Taekwon-Do and Moral Culture …..Strengthening the Family Bond!
The most common reasons that one chooses to join Taekwon-Do is to learn self-defense, become more physically fit, and to enjot it as a sport. Quite often, it is for only one of these reasons that they initially decide to give it a try. However, as their training progresses, the intrest in all these benefits begins to develop.
It is through these benefits that helps an individual build true character, which peaks their intrest and solidifies their focus in their Taekwon-Do training. Further commitment to the “Student Oath” and the “Tenets of Taekwon-Do” helps identify personal goals and values in each individual. There are certainly not many activities that can help achieve such personal growth. The are certainly not many activities that enables are entire family the opportunity to participate together and share in such training and growth as Taekwon-Do offers.
The familiar saying “a family that Kicks together…Sticks together!” could not be truer. Children are the future of our universe, and the ability to grow together in such an activity as Taekwon-Do will ensure a stronger family bond, as well as, individual future success.
It seems that in today’s society, focus on the moral values and nat as “front and center” as they once were. So, what a better way for today’s families to nurture education of basic moral culture with our children, than through training in Taekwon-Do.
An instructor of Taekwon-Do, the teaching of all aspects of the art will become the effective catalyst in bringing families together with training in this art of self-defense. Altough self-defense and physical fitness are a great benefit, the teachings of moral culture, as laid out by General Choi Hong Hi, must become a larger focus for the instructor. A family commitment to such learning will only strengthen individual growth and character. The experiences of the family members training, competeing and testing together are like no other activity.
Where, other than in our Public School Systems, can children and families learn about such moral culturee and values? Taekwon-Do can help achieve these important life values through teaching of humanity, righteousness, propriety, wisdom and trust. Through these teachings, a child can begin to undestand respect, discipline, devotion, honesty and happiness. Taekwon-Do also helps a parent learn to teach their children, a skill that is often hard for a parent to devlop.
It is therefore extremely important for instructors, students and their families to understand that Taekwon-Do is much more than learning how to “kick” and “punch”…its about the “Do”…a way of life, based on moral value.
Choosing this topic for my thesis was easy. I began my training in Taekwon-Do as a young man in search of skills in self-defense. When my first daughter was born I was a yellow belt. As I saw her innocence beginning her lif long journey, I know then that my commitment in Taekwon-Do training would have to take me to the level of instructor, so that I could teach her these skills of self-defense. As my training countined I began to discover that there was much more to Taekwon-Do then self-defense. I could teach my family more than just kicking and punching. I could hgelp teach them true values that wil help them enjoy and appreciate the truest fruits of life.
My wife and I have four beautiful children, who all share in the love and admiration of tihs way of life. As a growing instructor, I treat all my students as my own family and commit to teach them all the benefits of Taekwon-Do.
Yours in Taekwon-Do
Ken MacKenzie
Nova Scotia, Canada
4th Dan Thesis