2019 Korean History and Cultural Seminar for Educators - Handbook 2019 NKS Handbook-0617 | Page 93
Demonstration and Short Lecture on Taekwondo
Presented by Arnold Chung
Grand Master of Elite Taekwondo Center, Los Angeles
Origins:
A mural in a royal tomb from the Koguryo (B.C. 37 A.D. – 668) depicts two men engaging in sparring.
The fact that these images are found in royal tombs reveals the importance of this martial art at the time.
It has been identified as subakhi or the Korean form of wrestling, ssirum. This form of martial art
evolved into taekkyon, or the predecessor to modern tae kwon do. The cultural and historical influences
that culminated in the modern martial sport of taekwondo have their roots in ancient Korea.
The Philosophical/Spiritual Influence of Taekwondo:
The philosophical/spiritual philosophies of Daoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism have influenced
taekwondo.
1) Daoism. In Daoism is found the concept of life according to the Dao (Do in Korean) or the Way
(pursuing a way of life in harmony with nature).
2) Buddhism. Buddhist thought has given taekwondo and other Asian martial arts concepts such as
the unchanging mind to be attained in order to achieve the goals of technical and self-perfection.
3) Confucianism. Confucianism’s emphasis on living in a virtuous and sincere way is found in
taekwondo’s emphasis on ritual, etiquette, correct attitudes, good behavior, and respect for
others.
The Technical Philosophy of Taekwondo:
Modern taekwondo includes a number of different training methods, each emphasizing a separate aspect
of the art. Students train in fundamental stances, self defense blocks, and attack punches, kicks, and
strikes. Method of training in taekwondo can vary greatly. Poomse was a way for large number of
military officers to practice in union. “Forms training,” called poomse in Korean, uses an extensive
regiment of movements and emphasizes balance, strength, distance control, power control, and attack
techniques.
The “tae” refers to foot techniques, “kwon” refers to hand and arm techniques, and “do” refers to
training in mental righteousness. The physical body is trained to move efficiently, gracefully, and
powerfully. The mind is trained to be patient and brave during strenuous sparring, while demonstrating
respect for the opponent.
Taekwondo is the only martial arts sport that can be practiced regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, and
even the mentally challenged. The physical and mental benefits of taekwondo can vary greatly
depending on one’s area of improvement. Some will thrive on gaining confidence, bravery, self-respect
and concentration, while others will gain patience, respect for others, self-control and inner-peace.
Results of Taekwondo Training: Physical, mental, and philosophical strength through training to gain
patience, discipline, self defense, positive stamina, and respect for self and others.
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