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Franklin Self Defense Classes - Mu Han Martial Arts Essay In speaking with someone recently, they posed this question to me: "Why do you take tae kwon do?" It occurred to me that I did not have an answer for them. So I thought about the various reasons I've heard people articulate. "I want to learn self-defense" is one of them. It's true that Mu Han does dedicate some time to self-defense for its adult students. But it is a small portion of the curriculum. However, one needs to look a little deeper to see how tae kwon do in general helps prepare a person for self-defense. First of all, the emphasis is to avoid getting into a situation where one would be required to physically protect oneself. If one comes across as respectful to others while at the same time one conveys a sense of confidence, I think that goes a long way in protecting oneself without ever having to raise one's fists. Second, there is sparring. While sparring is a simulation of physical combat, it is not self-defense. The strategies, techniques and mindset are a little different. However, I know that if I didn't have sparring practice, I would feel much less comfortable when confronted in a real-life situation by an aggressor. While I will not know exactly how I would react –until- such a situation occurs (God forbid), I think I would handle myself better simply because, every week, we practice confronting an opponent. This reminds me of another benefit: Sparring teaches one to, literally and figuratively, think on one's feet, and fast. These are necessary skills in self-defense.
Another reason I often hear people suggest for taking tae kwon do is to improve one's general health, or more specifically, to lose weight. While I do not think people should count on it a "magic pill" weight loss strategy, it has clearly helped many of my fellow students to do so, which is wonderful. TKD classes are not for the faint of heart; they are good, intense, sweaty workouts. Experts suggest that the sign of a workout routine most effective for weight loss is a continuous elevated heart rate, for at least 30 minutes if possible. In TKD, the intensity level goes up and down, over and over, so it is not quite that. However, it still has health benefits. Every class starts with stretching, as flexibility is a must. Also, I want to express to women in particular that you can count on better muscle strength in the arms, abdomen and legs. You may hate pushups as much as I do (and believe me, I do!), but it can be very satisfying to see the results, as long as you put in the effort. And one final benefit that may not be obvious is that as you become strong in body, you become strong in mind, and the reverse is equally true. - Paula
In fact, that may be one of the primary reasons why I study tae kwon do. I am enjoying this journey of becoming stronger in mind and body, and have come to realize that they are one, not separate. I was not really aware of that when I signed up. In fact, I was probably persuaded by the very persuasive headmaster and instructors. Back then, my focus was on my son, not on me. He was the reason we joined the Mu Han community in the first place, and his participation supersedes my own. But as I watched what the instructors were teaching him and others, there was something awe-inspiring about it. For all of its perceived toughness, there is something beautiful in watching a practitioner of tae kwon do..the "art" in martial arts, perhaps? Anyway, I do not know what my original reasons were for trying TKD, but my personal growth is certainly one of my main reasons for staying on this path.
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