Taekwondo, usually thought of by most people as just a way of fighting, and as
being a brutal sport. People consider it brutal because of all the kicks,
punches, throws, and arm and wrist locks; they usually aren’t open minded
enough to see the way it benefits people especially children. Though a majority
of it includes fighting, taekwondo also helps a person with self-confidence,
self-defense and discipline. Developing self-confidence is an important aspect
of learning taekwondo. Through gaining self-confidence the student learns to
believe in his/her abilities. In believing in his/her abilities the students
performance would be affected in and out of the dojo. As the student’s
self-confidence rises, so will his/her attitude. Once the students’ confidence
begins to rise their attitude, in general, rather it is at work, school, or at
home usually improves. In time he/she will develop an indomitable spirit. The
student should always be willing to keep trying as he/she progresses through the
belt levels. As the student rises through the belt ranks, the self-confidence
he/she develops in the dojo will benefit him/her throughout their life. The
thought of learning self-defense is usually the main reason for people to join
taekwondo. In addition to learning self-defense, taekwondo is also very
demanding physically. Warms up exercises in taekwondo usually consist of
push-ups, sit-ups, squats, stretches, and crunches. Self-control is mandatory
when learning taekwondo. Without self-control the student can seriously injure
other students or his/her-self. Along with learning self-control and becoming
physically fit, the students also learn about martial arts weapons. Weapons are
usually taught as being an extension of the student’s hands. In becoming
physically fit, learning self-control and weapons, the students are on their way
to becoming very well rounded martial artists. Discipline in taekwondo is shown
through the uses of katas, respect, and repeatability. Forms or kata’s are
used to advance from one belt level to another. Students must be able to perform
kata’s in the correct order, step by step in order to be promoted to the next
belt level. Showing respect in the dojo to the instructor and other students is
also part of the discipline required in taekwondo. Students usually bow as
he/she are entering or leaving the dojo and to each other. Repeatability also
plays a big role in discipline. Students are required to practice the same kick
or punch repeatedly while walking in a straight line. Discipline in taekwondo
enables the student to perform satisfactory in obtaining his/her next belt
level. If more people would approach the study of taekwondo with an open mind,
they would discover the many benefits available other than fighting. Taekwondo
can be used as a stress reliever after a long day at work or school. The
self-confidence, self-defense, and discipline learned through the study of
taekwondo are very useful inside and outside of the dojo.