By Lily Clay
Staff Writer
“To build true confidence through knowledge of the mind
Honesty in the heart and strength in the body
To keep friendship with one another
And to build a strong and happy community
To always improve myself and help others succeed
And to live with passion, sir!”
This is the student creed at Tiger An’s Taekwondo in Lowell, Massachusetts. In the dojang, students are taught the principles in the creed above, as well as the importance of respect and discipline. These values are not only crucial to taekwondo, but they are crucial to life, making them one of the many benefits of studying a martial art. All martial arts focus on similar principles, so whichever a student picks to study will help them become a better person.
True confidence is key, as said in the student creed. Confidence is expected, both while speaking or in movements within the martial art. If one is confident in their abilities, there is no limit to how high one can soar. In addition, a confident kiyap, a yell, will make defending oneself much more effective. If the kiyap is loud and powerful, an attacker will be dazed when fighting. Thanks to the encouragement of instructors, I am now not afraid to show off my skills in a constructive way and bring my confidence to everything I do. Students of martial arts take this confidence and apply it to their everyday lives, becoming stronger and more sure individuals.
The instructors emphasize the importance of honesty, respect, and knowledge in classes, and encourage their students to prioritize these principles in life. Respect, most of all, is demanded. Lower ranks bow to higher ranks to show respect, and everyone refers to each other as ‘sir’ or ‘ma’am’. While this aspect isn’t necessarily carried into life all the time, it teaches a healthy respect for others. In fact, sometimes I call my teachers at school ‘sir’ or ‘ma’am’, which is not as commonplace here, but it makes them smile.
In addition to the many mental benefits of studying a martial art, the physical benefits are plentiful as well. Each class provides exercise, and training for a black belt requires working out outside of class as well. Any type of training increases muscle strength and endurance, balance, and flexibility. It also slims down body fat and in general promotes a healthy lifestyle. When I began studying taekwondo when I was ten years old, I had a lot more body fat than I do now at fifteen. Normal growing played a part, but I believe that it was mostly studying taekwondo that led me to be healthier and happier. Studying a martial art encourages exercise both mentally and physically, and promotes a healthy lifestyle.
