Stretching and Flexibility
by Brad Appleton

Common Misconceptions about Taekwon-Do

Taekwon-Do is an ancient Korean martial art.

This is not exactly true. Taekwon-Do is actually around 50 years old. There is evidence to suggest that martial arts existed in Korea 2,000 years ago, but Taekwon-Do is a blend of several of these systems, and it didn't evolve until just after World War II. Because Korea was occupied by Japanese troops for approximately 40 years prior to 1945, some people make the assumption that Korean martial arts are influenced by Japan and are therefore not truly Korean, but instead mere imitations of Japanese combat systems. While there may indeed be some Japanese influence in Korean martial arts, to conclude that Taekwon-Do is a 'pirated' system ignores the fact that, in centuries past, Korea conquered and occupied many parts of Japan. It could therefore be argued that Korean styles first influenced the Japanese martial arts. Suffice to say that Taekwon-Do is a Korean martial art developed over the last 50 years, with roots in the native Korean styles practiced more than 2,000 years ago.

Taekwon-Do is the most/least effective martial art.

All practitioners like to think their style is the best, including Taekwon-Do stylists. The fact is, however, that any martial art taught by a competent instructor will greatly enrich your life, both mentally and physically. In that sense, Taekwon-Do is no better or worse than any other martial art.

All Taekwon-Do training is the same, regardless of the school.

This is no truer of Taekwon-Do than of any other martial art. The only true similarity between all Taekwon-Do schools is that they teach a Korean martial art that emphasises kicking. Every other variable, from the type of uniform worn to the way in which classes are conducted, is determined according to the desires of the school's owner/instructor. Dojangs (Taekwon-Do schools) affiliated with larger organisations oftentimes will even differ from other member schools.

Taekwon-Do stresses kicking, particularly high, flashy kicks that have little self-defence value.

It is true that Taekwon-Do emphasises kicks and that Taekwon-Do practitioners are taught to use kicking techniques whenever possible since they are more powerful than punches. But while high, spinning, "flashy" kicks are part of the Taekwon-Do arsenal, they are not necessarily recommended for self-defence purposes. Quick, strong kicks to targets below the midsection are, in fact, part of the self-defence curriculum at most Taekwon-Do schools.

Because of Taekwon-Do's emphasis on kicking, it is best suited for young, athletically inclined individuals.

This is not true. Although Taekwon-Do does emphasise kicking techniques (some of which are extremely difficult to perform), it does not require that a practitioner be able to execute each and every kick taught. Practitioners need only to have knowledge of each technique, not necessarily the ability to flawlessly perform each one. Taekwon-Do recognises and rewards effort and inner spirit, not just physical ability. There are many instances of people attaining black belt rank in Taekwon-Do who are aged, infirmed, or even physically handicapped. In fact, there is a 1st Dan black belt member of the New Zealand Taekwon-Do Federation, who has no legs. Taekwon-Do, like most martial arts, is for everyone, both the strong and weak, and the young and old.