Ask a typical young person about martial arts, and you are likely to get a reference to pop culture’s interpretation. 2010’s big-screen remake of The Karate Kid or television shows like Disney’s Kickin’It may attract young people to the sport, but it is what they find in the gym that keeps them coming back.
History of Tae Kwon Do:
Earliest records of Tae Kwon Do date back to around 50 BC, when the kingdoms of Koguryo, Baek Je, and Shila ruled Korea. At this time, all three kingdoms practiced the primitive martial art of Soo Bak, which consisted primarily of kicking techniques. Shila, a smaller conglomeration of disorganized tribal groups, was often the target of raids and attacks by the other larger, more aggressive kingdoms. To mitigate this, the 24th king of Shila, Chin Heung, assembled a corps of elite fighters known as the Hwa Rang Do. The group of fighters adopted Soo Bak, but refined it into the martial art of Tae Kyon by adding the element of discipline.
Centuries later, a special board was convened with the task of unifying the many schools of Tae Kyon. The result was Tae Kwon Do: Tae which means “foot,” Kwon which means “hand” and Do which means “way.” Therefore, taken literally, Tae Kwon Do means “The way of foot and hand.”
What is Tae Kwon Do?
At first glance, Tae Kwon Do can appear to be about teaching the art of fighting. After more observation, however, it is clear that the martial art is based on much more than that. According to the World Martial Arts Academy, Tae Kwon Do “is more than a mere physical fighting skill, representing as it does a way of thinking and a pattern of life requiring strict discipline. It is a system of training both the mind and body in which great emphasis is placed on the development of the trainee’s moral character.” It is Tae Kwon Do’s discipline and moral development that is responsible for the biggest transformations in its students.
Tae Kwon Do in the Red River Valley:
Northwest Martial Arts is one of the region’s oldest martial arts academies, offering Tae Kwon Do training in over thirteen area locations. Master Chris Kalsow has been responsible for the Moorhead location for over ten years. Recently promoted to the status of fifth-degree black belt, Master Kalsow believes that the most important of the program is character development. He repeatedly references the atmosphere of respect he instills within each class, adding that the respect goes both ways. All students are referred to as “Mr.” or “Ms.” and replies of “Yes, sir” can be heard after each of Master’s Kaslow’s instructions. It is that mutual respect that is the foundation of the program.
“It is more than just kicks, punches, and blocks,” Master Kalsow responded when asked to describe Tae Kwon Do. “Kids learn skills to give them confidence in life – character, discipline, behavior.” In fact, the actual kicking, punching, and blocking techniques are only a part of the belt and stripe reward system within the program. Students must also demonstrate appropriate behavior in school and at home before receiving a promotion. Those that are not adhering to the program’s core values must remedy the issues before they are able to be rewarded, regardless of their Tae Kwon Do abilities. It is that focus on being a well-rounded individual, not just a martial artist, which allows the program to produce socially and emotionally mature students.
A big part of the program is self-defense, although it is stressed that self-defense and fighting are two very different things. In an age when bullying is an increasingly significant topic, arming students with appropriate self-defense skills is important. When asked what his favorite part of Tae Kwon Do was, seven-year-old Blake Larson responded quickly. “It teaches you how to defend yourself,” he said, “I’m not afraid of bullies at school anymore. But I can’t fight,” he added, “only defend myself.” Giving students that level of self-confidence is a cornerstone of the program. Its focus on discipline, however, is not lost in translation. Blake echoed many of Master Kaslow’s mantras, stating that “Tae Kwon Do is not just about fighting, it’s about discipline.” He relayed stories of kids getting their belts taken away because of issues at home or school. “That’s not going to happen to me,” Blake said, “I try to do what I’m told every day. I don’t want to disappoint Master Chris.” It is that level of respect and accountability that enables Tae Kwon Do to have such a positive influence.
Tae Kwon Do is often associated with fighting, and at first glance that is what an observer might see. Fighting techniques, however, are only a small part. Young people that participate in the program are exposed to an environment of respect, discipline, and self-actualization that is as impressive as it is impactful. According to Master Kalsow, “Tae Kwon Do is about empowerment, and arming young people with self-esteem and self-confidence.” It is that self-esteem and confidence that can transform young people.
For more information on Tae Kwon Do and Northwest Martial Arts, visit www.northwestmartialarts.com.