Is taekwondo hard to learn if so why and is it any fun?

Answer 1

Taekwondo is not inherently hard to learn, but each individual student might have personal learning challenges or difficulties that require more time, patience, as well as skill on the part of the teacher to reach the student mentally through the most ideal method of instruction. Taekwondo gradually changes each student physically and mentally by improving them in increments, therefore it is often up to the individual as to how open they are to learning something new, accepting the guidance of a teacher, and their willingness to work hard to make changes.

It is a physically demanding activity that can be adjusted for the individual students current age, mental maturity, learning capabilities, physical injuries or disabilities, and rank level. The student should be prepared to work hard, and sweat in each class. Often times, personal sacrifice is expected or required in the amount of time spent in class, as well as practice outside of the dojang (training hall). Regardless of the challenges, or pace of progress, as long as a student remains dedicated and perseveres with a positive attitude, anyone can learn Taekwondo and become sufficiently skilled at the art. No student should compare themselves or their progress to any other student, but rather set their own personal goals, and trust a legitimately qualified teacher to know what the student needs at each stage of development.

Taekwondo training can be quite fun and enjoyable if taken seriously (not as a joke), but the greatest joy is in knowing that you are learning, improving, and accomplishing something of great value. The fun can be found in sharing with others in the class, bonding with your instructor while maintaining a respectful teacher/student relationship, and learning to value the knowledge that they are sharing with you.

Many activities within each Taekwondo class can be fun when the student (and instructors) use their imagination to recreate real-life scenarios, act out skits, and play challenging games to test skills. Classroom exercises can be occasionally presented with pretend challenges of jumping over imaginary ditches of hot lava, diving through fake window frames or crawling through play tunnels to recreate escapes from kidnappers, etc.

Tournaments can also be lots of fun provided they are run properly for safety, and not taken too seriously in the quest for a trophy or "gold medal." The awards are nice, and nothing wrong with that, but the focus should always be on the benefits gained and lessons learned while training to compete, sparring with new opponents, and meeting new friends from other schools. Often times, and activity is fun if you make it fun while maintaining a balance of serious appreciation for the art.