By Terry Wassink

Taekwondo is a Martial Art that originates from Korea. “Tae” means to jump, kick or smash with the foot; “Kwon” to punch or hit with the hand or fist; “Do” means an art, way or method. Taken collectively, Taekwondo means the art of hand and foot techniques. Taekwondo can be taught as a self-defense, competitive sport or martial art which emphasizes the character you build as you study taekwondo. I hope that by teaching the sport and self defense aspects of taekwondo, I can also build the character of each student.Taekwondo is a full medal, Olympic sport. The rules we follow each Friday night during sparring class are the full World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) rules established by the Kukkiwon (governing body of taekwondo) in Seoul, Korea. These rules are followed by not only the US but every other country that competes internationally in taekwondo. The safety equipment we use are also established by this same organization.Competition has so many advantages for today’s youth. Not only does any type of competition teach us how to win or lose, but also teaches us how to set goals and achieve them. Will we gloat our victory over those who didn’t win this time? Or complain that the judges were wrong and you didn’t really lose? Or will we set a goal to do better the next time, and work harder to achieve that goal. Luckily, our students have embodied this true spirit of competition.Of course, competition is then teaching us what any true martial art should teach us, how to become a better person with more self-confidence. And that self-confidence or self-assurance should help in everything you do.What we really should be asking is, “Did I do my best? What could I do better next time? Did I have fun?” Did I follow the tenants of taekwondo: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverence, Self-Control and Indomitable Spirit? Was I courteous to not only the officials, but to the other competitors and spectators? Did I spar fairly and within the rules? (Integrity) Did I keep going even though I was tired or a little hurt? (Perseverence) Did I wait patiently until my group was up or did I run around in the stands? (Self-Control) Competition can help us answer all those questions “YES”!

However, we can’t teach any martial art without teaching self-defense. In today’s violent world, we want to protect our children from anything negative. Sometimes, we need to teach them how to protect themselves as we won’t always be around to save them. If I can teach one student to deal with a bully at school, or avoid a potentially harmful situation, I’ve done my job.
The best self-defense? Give the person whatever they want. If they want your wallet or purse, car or keys, give it to them! You can replace things, but not yourself. No confrontation is harmless, emotional or physical. The best result is when you minimize the harm and walk away.

But taekwondo can involve so much more than either an Olympic sport or self-defense. As an instructor or senior belt in taekwondo, we should be a mentor to those just learning taekwondo. Being an example to others, should not just be when your in a taekwondo class, but before or after class, at school (or work) and in life. And we should all look to the best example of all – Jesus Christ!

So while teaching taekwondo is very important to me, teaching about Jesus Christ is much more important. As our students grow in body and mind from taekwondo, they will grow in spirit and truth, learning our Biblical principals of competition, self-defense and character. I have done my job not by turning each student into a black belt, but by developing young Christians.!
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