Tae Kwon Do is a marital art form that integrates the body, mind, and spirit (Benko, 1). Integral to the practice of this martial art form is mastery of the emotions and the intellect, which both follow upon mastery of the body and the physical aspects of the art form. According to Grand Master James Benko, (1), the notion that tae Kwon Do was created for the destruction of one man by another is false; in fact, this particular martial art system combines skills needed for self-defense with the development of ki or a total human being capable of meeting and overcoming any challenge (physical, emotional or psychological) with calm and success. Benko (1) states that Tae Kwon Do ôbrings one to oneself. It is a 'wayÆ of life.ö
This description of Tae Kwon Do illustrates the synergies between this martial art form and the fundamental principles of both Taoism and Confucianism. Indeed, Ian McGreal (419), drawing upon the ideas advanced by the sage Hyujong, suggests that Confucian concepts of virtue, benevolence, respect, and sincerity are integral to the metaphysical path of Taoism. Benko (1) states further that the goal of learning Tae Kwon Do is to enable the individual practitioner to learn the Way toward inner peace and societal harmony.
Martial art forms of this type are also synergistic with the Asian cultures from which they derive. Confucianism calls for righteousness or proper character along with discipline of character via ren or natural and humanistic love based spontaneous feelings cultivated through education (McGreal, 4). Thus, the master of Tae Kwon Do does not acquire power and physical strength or skills in order to pursue a violent or destructive course. Rather, the master seeks to develop all aspects of being, including the body, the mind, and spirit in order to exhibit the Confucian and Taoist virtues of courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and an indomitable spirit.
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