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An Awesome Art - Tae kwon do

By: Kalynn Amadio When you read the word art, are you thinking about mortal combat?

A guess would be, no.

Martial arts are not only hard. They have an internal part, the softer part that develops roots in philosophical ideals often unknown to non martial artists. The fact that martial arts have two sides is an important reason why instructing children in the martial arts is a great idea.

Parents often believe that letting their child learn a martial art will somehow teach them to be more aggressive and apt to get into fights. The reality is exactly the opposite. There is a core philosophy in martial arts that is the reason why.

Many martial artists refer to their training in two parts. Observe the ancient Chinese symbol of yin/yang which visually tells a tale of everything having an opposite, like hot and cold, earth and heavens, fire and water.

The martial arts external side is what we are used to seeing in the movies and on our televisions. External art is the hard, violent and often deadly force characters use to punish or overcome their adversaries. Yet, that is merely Hollywood's view.

Martial arts are flamboyant and exciting at their external course. But just as the yin-yang shows, martial arts also has an internal course of philosophical study that pins the artist in search of harmony and peace. One philosophy in particular that can be hard to grasp is consequentialism or more easily understood as the "right action."

Consequentialism is a moral belief that producing the right kinds of consequences is one of the highest moral values a person can have. All actions result in consequences. Martial artists are taught that it is their duty to produce the right kinds of overall consequences, meaning bringing about the most good to the most people.

This high ideal requires a great deal of insight, patience and acceptance of all people. It's no wonder that martial arts, most of which began in Asian countries, incorporate Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism in their foundations.

There is a Korean proverb quoted by author Doug Cook that roughly translates, "Peace within the individual brings peace within the family; peace in the family brings peace in the community; peace in the community, peace in the country and peace throughout the world." Delivering the highest moral consequences through "right action" can cause a domino effect throughout society and the world.

And yet, Consequentialism is just one of the internal philosophical roots of the martial arts. There are different types of kicks and stances, punches and blocks that form external martial arts. Likewise, there are many parts and variations to the internal martial arts.

When a child studies martial arts, they learn the physical aspects that develop strength, self confidence and flexibility in the context of self defense. Internal arts training teaches them to know the right action for any situation. The combination of improved confidence and self defense techniques allows them to avoid situations where they would need to use their skills. Learning how to create the best consequences makes a better person and society.

Suddenly, world peace doesn't sound so far fetched.

Article Source: http://www.lifeweightloss.com

Kalynn Amadio is a 3rd dan black belt in tae kwon do. Before starting your child in martial arts, see her website for more on Consequentialism and Kids Taekwondo classes. Tae kwon do is for the whole family.

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