Are Most Taekwondo Schools Really Bully Factories? Debunking the Myth
For years, Taekwondo schools have been accused of being bully factories. However, this accusation is a misnomer and does not accurately represent the true teachings of Taekwondo. In fact, Taekwondo emphasizes adherence to the Five Tenets, which engender a culture contrary to bullying. In this article, we will delve into the core values Taekwondo instills, and the reality of Taekwondo schools as they are.
Five Tenets of Taekwondo: A Culture Opposed to Bullying
One of the defining aspects of Taekwondo is its emphasis on the Five Tenets: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit. These tenets form the foundation of Taekwondo's ethos, promoting a lifestyle that is fundamentally opposed to bullying.
Courtesy: Politeness and respect for others. Teaching students to be well-mannered and to behave ethically. Integrity: Demonstrating good character, honesty, prudence, and decency. Encouraging ethical and moral behavior. Perseverance: Purposefully pursuing a course of action despite difficulties, resistance, or discouragement. Self-Control: Keeping one's emotions, desires, and impulses in check, and exercising control in their expression. Indomitable Spirit: The unbreakable spirit, representing the strength within oneself, and resilience in the face of adversity.The integration of these tenets into the daily practice of Taekwondo serves to cultivate a culture that values respect, integrity, and personal growth rather than aggression and bullying.
Do Taekwondo Skills Foster Bullying?
A common misconception is that the ability to defend oneself leads to increased bullying. However, this is not supported by evidence. In fact, students trained in Taekwondo often become more confident and capable in defending against bullies, thereby reducing the likelihood of aggressive behavior. Many studies have shown that responsible ownership of firearms does not lead to an increase in criminal activity, a similar principle applies to the responsible use of self-defense skills taught in Taekwondo.
Moreover, the vast majority of senseis (instructors) at Taekwondo schools would not tolerate the use of skills to victimize others. Disciplinary actions can be taken against any student caught engaging in such behavior, ensuring a safe and respectful environment.
What Happens in Taekwondo Schools?
While some Taekwondo schools do exhibit a lack of respect for their material and an overly commercial focus, it is important to recognize the diverse nature of these institutions. Not all Taekwondo schools are equally focused on the philosophies and principles inherent in the art. Here are some hallmarks of some less quality training environments:
Shallow Understanding: Bows are performed in a half-assed manner, lacking the essence of respect. Gis and belts are disheveled, and techniques are often sloppy or incomplete.
Lack of Etiquette: Students are taught little about how to greet and interact with teachers or black belts from other schools, leading to disrespectful and unrepresented styles.
Commercialism: Classes frequently serve as opportunities to sell products to parents and students, with little regard for proper training and skill development.
Overzealous Progression: Students are encouraged to progress through the belt ranks too quickly, often at the expense of fostering a genuine understanding and mastery of the principles.
Exploitative Contractual Agreements: Long-term contracts that require students to make payments even if they leave before the end of the contracted term, leading to unfair financial burdens.
These factors can indeed contribute to a culture where students may overestimate their abilities and fail to respect the skills they have learned. However, it is essential to recognize that the majority of Taekwondo schools adhere to a higher standard of teaching and ethical conduct.
Conclusion
Far from being bully factories, most Taekwondo schools actually teach the opposite. They instill values that discourage bullying and promote a culture of respect, integrity, and self-control. While there are instances where Taekwondo education falls short, the core principles of Taekwondo should not be tarnished by the actions of a few.