Wu Tao Kwoon
Martial Arts of Educational value

The function of education is to create in the student, beneficial behavioral changes, in a continuous positive direction and in the process make him a better citizen of the society. Wu Tao Kwoon gives paramount importance to this educational value of martial arts training.

Martial arts training has great potential to change a person physically, psychologically and emotionally, in a positive way. Unlike other karate organizations, which place emphasis on the sport aspect of karate, Wu Tao Kwoon teaches karate and martial arts as a form of education to make its students better members of the society.

Fundamental training in the martial arts leads to a high level of fitness in the student, loss of body fat, increased strength levels, improved coordination. Increased flexibility and physical strength makes the student more able physically to carry out his day to day activities. Once these physical  changes  begin to take place, they soon lead to mental and emotional improvements that people seek through martial arts changes. Improved health and perfection of a new skill can all lead to an improved self-image, confident and more convinced about the possibilities of success in life. This leads him to believe in himself in other areas of life also. Teenagers especially are helped by getting a direction in life. Improved self confidence and self discipline can make a person more  positive leading that person in giving up bad habits and finding better friends. This translates into a better self-image. Once you have a positive self-image you no longer need artificial image boosters like drugs, alcohol, gang involvement or other vices. Good self-image creates better self respect allowing you to accept your self as you are.

While this process sounds very logical and progressive, it is actually a difficult  road to take. Progress requires hard work, determination and patience. Through martial arts training students learn to handle difficult situations and how to go forward  when they would rather  give up. This is the greatest value of martial arts training and an education that will last a lifetime.

Gichin Funakoshi (the man who introduced karate to Japan from Okinawa in 1922) said the following: “In true budo (martial arts), your main opponent is yourself, your own weaknesses and ego. One must forge an iron will and constantly strive to be a better person through austere training, which is what differentiates traditional karate from other modern sports and games. The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participant. A true karate-ka is one who practices regularly and never has to use his knowledge to harm anybody”.