Thursday 30 October 2014

Love Taekwondo? 36 Facts NYC' Martial Arts Aficionados Should Know, PART 4

This four-part article series presents 36 different facts people who are interested in Taekwondo should know about this Korean martial art system.

Welcome to the final installment of this four-part article series, which presents 36 interesting and important facts about the martial art system taking NYC by storm: Taekwondo! From Part 1 through to Part 3, we have explored the combat techniques employed by Taekwondo; we have taken a brief look at its history and popularization in the West and we've found Taekwondo to be both a self-defense system and a competitive combat sport.

We have only 9 interesting facts left to explore, so let's get started!

Fact # 28: Interested in putting your skills to the test? Whether you want to put your skills to the test in a formal environment, you'll be happy to hear that there are many regional, national and international Taekwondo tournaments to participate in and NYC is home to many! If you've got your eyes on the prize, there are always the Olympic Games to prepare for.

Fact # 29: The divisions organized for NYC Martial Arts competition are based upon skill level and age, so no matter how young or old or Taekwondo Classes in NYCexperienced or inexperienced you are, you should have the opportunity to compete.

Fact # 30: If you sign up for Taekwondo classes in NYC, you can expect to learn quite a bit of the Korean language! This is because commands and prompts are given in Korean. The same commands are used in competition, which is why all martial arts studios will expect you to learn them.

Fact # 31: Skill and achievement in Taekwondo are reflected by the color of your belt. From the lowest level to the highest: white, yellow, green, blue, red and black. It will take you many, many years of dedication and practice to achieve black belt. If any NYC dojo, gym or studio offers you a "fast track" to the top, they are not to be trusted. There is only one way to become a skilled Taekwondo fighter and that's through hard work.

Fact # 32: Taekwondo competitions may look fierce and the moves difficult to pull off, but the risk of serious injury is actually very low! Most of the time, competitors walk away from sparring with little more than a few bruises and perhaps some stiff muscles. The rules governing Taekwondo are strict and are in place to protect competitors from harm.

Fact # 33: One of the first and most important lessons all NYC residents will learn is the five Tenets of Taekwondo. These tenets are intended to guide NYC Martial Artsstudents through their lives and to gently influence absolutely everything they do, from their actions and choices to the very foundations of their decision-making.
They are:
  • Courtesy (Ye-Ui)
  • Perseverance (In-Nae)
  • Integrity (Yom-Chi)
  • Invincibility (Beakjul-Bool-Gul)
  • Self-discipline (Guk-Gi)

Fact # 34: Taekwondo students in NYC are required to take an oath, which essentially teaches them to be respectful, honorable and responsible:

I undertake to comply with the principles of Taekwondo.
I undertake to respect my coaches and all superiors.
I undertake to abuse Taekwondo never.
I pledge to stand up for freedom and justice.
I undertake to cooperate in the creation of a more peaceful world.

------------- Choi Hong Hi

Fact # 35: The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) is the biggest tournament organization and its rules and regulations are applied to competitions held by the Olympic Games.

Fact # 36: Taekwondo isn't just a fantastic fitness and self-defense system; it's also a platform upon which students can develop their whole character, from their mind and heart to their body and soul.

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