Taekwondo: Maximum Efficiency & Minimal Harm
Tae Kwon Do
A martial arts form that originated in Korea and known for its elaborate kicking techniques. The sparring aspect is a recognized Olympic sport.
Basically, this sport is one of the most systematic and scientific Korean traditional martial arts, that also teaches more than physical fighting finesse. It is about self-defense, building life skills, bullying prevention and more. Nowadays, it has grown to a global sport, which has gained an international reputation, and stands along with other martial arts in the Olympics. Korean martial arts has been designed with the goal of maximizing effectiveness and minimizing harm.
Tae = means to jump, kick or smash with the foot.
Kwon = means to punch or destroy with the hand or fist.
Do = means art, way or method.
In short Tae Kwon Do means Foot, Hand, Way.
Korean martial arts has been designed with the goal of maximizing effectiveness and minimizing harm. All principles are based on a strong scientific approach and experience. Therefore, the question of benefits is resolved in three dimensions:
1. A comprehensive physical and mental development of the participants.
Not only do you develop the body, such as with reaction timing, but students also learn moral and mental qualities including increasing one’s self-confidence.
2. Reducing the risk of injury.
Strikes below the waist, on the back of the head, in the groin, and on the back are banned. Pushing, throwing, grabbing, and sweeping are also banned in competitions. All participants are also required to wear full-body protection, including protection of the head, groin, shins, and stomach.
Major versions:
ITF - International Taekwon‑Do Federation. The judges fix the touches. Despite the seeming "lightness" of the requirements, this is a rather functional version of the competition. The point is that blows to the head have the highest score.
WTF - World Taekwondo Federation. The difference in this version is the prohibition of punches. Kicking is only allowed on the upper body. The blows are biting in nature, and quite an intense series.
GTF - Global Taekwondo Federation. This includes all techniques from previous versions. Coordinators focus mainly on the trainee, his abilities, and character.
ATA - The American Taekwondo Association. ATA is one of the largest taekwondo organizations in the United States and in the world. A preset combination of offensive and defensive techniques, designed to simulate self-defense techniques being used on multiple opponents.
Initially in elementary school, I was not one of those who were very active. My mom offered to do taekwondo. I really liked the fact that this sport is not like other types of sports. I mean, in taekwondo we were taught to be independent and mentally developed. With the help of which I now achieve great goals and confidently do some things, I can say with confidence that the foundation that I built at the expense of taekwondo helps me a lot in life.
“Getting a belt is a good motivation for kids. The very first one he will wear is white. This is a beginner's belt. Looking at the guys who already have blue, yellow, green, he will strive to conquer new heights of skill. He will learn to set a task for himself and achieve it.”
Golden eagle, Russian sport organization.
Works Cited
The full history of ata international. (n.d.). Retrieved March 17, 2021, from https://www.ataonline.com/full_ata_international_history
What is taekwondo? (n.d.). Retrieved March 17, 2021, from https://www.teamusa.org/usa-taekwondo/v2-getting-started-in-taekwondo/what-is-taekwondo