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There are many misconceptions about Taekwondo. One reason for this is because there are so many sub styles. Taekwondo was created jointly by masters of different Korean styles, and, while it is theoretically a unified system, the training will vary somewhat according to each instructor's background. However, the primary reason for these misconceptions has to do with the South Korean ranking system.

While most Americans tend to think a black belt is the ultimate rank attainable in the martial arts; that is not true for Taekwondo. A first degree black belt in Taekwondo means the holder is accomplished enough in the basics to begin serious training. Even second and third degree black belts only signify levels of skill in advanced training, not mastery of Taekwondo. In South Korea, you must be a fourth degree to be considered an instructor and a fifth degree to be considered a master instructor. Most of the information about Taekwondo comes from people who have studied it, unfortunately, most of them did not achieve the rank of black belt, so most of the information comes from people who have not even received sufficient basic training, much less advanced teachings. Some common misconceptions are:

Taekwondo patterns are recent creations, are simple to execute, and are forever changing; therefore, they have no merit

While is true that Taekwondo patterns are fairly new, many are incarnations of older Karate patterns, and that they have been revised occasionally, this does not mean they are inferior or possess no merit. Most modern Taekwondo patterns are designed to show actual fighting techniques.

Although many of the movements in patterns are simple to execute, they are effective self-defense maneuvers. Most experienced martial artists agree that the most effective fighting techniques are those which are the least complex. A form that shows an exotic defense against a horse-mounted warrior wielding a double-headed spear may have been practical at one time, but it has extremely limited application in today's world, which is why Taekwondo patterns are occasionally modified. In fact, the patterns of most martial arts have been changed or modified over time to reflect the changing conditions of the world.

The techniques in patterns may be useful for self-defense, but that is not their only purpose. Patterns are an exercise in disciple. They are used to train the body to perform in a predefined manner, such as when playing a musical score. Patterns are a repository of perfect form, where techniques are performed in a precise manner to preserve perfect form.

Taekwondo is a safe sport

While it is true that compared to other contact sports, Taekwondo is relatively safe to perform, especially when when compared to football or soccer, but it is still a contact sport, and as such, bad thing may happen. There have been serious injuries and deaths over the years. This video clip is of a December 2005 death that occurred during a competition in Poland.

Taekwondo is good for fitness training

To improve your general fitness you need a steady, moderate level of exercise that lasts for at least 30 minutes, such as running, swimming, cycling, etc. While Taekwondo do is an excellent form of exercise, by itself it is not effective in increasing overall fitness. Just look at the many pot gutted black belts who have trained for years and display excellent techniques but are physical slugs. Taekwondo, like most martial arts, consists of moments of intense exertion punctuated by long periods of basically standing around.

Taekwondo is an ancient Korean martial art

Taekwondo was created in 1955, hardly ancient, although I was created before 1955 and I am ancient. There is evidence to suggest that martial arts existed in Korea 2,000 years ago, but Taekwondo is a blend of Karate and several of Korean martial art styles that did not evolve until just after World War II.

Taekwondo is a Japanese influenced martial art

It is true that Korea was occupied by Japanese troops for about 40 years prior to 1945 and that many of its founders studied Japanese Karate. Early Taekwondo patterns and techniques were definitely influenced by the Karate background of the founders. However, Taekwondo's roots are in the native Korean styles practiced for over 2,000 years. In centuries past, Korea conquered and occupied many parts of Japan, so it could be argued that Korean styles first influenced the Japanese martial arts.

Some past or present Taekwondo master got everything right so there is no need for change

No one master has, or ever had, everything right. Changing a movement in a traditional pattern will not make the pattern useless. As technology, medicine, and research advance, we learn things we never knew before. Taekwondo should reflect this new knowledge.

Taekwondo is a martial "sport," not a martial "art"

As described in other topics in TKDTutor, Taekwondo has evolved into two main types, one more a martial art and one more a sport. Taekwondo is a constantly evolving entity with many different versions being practiced, so it is not fair to judge Taekwondo as a whole based upon observations of a few parts.

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