Mission of Taekwondo Martial Academy
TAE KWON DO AS A SPORT
As a sport, Tae Kwon Do has taken its place in the world arena, having recently
become an official Olympic sport. A great amount of skill, control and discipline are
required in the art and sport of Tae Kwon Do. Its challenge lies in the adept use of the
techniques, yet, without having any actual bodily contact.
TAE KWON DO FOR PHYSICAL FITNESS
The feats of a skilled Tae Kwon Do practitioner can be quite impressive. Watching a
player break a roof tile at a height of 9 to 10 feet with a flying kick, split a pile of 12
clay roof tiles with a single blow of the fist, or crack an inch thick wood slab with a
poke of the fingertips may seem impossible to the lay person, but to the serious
student of Tae Kwon Do these acts are well within the realm of possibility. But the
focus of Tae Kwon Do is not on the breaking of boards and bricks. These activities
are but a small part of Tae Kwon Do, and are done only to demonstrate the power and
focus of a specific technique. Tae Kwon Do is a comprehensive exercise through
which one utilizes all the muscles of the body. Because of this, it is a natural weightregulator,
either taking pounds off or putting them on as needed.
TAE KWON DO FOR SELF-DEFENSE
Tae Kwon Do is considered an excellent form of self-defense. In Korea, Tae Kwon
Do instruction has become an important feature in the training of the Korean Armed
Forces, and the Presidential Protective Forces are all trained in Tae Kwon Do.
Women will find Tae Kwon Do to be a valuable asset in defending themselves. There
have been many instances where women have effectively protected themselves
against larger and stronger assailants because they were well versed in the art of selfdefense.
Tae Kwon Do is specifically designed for swift retaliation against moving
aggressors. Most of the devastating maneuvers are based specifically on the initial
impact of the blow plus the consequential additional force provided by the rebound
from the opponent's moving body. Students of Tae Kwon Do who have been in
constant practice require no time to think, since proper action comes automatically to
them. Their actions, in short, have become conditioned reflexes.
TAE KWON DO AS AN ART
Through the coordination of control, balance, and technique in Tae Kwon Do forms,
Tae Kwon Do is considered a beautiful and highly skilled oriental art. Through the
demonstration of Tae Kwon Do forms, one can observe the coordination, skill and
technique required to execute a perfect form.
TAE KWON DO IN DAY-TO-DAY LIFE
To the Korean people, Tae Kwon Do represents more than the mere physical use of
skilled movements. It implies a way of thinking and life, particularly by instilling a
concept and spirit of strict, self-imposed discipline. In these days of violence and intimidation, Tae Kwon Do enables the weak to possess a fine weapon to defend
themselves. Tae Kwon Do is equally suitable for the old and young. It may be
practiced for the sake of exercise alone, but the enjoyment which comes from steady
practice will justify the time invested. For these reasons, Tae Kwon Do has recently
become quite popular in many other countries besides Korea, particularly the India.
