What does taekwondo focus on?

Answer 1

The focus of Taekwondo is first on developing the right attitude, manners, and integrity of the student's character. The knowledge is valuable and can be deadly, so the responsible and qualified instructor must ensure that the student will not misuse the knowledge. The student is taught the value of the art and the relationship with their Instructor, so respect is a high priority.

Taekwondo teaches methods of training that improves health, strengthens the body, and disciplines the mind. It brings about harmony in one's life, and balance between body, mind and spirit. The knowledge and skills taught in Taekwondo can and should be applied to every aspect of the students life which will help to achieve success in any endeavor.

In self defense, Taekwondo teaches the value of avoiding conflict and resolving issues in a non-violent, verbal method whenever possible. At the same time, Taekwondo teaches the responsibility of a Martial Artist to stand up to abuse, injustice, and protect the weak and innocent victim of violent aggression.

The skills of fighting focus on distance and range. Stance and balance for mobility as well as stability for power are essential elements. The whole body becomes a weapon, but priority is given to the length and strength of the legs, therefore kicking is the primary weapon. Hand strikes are a formidable supplement to the kicks and this is all integrated with close quarters combat using joint manipulation, pressure points, and grappling skills that focus mostly on defense to nullify an attackers moves, and escapes to return to a dominant striking position.

The main thing about Taekwondo is to learn from qualified Masters with a chain of command that preserves centuries of knowledge that has been proven effective while at the same time, remaining fresh and current with modern knowledge and changes in environment and current application. The focus of the art is balance, completeness, and integrity, which means that all aspects of life, and training must be kept in balance where no one aspect is neglected, and the quality of knowledge and skills must be without flaw or weakness.