Why do we Train?

Why Train?

- Taekwondo as a way of life.

If I ask this question to ten different students, I’m liable to get ten different, and equally valid answers. Some people do it because they are just there for a workout, some like to kick and punch, some love the feel of competition, and some just want to believe in themselves. Some are even in it because their parents made them in an attempt to get more discipline at home. Taekwondo is many things to many people, and there is nothing wrong with this. In fact, this is part of the reason why Taekwondo appeals to so many people.

However, if you talk to the more seasoned students, the high ranking black belts, they often have a different and slightly more consistent idea of what Taekwondo is and why they practice it. The “Do” in Taekwondo stands for an Art, or a Way. Taekwondo truly is a way of life. I’d like to share something that Jon Baker wrote in his black belt essay when questioned about his ultimate goal for Taekwondo. He said :

"My ultimate goal in Taekwondo is to be able to look back on a life filled with improvement, without regrets of opportunities lost or challenges I never had the guts to face."


Notice that he makes no mention in his ultimate goals of kicking or punching powers, of winning gold medals, or even of defending himself or his family. Certainly, those things may be included in his life, but the central point is that he will constantly be improving. Too often fear holds us back in life. Life is hard enough when just dealing with external obstacles, adding internal ones as well can prove the final blow. However, Jon has realized that with his Taekwondo training, he will be able to transform his whole life. I’ve always stated that our goal of Taekwondo training is “to become better people.” Once you’ve experienced the power of Taekwondo to change your life for the better, it becomes part of what you do every day. Then, Taekwondo truly becomes as it was intended- a way of life.