at the same time.
The secret to a good sine wave motion is to perform the 3 stages in a continuous flowing motion without stopping.
Theory of Power
Power is generated in a combination of ways and is attributed to the utilization of a person’s full potential through the mathematical application of Taekwon-Do techniques. Taekwon-Do training will increase a student’s reaction force, concentration, equilibrium, breath control and speed. These five factors make up the Taekwon-Do Power Theory and result in a high degree of physical power.
CREMBS (Acronym) - Concentration, Reaction Force, Equilibrium, Mass, Breath Control and Speed
Concentration (Jip Joong) – In the Orient, this force is sometimes called ‘Chi’. Basically it is the act of concentrating on the task at hand and not worrying about if anybody’s looking at you, or what you’re going to eat later, or if you’ve remembered to set the video etc. With proper focus you can ‘channel’ all your efforts into the technique and show greater power than you probably thought you could. By applying the impact force onto the smallest target area, it will concentrate the force and therefore, increase its effect.
Reaction Force (Bandong Ryok) – This is using another part of the body as an opposite force. For example to pull the other hand back to the waist when punching. According to one of Newton’s Law, every force has an equal and opposite force. The two forces will combine to generate more power.
Equilibrium (Kyun Hyung) – Balance is imperative in Taekwon-Do. By keeping the body in equilibrium (well-balanced), a strike is more powerful and effective. In contrast, an unbalanced person will topple easily and not be able to execute proper technique and power. To maintain good equilibrium, it is important to position your bodyweight in the correct place as you strike. The heavier you make yourself, the harder you can hit.
Breath Control (Hohup Jojul) – Controlled breathing affects one’s stamina and speed. It also conditions the body to receive a blow and augment the power of a blow directed against an opponent. Exhale at the moment of impact while you stop the breath during the execution of a movement. Tense your abdomen to concentrate the maximum effort and slowly inhaling will help you prepare for the next movement. Never inhale while focusing a block or strike. Learn to control (disguise) your breathing as this will minimize fatigue.
Mass (Zilyang) - The maximum kinetic energy or force is obtained from maximum body weight and speed. It is important that the body weight be increased during the execution of a blow. Maximum body weight can be applied with the motion of turning of the hip. Another way to increase body weight is by using proper knee spring in which the hip is slightly raised at the beginning of the motion and lowered at the moment of impact to drop the body weight into the technique.
Speed (Sokdo) – Speed is the most important factor of force or power. 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 principle is applied to Taekwon-Do. At the moment of impact, the position of the hand normally becomes lower than the shoulder and the foot lower than the hip while the body is in the air. This is also one of the reasons why we do the sine wave, as the downward movement increases your speed and power. Reaction force, breath control, equilibrium, concentration and relaxation of the muscles all contribute to the speed and all the factors combined together with flexible and rhythmic movements produce the maximum power in Taekwon-Do.
With a great deal of practice the Taekwon-Do student can learn to instinctively combine all of the above elements. True power is fluid and almost effortless. Tensing up and trying to hit hard will probably mean that you have the opposite effect and your muscles work against each other making your techniques less powerful. The common misconception with Power is that generally people believe that the bigger you are, the stronger you are and that you’ll be able to break more boards. This is not always true. Power is more in technique than physical size, but it takes time, be patient!
Pil Sung: Embodiment of the Tenets of Taekwon-Do
by Lt. Gwen F. Hall U.S.N. April 1976, first published Fall 1976, Author with General Choi, 1981 Chicago, IL. U.S.A.
The phrase and philosophy of “Pil Sung” was introduced to Taekwon-Do by Mr. Eun, Sang Ki. Similar concepts are taught by many instructors. However, the unique embodiment within this phrase as a driving force for personal growth and martial art achievement was first taught by Mr. Eun and has since become introduced in many schools. Its whole meaning, however, and total importance to the complete development of the individual has not always been fully understood.
“Pil Sung” translates as “I am confident of certain victory.” It is not a phrase expressing violence, but rather a statement of personal dedication and challenge issued by an individual to his maximum effort such that it be expended to the limits of his abilities towards his own personal mental growth, spiritual development, physical healthier other any other goal to which he may aspire.
To fully grasp this concept, one must realize that it is an embodiment of the five tenets of Taekwon-Do as taught by the President of the International Taekwon-Do Federation, General Choi, Hong Hi – Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control and Indomitable Spirit. Each tenet followed by itself and separated from the others somewhat aids an individual in some aspects of life; but, learned and practiced together, they make an entire way of living. And so it is with “Pil Sung.”
