Feature: Taekwondo is More than a Sport

Photo: Intern Nicole Cheng
 
What is your impression of martial arts? Fighting people and getting hurt? 
 
Taekwondo is a kind of martial art from Korea, and is well-known throughout the world for its distinctive fusion of striking methods, forceful kicks, and flowing motions. It encourages both physical health and mental focus participating in the sport or in your daily lives. It is more than just a sport and getting bruises.
 
Taekwondo first appeared 2,000 years ago, when Korea was divided into the three kingdoms of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla. Since these kingdoms were at war with one another all the time, having effective self-defence skills became essential. The martial art of taekkyeon, which emphasised fluid motions and kick techniques, was one of many that evolved in Korea over time.
 
SAcommunity has 290 listings in South Australia related to martial arts, while 62 of them are related to Taekwondo training. Other types of martial arts include Judo, Karate, Kung Fu and many more.
 
Ever thought about Taekwondo?
I started Taekwondo when I first came to Australia in 2018, and from being a sport I always wanted to try, I've now been dedicated to the martial art for the past 5 years. When I was a child I watched performances of Taekwondo and saw people "flying" around and breaking boards, I wanted to be in the cool uniform and be able to do the same powerful movements I had witnessed, so as an adult I joined a club once I settled into Adelaide and University life. I graded from white belt to black belt 2nd Dan through the years and achieved a lot through the sport in strengthening my body and in changing my mindset.

There are two types of styles in Taekwondo, which are sparring and Poomsae. Sparring, also as Kyorugi is about attacking an opponent with kicking techniques and some hand use, while Poomsae is a practice of choreographed techniques patterns performed with power, precision and poise. During training, we get to train in both styles, including fitness, flexibility or balance. There are rank gradings for promotion with the permission of the head instructor which test your strength, power, control and professinalism. The rank of Taekwondo varies in different clubs, but the colour blacks generally goes in the order of: White belt, Yellow belt, Blue belt, Red belt, Red/Black belt, whilst black belt consists of 1-9 Dan (degrees).

Taekwondo principles in everyday life
Taekwondo is much more than just a physical activity, despite the fact that it is undoubtedly an exciting sport. Taekwondo training calls for self-control, tenacity, and the drive to challenge oneself. It fosters self-assurance, consideration for others, and a profound inner peace. Many Taekwondo practitioners adopt the art as their way of life, incorporating its principles into every facet of their lives.
 
There are five tenets to follow physically and mentally: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control and Indomitable Spirit. These are the core principles of Taekwondo and they works as a road map for living. The importance of showing respect to elders, seniors, juniors or rivals is strongly emphasised in taekwondo. For instance, bowing is a fundamental component of the taekwondo experience and is a means to express respect for others. It guides you as a way to be successful in life, and trains you on how to develop a good mental outlook when facing challenges.

Want to try Taekwondo?
Adelaide offers various services providing taekwondo training across the city, including:
Australian World Taekwondo
Ben Rutten Taekwondo Centre
Cheng's Taekwondo Ohdokwan
Christopher's Taekwondo Academy
First Taekwondo
Ilyo Taekwondo Barossa
Moon's Taekwondo Academy
Martial Arts SA
National Taekwondo
Next Generation Taekwondo
Oriental Martial Arts Community SA
Real Defence Taekwondo
Rhee Taekwon-do
Seaford & Southern Vales Taekwondo
SeoDoKwan Martial Arts
Shim Jang TaeKwonDo
Total Taekwondo Academy
Taekwondo in the Port
Whiteway's Taekwondo Academy
 
Looking for another type of martial arts?
There are many different types of martial arts styles listed in SAcommunity:
Visit Marital Arts to find out more