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4 Tae-Kwon Do, the Modern Karate

MODERN karate or tae-kwon do consists of the techniques of body movement executed with maximum power, speed, accuracy, and balance. Training in karate provides the trainee with an ability to impart a momentary focus of power, derived from muscle contraction of the body along with mental concentration. The power of a strike, punch, kick, or block is increased through constant practice to the point where the trainee converts his entire potentiality into actual ability. The entire potential force is focused and increased in its application with the help of appropriate body twisting, reaction force where one hand retreats as the other extends, speed of the delivery, and other techniques. Speed, which plays an important part in karate techniques, must be constantly built on the basis of simple unit moves which are applied in a combined form with body shifting. Speed without power is completely ineffective. The degree of both power and speed is always affected by the target of the movement because the effect of a punch directed to the opponent's eyes, for example, is more damaging than the same punch directed against the chin. The sense of balance is always important as in any other physical activity because it brings coordination. Strict training in the execution of definitive movements both in offense and defense is what makes karate superior to simpler means of fighting, and coordination and conditioned responses are among the most important elements of karate techniques.

Modern karate is a physical science. In karate training, individual unit movements of the entire body are perfected to be joined together as one for effective application through a systematic procedure. The trainee first practices each unfamiliar body movement by himself against an imaginary target until the movement becomes a meaningful part of his techniques applicable to an actual opponent. Karate techniques, which can be constantly improved, are always evaluated on the basis of the scientific applications of its principles embodying reflexes and coordination.

Modern karate is a sport. In general, the uniformity of performance of techniques and their evaluation on the basis of karate concepts set a standard of achievement for all karate trainees. Therefore, the techniques are always competitive. Ever since the wide acceptance of modern karate, there have been many karate free-fighting matches under rules and regulations of control. The point system of the karate free-fighting matches was devised specifically with limitations of striking areas in order to measure the skill and ability of body movements.

Modern karate, is a physical fitness.The training necessary to perfect each movement requires the muscular exercise of the whole body and ultimately provides the best means for physical fitness. Each movement builds muscular coordination, and sincere and constant training can develop the muscles of the whole body.

Modern karate is a martial art. In its application as a means of self-defense, its techniques have killing effectiveness. Each body movement is designed for combat needs, and the concentrated mental and physical force can cause extreme damage to the opponent. Mental discipline, self-confidence, and self-control bring to karate trainees the utmost determination and stability of both mind and body.

Modern karate is the discipline of both mind and body. Its body movements are new to beginners but they must practice these constantly until they become natural to them. Each movement should not be applied until it is nearly perfected. Because karate is a martial art, karate trainees must first distinguish right from wrong. Self-control is achieved through the philosophy of "respect the Elder and love the Younger" and this leads into self-understanding. Karate techniques and their application look easy but are hard to learn. Discipline is necessary for the trainee so that he will study to improve his techniques and develop his potentiality to the point where they can be utilized in application, and as his physical ability increases so does his mental control and focus.

Modern karate is world-wide karate. The principles of karate can be and have been accepted by many different races of the world because the concept of karate is adaptable to many different ideologies. Karate is so universal in scope that it belongs to all races and creeds. Karate techniques, stressing mental and physical discipline, can be adjusted to some degree for different ages, sizes, and professions. Karate, as its history shows, is expected to change and grow without remaining in a pure form. As each nation develops and adds to a particular phase of karate to make it most suitable to its community, as each school develops certain special techniques of its own, and as each master prefers certain movements, the techniques of karate will continue to change but its essential principles and traditional philosophy will form the framework upon which the modifications will rest.