Courtesy or thoughtfulness and respect for others, their needs and rights is as bread cast upon the waters. It floats out only to wash ashore to feed us one day in the future. we sow it; we reap it. The ability to pause for a moment and reflect upon the effects of a spoken word, a glance or an action and to graciously concede to the inner need of another is man’s source for inner strength. It is courage at its greatest.
Thoughtfulness and respect for another is society’s only guarantee for protection of individual rights, property and life. The formation of civil/criminal law is the standardization of courtesy to be exercised when selfishness, greed and spiritual deprivation would prevail.
Integrity or the ability to live each day so as not to hide from our face in the mirror each morning is the inner voice of conscience that guides men to defend and speak out for that unseen spirit of what is right and just. It was this element that made the signers of the American Declaration of Independence put their names and lives “on the line.” They knew that honest, sound moral judgement and equitable governing policies were required of a national government. Recognizing that these principles were lacking under the Crown of England, their own moral character required their total commitment to the formation of freedom and justice in a new governing system. It is a similar completeness of conscience and mind that we must perceive and strive to attain if we are to serve Tae Kwon Do and the human future.
Perseverance is that part of stubbornness in the human spirit that makes a man continue his efforts until he either wins or is beaten. It is endurance when there appears to be nowhere to turn and nothing from which to feed. The capacity to steadily persist in a course of action directed towards a goal in spite of difficulty must be developed if a man is to improve society’s errors, or if a student is to master himself.
Self Control is that function of the intellect which channels the powerful emotions of anger, hatred, love and disappointment into productive energy to create and build or to analyze a situation and consequence of action before heated efforts produce tragedy or loss beyond repair. Uncontrolled energy destroys, whether it be physical as nuclear fission or economical, mental and spiritual distortion as that which unleashed World War II. Self Control is so needed in today’s hectic, violent world.
Indomitable Spirit is that aspect of human soul which goes beyond endurance into eternity. A stallion fighting to defend his mare must have perseverance to win. However, if he is killed, which horse steps into the place of combat inspired by his leader’s dying effort? Indomitable Spirit is the silent impetus rising from within courage that has produced genius out of failure and cities out of ashes. It is the pride and will of a people or an individual that will not allow itself to be subdued. This difference, this ability to see beyond the present and inspire others and ourselves from inner pride to heroic efforts enables man’s fighting spirit to exceed the present into eternity.
This, then, is the meaning of “Pil Sung” – Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control and Indomitable Spirit. In order to attain “Victory” in Taekwon-Do one must persevere, must persist in physical training and mental development. Even when faced with difficulties of technique, personalities, inadequate facilities or any other obstacle, the student must endure if he is to be victorious. Without respect for and courtesy towards his instructor, fellow students, the world and himself, the student will fail.
Courtesy is flexibility that allows giving and understanding. Such flexibility is born of true “confidence.” If one is blind to the needs of others, he is blind also to his own, and “victory” is not possible in mental and spiritual darkness. Lack of self control hampers success. A frenzied expulsion of temper blocks the mind’s ability to comprehend and learn, and feverishly paralyzes the brain’s messages to the muscles so that energy is totally wasted.
Personal integrity is the best foundation for “certainty.” Nothing positive will develop in oneself or a people if good moral character and honesty of purpose is neglected or missing. Corrupt motives will not stand to scrutiny and failure is their reward. ”I am confident” epitomizes Indomitable spirit. The whisper of silent determination from within the soul ensures completion of the person and survival of the art, a people.
Amalgamation, then, of these tenets is “Pil Sung.” ” I am confident of certain victory.” And like the five tenets, to take one or two portions from the phrase undermines its total meaning and inspiring effect. To delete the personal first person declaration of “I am confident” from the phrase stripes its entire meaning just as it would to delete ”of”, “certain” or “victory.” the words separated are only terms in a language system; but taken as a whole, they inspire that inner driving force needed to accomplished not only martial arts but individual maturity as well.
This complete meaning of the concept must be embodied if it is used, and all tenets of Taekwon-Do must be consistently practiced and taught if on is to be successful in the martial arts ‘ if on is to be successful in living. Understanding them, and thus also Pil Sung, allows for their use in the daily atmosphere and provides for the Taekwon-Do tenets dissemination into the community. Vigorous application of Pil Sung will assist the complete development of the individual and thereby, the betterment of society. I am confident of certain victory. “Pil Sung.”
About the author: Gwen F. Hall is a retired U.S. Naval officer who started the martial arts in 1963 and started Taekwon-Do in 1967 and was and still is one of the highest ranking females and even males in the I.T.F. And holds the I.T.F. plaque number 130. Mrs. Hall also introduced Taekwon-Do to the country of Panama in 1983.