An Amazing Art - Tae kwon do | Martial Arts

By KalynnAmadio
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When you think of mortal combat, does the word art come to mind?

A guess would be, no.

The martial arts have a side that few people ever see, it is a soft side planted in philosophical theory and not usually noted by those not in the arts. This softer side is just one great reason for kids to learn martial arts.

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.

Martial arts are actually made of two components, an external and an internal part. Remember the Chinese yin/yang, the never ending circle which visually depicts that all things have an opposite. The sky has earth, good has evil and hot has cold.

What is referred to as external martial arts is what most people are familiar with. This is the action you enjoy on the movie screen and on television. It's the sometimes violent or even deadly, hard hitting power that one can learn to use to overcome an opponent. But remember, that what you see on the screen is only what Hollywood deems glamorous.

Actually, no martial art is taught only for its external condition. Just as the yin/yang suggests, even martial arts are composed of philosophical roots that include a search for inner peace and harmony. This is what we call the internal art. One of the most difficult philosophies to achieve is the concept of "right action" sometimes referred to as Consequentialism.

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.

An ancient Korean proverb states, "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." as translated by author Doug Cook. It's easy to understand the idea that choosing the "right action" can have a phenomenal affect to not just the individual but eventually 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.

Any child who is fortunate enough to study martial arts learns exacting physical motions that increase strength and flexibility while learning self defense techniques and improving confidence. But at the same time, they learn to be a better person, a better citizen of the world. They learn that because they can physically defend themselves that they no longer need to. They have learned the "right action."

Suddenly, harmony around the globe doesn't seem so far out of reach.

About the Author

Kalynn Amadio is a 3rd dan black belt in tae kwon do. Before enrolling your kids in martial arts, visit her website for more on Right Action and Kids Taekwondo lessons. Tae kwon do is for the whole family.

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