Technical knowledge. Learning Taekwondo requires having a qualified instructor. Students must intently listen to what the instructor says so that they gain a complete understanding of each technique. This is a critical element that cannot be rushed. Learning the what, when, where, why and how of each technique lets the student understand both the technical aspect as well as the philosophical foundation Taekwondo.
Repetition. To properly learn Taekwondo techniques, expect to complete several thousand repetitions first, then to continue to practice for life. You must master a technique to the level of "automatic reaction", if you expect to truly learn Taekwondo. Remember, learning is a "road to travel", not a destination.
Experimentation. After repetition, comes experimentation. Once you have gained skill and confidence with a technique, it is important to experiment with various situations where the technique could be used in self-defense. Under the guidance of your instructor, you should experiment with different variations and combinations of each technique to gain a greater depth of understanding and knowledge.
Self-evaluation. As a student of Taekwondo, you will be evaluated by your instructor on many aspects of your learning. The technical aspect of your training, although important, is only one aspect of your growth. As you learn and rise to the black belt ranks, you will be expected to self-evaluate your attitude, technical skill, sincerity, and representation of Taekwondo with questions such as: "Is the technique practical for me?" "Does it work the same for people of different height or weight?" "What limits do I have?" "Can I demonstrate and teach the technique properly"? etc.
