Karate

Since the beginning, the formation of taekwondo has evolved with the use of many different techniques and forms. The earliest known form of Taekwondo originated from the Korean martial art Soobak which eventually became known as t’aekyon. In 1955, T’aekyon official became known as modern marital art of Taekwondo (“Taekwondo History”). Although Taekwondo is relatively a new sport in the eyes of Westerners, its origins date back to the early formation of Korea. Archeologist have discovered…

It is human instinct to protect one’s self in the event of being threatened, just as it is natural for animals to fight over their territories and mates. Now fighting isn’t often seen as beneficial, humane, or mature, but in a life or death situation, one must know how to survive. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, the art of being able to control one’s opponent with simple techniques involving holds, chokes, joint locks, and leverage to subdue an attacker, has been proven countless times to show dominance…

Sometimes in life you arrive at a place or a time, either physically or mentally, to which the extent of the journey is not immediately obvious. Always aware of the destination, yet focused more on immediate challenges, at some point you look up and realize just how far you have gone, and think “How did I get here?” This essay is a brief chronicle of my personal journey into the ranks of Tang Soo Do toward Cho Dan, of how Tang Soo Do philosophy has incorporated itself into my life, and what it…

The goal of every taekwondo olympic fighter is to master a kick you know will knock out your opponent. The most common one and the I am testing is a Round kick, is a kick where the attacker swings their leg around in a semicircular motion, striking with the top of the foot. There is a lot more that goes into the perfect kick than most think. What is the perfect angle? What is the perfect distance away from the opponent? What is the perfect speed of the kick? These are all things that go into a…

In addition to the physical aspects of any martial arts, i.e. combat and self-defense, their spiritual aspects such as meditative practice and healing dimensions are fundamental. The nature and importance of “internal energy” (qi, ki, prana) has been among the many topics,* discussed by serious practitioners. However, the emphasis on the mystical transformation (altering an individual’s customary [what does this word mean here?] experience and self-awareness in the world) associated with the…

I absolutely love the sport of Mixed Martial Arts. It’s a great way to get into shape and cleanse your body of bad foods that you may have eaten over the years. I feel the sport is a good way to know how to defend yourself; when the time may come. Last, I think it’s exciting and a great adrenaline rush when you get a chance to compete in the sport. MMA is many different forms of fighting. It will teach you how to defend yourself wherever a fight might happen. It teaches you boxing skills,…

There is a hero in everyone. Even though there are several differences in them each hero shares a common characteristic. In the film Karate Kid produced in 1984 by Jerry Weintraub Daniel, the main character, is forced to move to California and when he arrives there encounters Johnny, the leader of the karate group called the Kobra Kai. After being bullied for several days by Johnny and his gang of friends Daniel then sets out for revenge and trains with Mr. Miyagi in order to get revenge on the…

“Ms. Hilker” the words I had been anxiously been waiting to hear. I watch my instructor call my name and I can feel my heart speed up. I had been working with these instructors and peers for years but suddenly I was terrified to get up in front of them. I spent years of my life working for this one day, testing day. But let me tell you, earning my black belt in Taekwondo that day was worth it all. I can still remember my first day I walked into that Taekwondo class. I walked in scared and…

Tang Soo Do may only look like a simple martial arts class that teaches you how to defend yourself from any danger that you may encounter in your life even as you grow up. I believe that Tang Soo Do represents more than just defense, to me it represents the knowledge and strength of achieving a high goal to reach which is Black Belt and learning the techniques as to why they are so special in a combat experience. When I first started Tang Soo Do at the age of 4, it was something new for me and…

When I was five years old I began taking karate lessons, I likely started taking these to get out of the house more and make friends. Growing up homeschooled, I didn’t and still don’t have a large amount of acquaintances, or friends as many call them. Thanks partly to my karate lessons; however, I was able to make some excellent friends, the strongest friendship I forged over the years, both in and out of karate lessons was with Kyle. Yes, me and Kyle, almost exactly the same age (he was older…