An Astounding Art - Tae kwon do

Does the word art bring mortal combat to mind?

A guess would be, no.

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.

Many parents worry that teaching their kids martial arts will make them more aggressive and more likely to fight. The opposite is actually true. And there is a fundamental reason why.

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.

The martial arts external side is what we are used to seeing in the movies and on our televisions. External art is the hard, violent and often deadly force characters use to punish or overcome their adversaries. Yet, that is merely Hollywood's view.

Actually, no martial art is taught only for its external condition. Just as the yin/yang suggests, even martial arts are composed of philosophical roots that include a search for inner peace and harmony. This is what we call the internal art. One of the most difficult philosophies to achieve is the concept of "right action" sometimes referred to as Consequentialism.

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.

The concept of "right action" is but one of the many philosophical ideals that make up the internal root of martial arts study. A student of martial arts learns many punches and blocks, stances and kicks that in combination sculpt a complete external picture. Equally important are the internal concepts that provide the framework for that sculpture.

Any child who is fortunate enough to study martial arts learns exacting physical motions that increase strength and flexibility while learning self defense techniques and improving confidence. But at the same time, they learn to be a better person, a better citizen of the world. They learn that because they can physically defend themselves that they no longer need to. They have learned the "right action."

Suddenly, harmony around the globe doesn't seem so far out of reach.

Article Source: http://www.myaddirectory.com

Kalynn Amadio is a 3rd degree black belt in tae kwon do. Before starting your kids in martial arts, visit her website for more on Right Action and Kids Taekwondo lessons. Tae kwon do is for the whole family.

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