What is the difference between learning to defend yourself and learning to fight? As a martial arts practitioner for nearly 20 years I can say with confidence there is a huge difference. When parents and adults are looking for martial arts programs, the typical google search will be “karate classes” or “self defense classes near me” and yet they won’t know the difference among the results. While there is no perfect martial art, it can be very difficult to distinguish between the Karate, Boxing, Muay Thai and BJJ of the world.
As a Taekwondo student and instructor, I can speak upon the benefits that Taekwondo has done for me and what it can do for you. I actually began my martial arts journey at age 5 learning “Karate” which I would later find out was a mixture of Okinawan Karate and ITF (International Taekwon-Do Federation) style Taekwondo. I studied there for over 10 years, earning my 2nd degree black belt, learning the blocks, kicks, forms and sparring as well as traditional weapons. While I enjoyed my experience, I couldn’t see this school and style as a long term goal for me.
I began studying WT (World Taekwondo) style Taekwondo in 2017 and it was the best decision I could have made. Although I have a passion for kicking I never considered myself a “fighter” and Taekwondo has taught me that martial arts are much more than a constant fight and preparation for battle. We learn the skills necessary to protect ourselves, but we never seek out a fight to begin with because we know there are multiple ways to resolve conflicts. As a student, I learned the skills and as an instructor I have learned how to use and teach them.
Across the USA and worldwide, different Taekwondo schools uphold different philosophies, but at the core is discipline, respect, perseverance and character development. When students enter the Taekwondo school, they know to be respectful to their instructors, try to improve their skills and never give up in the face of adversity. While some schools have an emphasis on skill development and tournaments, there are schools such as mine that emphasize students’ attitude as it applies to their daily life.
When students leave our school, we believe they have been taught the lessons necessary to be leaders in the classroom, sports teams, workplace and society. Across the realm of martial arts, students will learn how to fight and develop their attack/defense combinations, but how will that be used in day to day activity. We provide our students with the philosophy that as their physical ability improves, their mental ability should improve simultaneously.
After achieving my 3rd degree black and teaching Taekwondo now as my full time career, I can say with confidence that Taekwondo has changed my life. Dealing with many challenges as a child, teen and young adult, my training has allowed me to stay positive and continue setting a good example for the next generation.
Along with my personal training, I began content creation on social media in 2022 and have been able to share my knowledge and passion for Taekwondo with the world. I have met so many amazing people and built many great friendships with incredible martial artists because of our universal love for Taekwondo. I hope you will join me on this journey and begin your training today!
