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Physical & Mental Aspects
(Quoted from the New Student Orientation Handbook)

Taekwondo originated in Korea and was introduced to the United States shortly after the Korean War in the middle of the 1950's. The American Taekwondo Association defines it as a "martial art that trains people physically and mentally". The physical skills are obvious in the execution of techniques; the mental development is apparent in the improved attention span, concentration, self-confidence and self-discipline.

But the ATA is dedicated also to yet another aspect of mental development: the traditional Taekwondo values of integrity, loyalty, honor, respect, courtesy and self-control. We pledge ourselves to these values at each class session.

Taekwondo for Physical Development

Taekwondo, in modern society, is taught as a defensive martial art which develops skills in self-protection, physical fitness and mental agility.

People are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of physical fitness as a means of improving the quality of life. The physical benefits of Taekwondo - muscle development, improved coordination and flexibility, increased aerobic capacity - are means of providing oneself with "preventive-medicine health insurance". It is a positive regimen of physical activity for building a healthy body and for countering the debilitating forces of a sedentary lifestyle and aging.

Taekwondo for Mental Development

Mental development might be considered from two perspectives - the "brain" (or "intellect") and the "heart".

Intellectual development includes improving attention span, increasing visualization capabilities, providing memory exercise and developing the ability to formulate strategies.

Mental development of the "heart" - qualities such as those describes in the Songahm Spirit of Taekwondo - is as important as the physical techniques to a student's total development/ Courtesy, integrity, respect and self control are among the characteristics emphasized in the ATA program. By consciously pursuing these traits, the student's though patterns are raised to a higher level of moral character.

According to published psychological studies, Taekwondo students have lower levels of anxiety, high levels of self esteem, greater self discipline, more respectful attitudes, less aggressiveness and a greater sense of responsibility that the general population. Taekwondo develops values. such as concentration and self discipline, which can improve other areas of the student's life, including academic performance.

Because of the ATA concept of "personal victory", Taekwondo training can begun at any life stage. The physical and mental benefits adapt to any level of ability.

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