Introduction 7

7. What is Taekwondo?

Thus far I have simply reviewed the nature of PPT. Let us now proceed to its more detailed contents.

What then is Taekwondo?

Many people conceive of it as a fighting method as well as a framework for man’s motion formulated within the context of Korean traditional culture. And indeed, in many aspects it does refer to concrete motion. This volume, however, extends such a concept of Taekwondo into a more abstract and comprehensive sphere. That is, I define Taekwondo more broadly as a philosophical principle that dwells within the motions of man.

You may have trouble digesting the term “the philosophical principle of Taekwondo”, or Taekwondo as a philosophical principle in itself. But I think it is not essential to dwell upon terminology, at least for the time being. This is why I have used such expression as may prove problematic. In other words, I have inserted the meaning of philosophical principle in the name of Taekwondo, and we actually consider the philosophical principle in considering that nature of Taekwondo. Thus far it has been somewhat ambiguous. This is also because thus far there has been no one that has explained it. But now it is explicit. “Taekwondo” is a term that refers not only to concrete motions but also to the philosophical principle inherent in them. In order to distinguish the two cases when required for academic objectivity, I distinguish “Taekwondo” (as it is generally known and as a discipline of motion merely) from “TAEKWONDO” (as I conceive it as a philosophy) (see Chapter 1).

Conceiving things in this way, Taekwondo can stand as a philosophy in and of itself. It is not a philosophy that exists merely in the mental realm, but a philosophy of activity – of our motions, our life, our entirety. This is a different conception of philosophy to the usual one that philosophy concerns itself only with language and abstract ideas.

TAEKWONDO as a philosophical principle serves also a principle for all types of martial arts. It can be applied directly to other martial arts such as Hapkido, Wushu, Karate, Judo, and even Kendo. Therefore, the philosophy of Taekwondo must be that of all martial arts. You will come to agree with me as you read the contents of this volume that the PPT may be applied to any martial arts form without alteration.