PHILOSOPHY OF THE TTA
The ultimate goal of Taekwondo is the attainment of a harmony of physical, mental and spiritual centres to achieve what is often referred to as 'oneness'. This means that a person will do the right thing at the right time without uncertainty, be it avoiding a deadly blow, expressing gratitude or coming to another's aid. Such a person is said to express an intuitive response to life unencumbered by hesitation or self-doubt.
The road to this goal is long and arduous and for some may seem impossible. Still, even after a relatively short period of training many will begin to experience a heightened sense of calm and focus. Students will find that they can apply this to other aspects of their life such as work, and parents will notice an improvement in their children's self discipline and integrity. The reason for this is as follows: One of the most stressful things a person can do is fight, so if a person can fight with their mind free of tension, fear or anger, then other events in their life that might otherwise be a source of stress, can be handled objectively and effortlessly. This is achieved as the novice undergoes:
Fitness & co-ordination training
Good co-ordination, toning, reduction of weight, improved flexibility, cardiovascular conditioning, increased strength, general fitness.
Self Discipline
Self confidence, self-discipline, better judgement, self control, stress reduction, better self image, positive attitude.
Team Work
The student learns to work with fellow members as part of the team in class and interrelation between peer groups, seniors and juniors.
Respect
The student takes on more responsibility in terms of looking after juniors and guiding them. At the same time, he or she learns to seek guidance from his or her seniors and is responsible towards them.
High Achievement
The student learns to persevere and develop a strong tenacity to be responsible for his or her actions and achieve set goals and tasks.
High Morality
With the aquiring of skills which convert his or her hands and feet into lethal weapons, the student learns to abide by the tenets and oath of Taekwondo to achieve a sense of fair play, justice and loyalty to the ethics of Taekwondo.
Not all Taekwondo schools advocate these methods. These are the ways of the Traditional Taekwondo Association.
