Taekwon-Do History and Information
PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF TAEKWON-DO TRAINING
Taekwon-Do is a physical practice that incorporates mindfulness training. The training differs from weight training by developing long, lean muscles through low weight and high repetitive motions, creating more flexibility, endurance and fluid motion. Though weight training can be added in conjunction to martial arts training, it can sometimes be counter-productive to developing speed, mobility and flexibility.
Consistent training in Taekwon-Do can increase overall health by reducing body-fat, increasing lean muscle mass, facilitating lung capacity and functioning, cardiovascular development and other physiological components.
Taekwon-Do also helps develop the mind, reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, mental fatigue, stress and increasing self-confidence and personal efficacy. Each movement is scientifically developed to maximize the body's motions and abilities. Learning and adapting the movements, techniques and practices can encourage the neuroplasticity of the brain, supporting other learning strategies and functions.
Taekwon-Do was developed for people of all ages, abilities, genders and sizes. Practitioners have started when they were very young or very old. Many practitioners find themselves going back to training after many years of retirement because of the physical, mental and social benefits. Instructors of all ranks and styles have traveled across the world to compare notes, training styles, traditions and competitors.
| Popularity: Taekwon-Do gained popularity in the United States in the 1970's because of it's attraction to people of various ages, abilities and sizes. It is fairly easy to learn, though it takes many years to perfect. It is also widely recognized around the world. | |
| Economy: It is a low-cost practice, requiring few training equipment. Taekwon-Do can be practiced in various locations including a regular training hall, a backyard or in a secluded mountain center. | |
| Tenacity: Two major pitfalls can strike students, regardless of rank: | |
| Boredom: Students often tire of the repetitive actions; boredom often sets in between the 3rd and 6th month of consistent training for the beginning student. Impatience, lack of self-confidence inability to perceive improvement and physical fatigue are combine to cause the beginner to doubt his/her ability. Set goals and find ways to measure success specific to you/your students. |
Lack of thoroughness: Students often sacrifice thoroughness due to lack of patience and insist on progressing faster than their ability warrants. It is important to understand each movement and motion thoroughly before moving onto the next move, rank, pattern or practice. This is equally important for the mental training as much as the physical training. |
| This is where the students gather and train, practicing the physical components of Taekwon-Do and learning the mental practices of the art. | |
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| Smoking is prohibited | Prior to entering, bow to the dojang |
| Refrain from swearing and idle chatter | Upon entering, bow to the instructor at a proper distance |
| Alcoholic beveraes, soft drinks or food is not allowed | Exchange greetings between students |
| Wearing shoes is prohibited | Bow to the instructor upon falling in line before training |
| No one is allowed to teach without the instructor's permission | Bow to the instructor upon falling in line again prior to dismissal |
| No one is allowed to leave without the instructor's permission | Recite the oath prior to dismissal |
| Official dobok must be worn during class | Meditate for one minute sitting cross-legged after training |
| Uniforms identify students (sometimes with name), rank and style. Though martial arts uniforms are often very similar, the International Taekwon-Do Federation style uniform is unique to this style of training. | |
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| Solid white in color with no frills, unnecessary piping or other decorations | "Dress Blues" Navy blue pants with a white shirt and tie |
| Black piping should be worn around the belt line for "mature" black belts (those passing beyond their promotional period of 6 months) | White, non-marking tennis shoes can be worn when in this uniform |
| Black piping should be worn on both sides of the shirt sleeves for international instructors | Navy blue sports coat should be worn by International instructors |
| A tapered, open jacket with velcro-closing with sleeves long enough to reach the wrist. It is permissible to wear a t-shirt under the dobok if the student desires | A button-up, collared shirt should be worn short sleeves are permissible, but not recommended |
| The length of the pants should be to the top of the ankle bone | Navy blue slacks should be worn |
| Belt | |
| Single or double wrap colored belt representing proper rank should be worn. Belt should be 5cm wide and 5mm thick. The colored stripes should also be 5mm and 5cm from the end. Black belt ranks are disctinguished by Roman numberals. Belt should be worn at the waist level and tied in a square knot. | |
| Study the theory of power thoroughly |
| Understand the purpose and meaning of each movement clearly |
| Bring the movement of eyes, hands, feet and breath into a single coordinated action |
| Choose the appropriate attacking tool for each vital spot |
| Become familiar with the correct angle and distance for attack and defense |
| Keep both arms and legs bent slightly while in motion |
| All movements must being with a backward motion with very few exceptions |
| Create a sine wave during the movement by utilizing the knee spring properly |
| Taekwon-Do is designed to train the practitioner to use 100% of his/her potential, as opposed to only 10-20%, regardless of size, age or gender. | The physical training of Taekwon-Do comprises of five components that are equally aspects of each other. Without perfecting each aspect, a student will fail to grasp the entire capacity for any one aspect of training. | ||
| Reaction Force: The force of one object impacting another. The General also discusses the reaction force of ones own body motion, as one part moves forward (such as the right fist) another equal part must move backward (such as the left fist) | Fundamental Movements | Kebon Suryon | ||
| Concentration: applying the impact force onto the smallest target area, the force and it's effect increase. This also applies to the point of impact, as the movement comes to a close, the amount of force and exertion applied increase. | Forging | Dallyon : Maintenance of equipment. Forging of the striking tools, developing the body through calisthenics, stretching, striking a guango (spelling) or forging block, etc. to develop the body to strike and be struck with minimal collateral damage. | ||
| Equilibrium: By maintaining balance throughout the move, a blow is more effective and deadly, defensive movements are more disruptive and the stances are more fluid, stable and movement easier. This is classified into dynamic and static stability. | Patterns | Tul | ||
| Breath Control: Rapid exhalation on the moment of impact can tighten the muscles and release excess breath to prevent being stunned or disabled; while during an attack, it can increase the amount of force applied by tensing the abdomen and other supporting muscles. A slow in-breath during movement helps to relax the body tension, facilitating movement and increasing speed. | Sparring | Masogi | ||
| Mass: The maximum kinetic energy is mathematically calculated as weight and velocity. By utilizing the whole body, a practitioner can increase the mass of the striking tool exponentially. This is done through sine-wave, extension and contraction of the knee joints, rotation of the hip and rotation of the wrists and arms throughout the movement. | Self-Defense | Ho Sin Sul | ||
| Speed: Speed is the most essential component in factoring force and power. Scientifically, force equals mass X acceleration or velocity squared. A smaller object can cause more damage than a larger stone because the object increases speed as it moves through the air. It also has a smaller concentrated target area. | Directions of Attacks | ||
Side Front |
Side Front | ||
| Speed and Reflex: the relationship between speed and the execution of time of techniques. It is virtually impossible to block a properly executed technique, thus it is important to develop reflexes to recognize when a technique is coming and anticipate the proper response to defend against such attacks. | Flank |
Flank | |
Side Rear |
Side Rear | ||