When it was first created, taekwondo was used for self-defense and military reasons. People learned to use their hands and feet as weapons so that if they weren't armed, they could still defend themselves and fight their enemies. In fact, Korean soldiers are still required to learn taekwondo in order to be in the military. Additionally, taekwondo is not just a skill to be learned but a way of life and thought. In Korean, "Taekwondo" literally means "the way of the hand and foot."
These days, people do taekwondo for a variety of reasons. It can be very beneficial to general health (physical and mental) as well as teaching principles such as confidence, self-control, and respect (great for little kids). Overall, taekwondo can be a very positive experience for people of all ages and physical conditions. Taekwondo training can:
- Improve flexibility, balance, posture, strength, and stamina
- Increase self-esteem, focus, confidence, and self-discipline
- Improve muscle tone and physical condition
- Improve agility and reflexes
- Reduce stress
- Benefit mobility and cognitive function in older adults