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A Total Body Exercise, Philosophy & Way of Life
(It is really a NON-Combative exercise/sport Plus a Whole Lot More)
Martial Arts are many things to many people
- Complete upper and lower body exercise (aerobic and anaerobic) building muscle strength, flexibility and cardiovascular endurance.
- An art, a philosophy & a way of life.
- Either non-competitive training or a competitive sport and potential Olympic sport.
- An effective form of self-defense, emphasizing avoidance, evasion & escape tactics.
History & demographics of Martial Arts
- Approximately 40 different styles from Eastern countries.
- Originated thousands of years ago as a means of self-discipline & exercise.
- Progression to the west and subsequent changes.
Attractive features of Martial Arts
 Has appeal of an individual activity rather than team sport. Each person working at his own level in a class of mixed ages & ability levels decreases competitiveness & the intimidation factor. Goals in the form of belts are clearly visible.- Much repetition of the same basic movements as virtually all belt levels are practicing & gradually refining those same movements over & over with an emphasis on developing chi & core strength.
- Kinesthetic awareness & body control are enhanced via development of proprioceptor awareness. The emphasis on repetition & resulting refinement of those joint movements is the basis for physical & subsequent mental control and alas, the Zen meditative experience.
- Impulse control & a sense of calm is further enhanced by a rich philosophy encompassing the eastern values of:
- Empty mind
- Patience/self-control/anger management
- Humility & respect for others
- Goal setting, perseverance and diligence
- Cooperative learning & helping one’s peers
- Mind/Body/Spirit Balance is apparent in increased grounded ness (bare feet), core strength, body control, stamina & muscle strength (break boards) & subsequent increased confidence>
Tae Kwon Do characteristics
- Originated in South Korea & has become the most popular form of martial art in US
- Differentiated from other martial arts by these three factors: an Olympic sport is linear & emphasizes high kicking & jumping kicks, does not use weapons.
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