Taekwondo: A Doorway To Opportunities

-       AMRITANSHI PANDEY

3^RD DAN BLACK BELT,

NATIONAL REFREE, CLASS-3,

“BEING ABLE TO FIGHT WELL, SHOWS YOU HAVE LEARNT TAEKWONDO BUT BEING ABLE TO CONTROL YOUR SENSES ,SHOWS YOU HAVE IMBIBED TAEKWONDO.”

-Anonymous

Taekwondo, the martial art originated in South Korea. Earliest records of taekwondo practice date back to about 50 B.C. Since evolution and advancement have been an integral part of human civilization in all aspects, taekwondo also did not remain untouched by it. The evolution of taekwondo can be correctly defined as a journey “FROM BEING AN ART TO BEING A SPORT.”The journey of this art from ‘TaekKyon’ (its former name) to ‘Taekwondo’ has brought about lots and lots of advancements.Successfully establishing its firm pillars round the globe, it has emerged as one of the best martial arts opted by 70 million practitioners worldwide.  

Taekwondo being a unique art encompasses both quick and straight-line moves of Japanese style as well as circular movements of Chinese style. Hence, taekwondo, over the period of time, has emerged as a superior hybrid of various martial arts prevalent from ancient times.

Before joining any martial art centre, availability of different combat arts which have proliferated worldwide within a very short span of time tend to confuse us. All the combat arts help to learn self defence primarily. But what makes taekwondo different, is the moral attitude and aptitude it has always tried to inculcate in its students.

WHY TAEKWONDO ?

·      Self – Defence:

The self-defence techniques taught in taekwondo are high-powered, involving vigorous pressure point strikes with knee, elbow, hand and leg. Robust kicking techniques are also a vibrant part of the taekwondo self-defence and increase its efficiency manifold.

·      Moral values:

Taekwondo incorporates the moral values essential for being a worthy and respectful individual in the society. This is very much evident from the 10 commandments of taekwondo for students, taught in almost every dojang (training centre):

1.  Be loyal to your country.

2.  Be a good son or daughter to your parents.

3.  Be faithful to your spouse.

4.  Be on good terms with your brothers and sisters.

5.  Be loyal to your friends.

6.  Be respectful to your elders.

7.  Respect and trust your teachers.

8.  Use good judgement before killing any living thing.

9.  Never retreat in battle.

10. Finish what you start.

All the commandments listed above, comprise not of a single statement about specific taekwondo related attitude, but encapsulate a general moral behaviour of an individual.

The five tenets of taekwondo, taught to the students as a basic lesson when they join the training centre, are as follows:

·       Courtesy

·       Integrity

·       Perseverance

·       Self control

·       Indomitable spirit

These five tenets bring forth the crux of success and health mantra contained in a number of books.

·      Level wise competition:

In taekwondo students can start competing legally from the age of 7years, under sub-junior category. There are various taekwondo organizations which conduct motivational tournaments for kids below the age of 7years.

From then onwards a player can continue to participate in a number of open and selection tournaments.

The taekwondo tournaments are being organized at different levels from school games for the students to university games for the graduates, world championships and are given below:

·       SCHOOL GAMES

·       UNIVERSITY GAMES

·       WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

·       ASIAN GAMES

·       WORLD OLYMPICS

·       PARALYMPICS

·       COMMONWEALTH GAMES

·      Other opportunities:

A taekwondo player learns various skills which help him/her to get asset in life. He/she can apply for a taekwondo coach in schools/colleges, for nowadays schools/colleges are concerned about the safety, physical and mental well being of their students and taekwondo emerges as a one point stop for all.

Different nations and organizations have their own criteria for job qualification where taekwondo can be one such accessory/mandatory qualification. Nowadays, governments have a number of beneficial policies for players which aim at identifying and supporting the true talents.

·       Sports talent search portal(INDIA): Players can upload their achievements on this portal and shortlisted players after qualifying the trials get to take part in schemes of SPORTS AUTHORITY OF INDIA (SAI)

·       HIGH LEVEL COMMITTEE TO ADDRESS THE GRIEVANCES OF WOMEN SPORTS PERSON(INDIA): A total women committee to give proper attention and resolve the complaints and grievances of women sportsperson.

·       NATIONAL SPORTS AWARD SCHEME (INDIA).

·       SPORTS 2030: SPORTS NATIONAL PLAN (AUSTRALIA).

·       NATIONAL YOUTH SPORTS STRATEGY (AMERICA).

There is an endless list of such policies offered by different nations.

This is what makes TAEKWONDO an exemplary sport, an impeccable art and a divine way of living the life. This art teaches the players to be calm, courteous, and impartial in every run of their life.

So making up your for taekwondo and opting it as a sport, career or meditative life improvising art surely develops oneself physically, mentally, emotionally and socially and definitely makes him/her outshine all others with this zealous art.

-Thank you.