Tae kwon do is an Art
Wikipedia defines art this way: “Art refers to a diverse range of human activities, creations, and expressions that are appealing to the senses or emotions of a human individual.” This is absolutely true when defining Tae kwon do.
Art
When you think of mortal combat, does the word art come to mind?
Of course not.
Martial arts are not only hard. They have an internal part, the softer part that develops roots in philosophical ideals often unknown to non martial artists. The fact that martial arts have two sides is an important reason why instructing children in the martial arts is a great idea.
Sometimes parents are mistaken and believe that allowing their kids to study martial arts will cause them to become aggressive, picking fights. In actuality, just the opposite is true. Fundamental martial arts training has a core that has a very different outcome than a parent might suspect.
All martial arts have an external component and an internal component. Think of the Chinese yin-yang symbol which literally indicates that everything has an opposite. The earth has sky, fire has water, and good has evil.
What is referred to as external martial arts is what most people are familiar with. This is the action you enjoy on the movie screen and on television. It’s the sometimes violent or even deadly, hard hitting power that one can learn to use to overcome an opponent. But remember, that what you see on the screen is only what Hollywood deems glamorous.
A martial art is never, never taught only at its external, physical root. As with the yin-yang, the martial arts are surrounded by philosophical underpinnings of peace and harmony that form the internal, mental root. Specifically, internal martial arts study embraces the philosophy of Consequentialism or “right action.”
Consequentialism is a moral belief that producing the right kinds of consequences is one of the highest moral values a person can have. All actions result in consequences. Martial artists are taught that it is their duty to produce the right kinds of overall consequences, meaning bringing about the most good to the most people.
These principles involve recognition of others while developing greater personal patience and insight. Most martial arts began in the countries of Asia where Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism is rooted. The philosophical ideals of these belief systems permeate the martial arts.
Author Doug Cook writes of a Korean proverb that when translated states, “Peace within the individual brings peace within the family; peace in the family brings peace in the community; peace in the community, peace in the country and peace throughout the world.” The concept of “right action” to bring about peace in the individual is believed to spread virally through society and consequently, the world.
And yet, Consequentialism is just one of the internal philosophical roots of the martial arts. There are different types of kicks and stances, punches and blocks that form external martial arts. Likewise, there are many parts and variations to the internal martial arts.
When a child studies martial arts, they learn the physical aspects that develop strength, self confidence and flexibility in the context of self defense. Internal arts training teaches them to know the right action for any situation. The combination of improved confidence and self defense techniques allows them to avoid situations where they would need to use their skills. Learning how to create the best consequences makes a better person and society.
Suddenly, harmony around the globe doesn’t seem so far out of reach.
