Benefits of Taekwondo and Hapkido

People practice martial arts for a variety of reasons one of which is as part of a lifestyle and the benefits it can bring. However, Taekwondo and Hapkido are both practiced as a art with Taekwondo holding the distinction of being an Olympic Sport. That is WTF Taekwondo – World Taekwondo Federation is the only form of Taekwondo recognized as an Olympic Sport. The only other martial art that participates as an Olympic Sport is Japan’s Judo.

Physical Benefits

There are so many physical benefits that you are rewarded with practicing Taekwondo:

• Improved flexibility
• Body Alignment
• Balance
• Speed
• Endurance
• Heart and lung strength
• Toned muscles
• A lean body

Psychological Benefits

A lean fit body is a great reward but the benefits of studying Taekwondo and Hapkido go further yet:

• Increased levels of self-confidence
• Mental toughness
• Self-disciplined
• Reduced levels of stress
• Deep fulfilling levels of sleep
• A calm assured demeanour
• Clarity of thought in stressful situations
• An indomitable spirit

Increased Safety

I have always found it ironic that the outward practice of Taekwondo and Hapkido are the least important rewards received from its participation;

• The ability to defend oneself
• The ability to defend others
• The ability to manage potential physical confrontation more intelligently – talk the other person down – to not become the aggressor – to show restraint – to not lose one’s temper
• To know what it is like to be hit and not let it intimidate you

All of these benefits are derived through the practice of:

• Kicking
• Punching
• Falling
• Joint manipulation
• Grappling
• Pressure points
• Poomse
• Breaking
• Self-defence techniques

It is truly remarkable the benefits of Taekwondo and Hapkido. All of these benefits can be experienced with just a couple hours a week of practice. It is a great release from our daily stress and routines that will leave you feeling refreshed, relieved, and restored.

Taekwondo – Where to begin?

I have participated in Taekwondo and Hapkido for the past 33 years and I still remember my very first class in Hapkido.

I had just finished sulking after a broken up relationship and had spent Christmas alone. It was a week into the new year and I came to the realization that it was time to stop feeling sorry for myself and get out and start participating in life once again.

I had always been interested in the martial arts but never really knew what art to pursue. I had had combative experience as I had wrestled for three years in high school, but ended my wrestling career in grade 12 with a broken collar bone in my third match against the same opponent.

So not knowing really what to do I stumbled upon the nearest and first set of doors I walked through and it was Yoon’s Martial Arts School in NE Calgary, Alberta.

That first night was what nailed it for me. I had just gone through the warm up and the last exercise was hopping around the room with knees bent. When I stood up I became light headed and quickly hit the floor because I had passed out.

I was never so embarrassed as I was that night. I sat the rest of the evening watching everyone else participate and as I was leaving I talked with Master Yoon and confirmed with him that I was going to earn my black belt.

Five years later I was one of five students that tested for their black belt and was successful. The cool thing was we were the first students of Master Yoon in Canada to earn their black bel

The rest is history. That evening solidified in me a passion for the martial arts. I have since run a club in Drumheller, Alberta for the past 23 years and have had 39 students earn their black belt. My oldest son has his third dan black belt and my youngest son has his first degree black belt. I call that a success!

However, the most extraordinary part is the impact Hapkido and Taekwondo have had on my life. I was a Journeyman Cook and worked in the food service industry. The study of martial arts developed in me a “can do attitude” it had wiped away all insecurities about my abilities.

I later went on to earn a Bachelor of Education Degree and most recently completed a Master of Arts in Leadership Degree. I have been in administration for the past 12 years and have been the principal of a high school for the past four years.

The study of martial arts can have a profound impact on your life and I have always likened it to a microcosm to practice and rehearse the challenges life will bring and provide the strength to overcome and keep moving forward.