Benefits of taekwondo

Taekwondo was originally developed to preserve life and for self-defense, but today, adults and children have many reasons for wanting to train in taekwondo. Some want to learn self-defense, others want to fight in tournaments, some seek to become physically fit, some seek the social interaction, while others just want to have fun. Whatever the reason for learning, people will find others just like them studying taekwondo for the same reason. Modern taekwondo has developed proven teaching methods that not only help people learn taekwondo quickly and easily, but also provide a wide range of benefits for students of all ages.

Social interaction gained through taekwondo training has been found to be a buffer against the stresses of life for adults, and, with long-term continued practice, it fosters greater independence. With progressive training, children become more enthusiastic, optimistic, and self-reliant. Many anecdotal reports from parents tell how their children, both males and females, do better at home and at school, both behaviorally and academically.

Taekwondo practitioners seek to develop an appreciation for the martial art, achieve physical fitness, improve mental discipline and emotional stability, develop self-defense skills, and to develop respect and responsibility. Taekwondo helps practitioners develop balance and harmony between their physical and moral selves. It stresses responsibility to self, family, community, and to society.

Self-defense is an important benefit of taekwondo. Self-defense is not just using defenses and counterattacks against attackers. It is the ability to prevent injury to oneself or others from attackers. This includes learning to fall safely, to communicate with aggressors, and to escape from violent situations. Self-defense is not just concerned with physically dealing with violence; it is mostly concerned with avoiding becoming a victim of violence.

The physical benefits of taekwondo include improvements in coordination, agility, flexibility, balance, muscular strength, and endurance. Taekwondo promotes a healthy lifestyle that includes a healthy mixture of nutrition, training, and rest. Physical development also helps develop self-confidence.

Self-confidence is based on self-improvement, as opposed to confidence based on the ability to perform a task. This type of self-confidence does not come from being a winner in competition; it comes from the feelings of self-worth that are derived from improving oneself. Belt advancement provides a means to document personal achievement. Advancement requires setting a goal and working toward its attainment, which builds confidence and a feeling of self-worth.