Taekwondo

The word taekwondo is formed from the three Korean terms “tae” meaning “to kick” as with a foot, “kwon” which derives from “the hand” used to strike or block, and “do” meaning “the way” or “the art”. Taekwondo, therefore, can roughly be translated as “the art of fighting with the fist and the foot”. Many martial arts schools limit the student’s understanding to that level, and focus solely on teaching students the physical movements of taekwondo in order to allow the student to participate in tournaments or to protect themselves in a fight.

However, the art of taekwondo is truly much deeper than just fighting. The goal of the OMAC holistic martial arts system is shim shin, soo ryun or the training of the mind, body, spirit, and emotion. While the physical aspects of taekwondo strengthen our body, our study of the philosophy and “words of wisdom” help to develop character, to learn confidence, patience, control, respect, and wisdom.