Photo By Sgt. Frank Vaughn | Maj. Charles Preble, plans officer for Multi-National Corps - Iraq, practices blocking...... read more read more
By Sgt. Frank Vaughn
Multi-National Division - Center
CAMP VICTORY, Iraq – Military life can be stressful or even dangerous – especially in a combat zone. There are many coping mechanisms Soldiers can use to deal with the stress, but there is one in particular that can teach self-control as well as a way for Soldiers to protect themselves when faced with a physical threat.
Tae Kwon Do, a Korean martial art, trains Soldiers to maintain balance and control in adverse circumstances, whether physically threatening or simply stressful.
Tae Kwon Do, literally translated, means "way of the fist and foot," said Sgt. 1st Class David Ruiz, battalion communications chief for 10th Military Police Battalion, Criminal Investigation Division (Airborne).
"Tae Kwon Do teaches you to fight with your feet as well as your hands," said the 4th Dan (black belt) and class instructor. "It also teaches you balance and self-control as you confront dangerous situations."
One of the world's newest martial arts, modern Tae Kwon Do was developed in the mid-20th century after Japan was banished from its occupation of Korea. Since then, it has become one of the world's most popular martial arts. One reason is the self-discipline students gain from practicing the art.
"Discipline is a very important thing to learn in this class," said Ruiz. "It makes you better at everything you do, both in here and in life."
Repetition of the techniques of Tae Kwon Do helps to instill this in students. A typical class consists of blocking, kicking and punching exercises from a variety of stances, said Ruiz. These techniques are practiced over and over to correct form and hone the student's focus.
These techniques have a more tangible application as well: self-defense.
"Tae Kwon Do's origins come from foreign countries occupying Korea," said Ruiz. "They had to learn to defend themselves against constant attacks from invaders such as the Mongols and Japanese throughout their history."
Those who take the class today learn how to defend themselves against physical attacks.
Chief Warrant Officer Zyon Gooden, 2nd Dan in the martial art and chief information technician for 44th Medical Command, said the key is to gain proficiency in the skills of Tae Kwon Do as a way to avert attacks.
"You learn how to fight so that you don't have to fight," the Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. native said.
Anyone who is interested in participating in Tae Kwon Do may attend the classes at Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith Physical Fitness Center. Classes are held Tuesdays through Thursdays at 8 p.m. for one hour, Fridays at 8:30 p.m. for an hour and a half and Saturdays and Sundays at 7 p.m. for two hours.
| Date Taken: | 02.16.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 02.16.2009 09:51 |
| Story ID: | 30075 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 207 |
| Downloads: | 122 |
This work, Tae kwon do teaches self control, discipline, by SGT Frank Vaughn, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
