Physical-Mental

Ever watch a pattern completion and see an old, fat, out of condition competitor win first place over all the other high jumping, fast kicking, and highly conditioned competitors. It may seem to be a mistake, until you carefully watch the completion. The older competitor maintained intense concentration and perfect (though unimpressive) techniques throughout the entire pattern, while the younger competitors had minute lapses in concentration and slight errors in their otherwise spectacular techniques. The older competitor was more mentally prepared and was able to maintain concentration.

What separates a great athlete from a good athlete is mental preparedness and concentration. What makes a great Taekwondo practitioner is not so much his or her physical abilities as it is their concentration. Sometimes, a person has great physical ability and intense concentration; these are the truly great athletes. They are rare, that is why they achieve so much fame and fortune.

Therefore, it is evident that, while it may not appear so at first, Taekwondo is more a mental sport than a physical sport. Therefore, while you should continue to increase your physical abilities and Taekwondo skills, you should train more to increase your mental preparedness, concentration, and warrior spirit.