Photo by John MacSporran, used under Creative Commons licence.

What does it really mean – to be a martial artist?

In my next few blogs, I’ll be answering that question by setting our a few things that the Korean martial art of Taekwondo means to me. I’ve studied, practised and taught Taekwondo for many years. I’ve been a champion, I’ve founded my business on it. But to me, it’s much more than that.

To me, Taekwondo represents my value system. It’s made me the man I am. It’s shaped my relationships with others, whether they are people I love and know well, or stranger who I encounter in day to day life.

The values of Taekwondo are beautiful

The values it embodies are beautiful to me: they inspire and encourage me to be the best person that I can be, every day.

The voice of Taekwondo speaks to me, and this is what it says: I am the power that lifts the human spirit through self-improvement and personal development. So when I teach and inspire others to follow in this great tradition, to better themselves and fulfil themselves, I’m doing so not just as one person but as the embodiment of a powerful tradition.

I am able to move gracefully away from transgressions, knowing the value of restraint while still promoting self-defence. So I don’t need to prove that I’m the tough man, the big man, the most powerful in the room. I don’t need to dominate others, or start fights.I know the value of restraint, staying calm, keeping situations under control.  But I know that if trouble finds me, I can defend myself.  That creates a deep confidence in me, a peace that makes my life better and which I believe benefits everyone around me.