Steven Shao - December 2011
The philosophy of Taekwondo includes many aspects. Although the translation of Taekwondo is "art of kicking and punching", "Do" in Korean, implies the philosophical approach to a way of life, a pathway to achieve enlightenment.
As a Taekwondo student, through years of physical training, I did not only improve myself in physical movement, but also improved mentally and spiritually. Many years ago, when I started to learn the first martial art style - Kung Fu Sanda, 90% of training is focus on fighting and scoring. At that time, I understand martial art as a way of defeat your opponents.
At present, through Taekwondo training, I began to change my mind, a martial artist never gets into a fight unless they really have to. The philosophy of Taekwondo helps the student to improve personality such as Respect, Courtesy, Goodness, Trustworthiness, Loyalty, Humility, Courage, Patience, Integrity, Perseverance and Self Control. Moreover, as a student also from Asian culture background, I understand philosophy of Taekwondo is influenced by Confucianism and Buddhism, such as junior students need to respect higher belt and instructors.
Finally, the goal of doing Taekwondo is to achieve harmony with nature and the self.