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Many people who enter the world of martial arts
are coming into a new situation of which they have no prior
knowledge. They are even uncertain of exactly –“what questions"
they may have! The following information is a general picture
of TAE KWON DO., how one progresses through belt levels. Why
it is a “whole person” martial art, and what types of benefits
one can expect to attain. Through regular class attendance over
a period of time, anyone, of any age or ability, can reach a
higher quality of life
JUST WHAT DOES TAE KWON DO MEAN?
The words TAE KWON DO help to represent the whole person idea
of this ancient martial art from Korea. TAE KWON is the body
Part, DO is the mental part. Our goal is to use the "TAE
KWON” to build up the "`DO". That is the oriental
philosophy, called UmYang (YingYang), that is the foundation
of this art. These parts work together to build the whole
person, thereby the meaning of "TAE KWON DO". “TAE”
means kicking or foot techniques. "KWON” means fist and
involves punching/blocking or hand techniques. "DO"
means "Way" and encompasses mental, spiritual. art,
and the best way of living. Building up just the body part
is a low level idea, where the body controls the mind. Building
up the mental part allows one to reach a higher level idea,
where the mind controls the body, Students of TAE KWON DO
learn about the whole person that they are, not just one part
or another. One can receive benefit, at the physical. mental,
and spiritual levels through the practice of TAE KWON DO,
in other words
Balance/UmYang.
WHERE IS TAE KWON DO IN THE WORLD?
The year 2004 marks a milestone in the world for TAE KWON DO.
The Olympics, in Athens Greece will for the second time see
TAE KWON DO as an Olympic medal division. While the `sport"
is demonstrated in competition such as the Olympics the true
nature of TAE KWON DO is that of a martial art which reaches
into a persons character and pull out higher virtues in every
day living. By the time a person reaches the black belt level,
these qualities have become an intrinsic part of one's life.
The medals of gold and silver are not tangibly held in the hand,
they are held in the heart forever.
WHO CAN LEARN TAE KWON DO AND HOW HARD IS IT?
Anyone of any age. male or female. can learn TAE KWON DO.
Different benefits are achieved at different levels. At the
physical level, anybody can learn how to protect himself or
herself, can lose weight, and get in good physical shape.
At the mental and spiritual level one can reduce stress, increase
endurance, self-esteem, concentration and focus. Additionally,
an increased sense of humbleness and caring for others, is
attained. This takes more time and is more difficult than
the physical level alone. While fighting seems to be the initial
goal. a greater ability to love is actually learned. Building
a person real-life self-defense is building one who loves
others, who controls anger, is unselfish, is respectful. and
has patience for all.
WHO NEEDS TO WORK OUT?
EVERYBODY needs to have some type of physical fitness plan.
however there are many people who especially need the benefits
offered by TAE KWON DO. Children who have low self-esteem,
are extremely shy, under emotional stress, who have discipline
problems, high tempers, or who have attention problems can
overcome these situations. Adults who are overstressed, having
relationship problems, want to control bad habits (such as
smoking), or who are in poor physical shape (overweight) can
find that TAE KWON DO helps them to cope better and conquer
these problems.
HOW DOES ONE PROGRESS IN TAE KWON DO?
Simply by corning into the instruction of TAE KWON DO, one
has attained the level of white belt. The meaning of which
is purity and the seal of a new beginning is planted. For
some people this is a very big step. Whenever a person initiates
something in his or here life that can cause life-long improvement,
then that person has already reached a very important goal.
By attending classes two or three times a week or more, a
person begins to learn the virtues and ways of thinking like
a true martial artist. Promotion tests in TAE KWON DO involve
four areas of training. For each level, a demonstration of
certain kicks and forms (patterns of movements), and sparing
is required. The mental aspects are demonstrated by the breaking
of' boards. The student progresses through a series of steps
that become increasingly more technical and requiring more
concentration than the one before. Testings are like a check-up
to see what the student has learned and what direction needs
to be taken next. The average person can build up a good foundation
of self-defense in about twelve months. After about two to
three years. altogether, one reaches the Black Belt level
and the physical levels should be in firm grasp of the student.
This is where one is observed more on the unobservable levels.
Grand Master Shin has the expertise required to evaluate the
student at this stage.
HOW MANY MORE QUESTIONS DO YOU HAVE?
You will find, when you begin your practice of TAE KWON DO,
that many more questions enter your mind. Whatever questions
you may have, Grand Master Shin can answer. His knowledge and
wisdom, which have been nurtured by his lifelong practice of
this ancient art, are incomparable in the martial arts community.
With more than 45 years devoted to TAE KWON DO, and 30 years
of teaching it in America, Grand Master Shin can help you solve
the mysteries of life that may puzzle and perplex you. He can
promise you that TAE KWON DO will be the best friend of your
life. He is always available to discuss any situation with a
sensitive heart
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