Self-defense is an essential part of the Taekwondo curriculum. But do martial arts classes actually make you safer? The answer is . . . Yes! But how martial arts training contributes to safety may surprise you.  

The Role of Taekwondo in Self-Defense and Personal Safety

Most martial arts schools focus on the sport and fitness aspects of Taekwondo. At Akula, students are also taught techniques that can be used in real-life situations. Note that Taekwondo’s benefits to personal safety come from more than self-defense drills. Through martial arts training, students develop the following skills and traits which contribute to personal safety and may be useful in potentially dangerous situations.

Self-Defense Techniques and Strategies

One of the most obvious benefits of learning self-defense at Taekwondo is learning physical self-defense techniques and strategies. At Akula Taekwondo, self-defense drills are practiced in almost every class and are an important part of our Taekwondo curriculum. Students practice reacting, so evasive maneuvers and common sense can prevail in unexpected situations. Thus, moves practiced in class can be useful in real-life self-defense situations.

Increased Awareness

Taekwondo classes help students become more aware of their surroundings. Sparring, in particular, develops a heightened sense of situational awareness. This can help reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime or an attacker.

Confidence

Taekwondo training builds confidence. When you know you have the skills and knowledge to protect yourself, you feel more empowered and confident in your ability to handle dangerous situations.

Improved Fitness

Regular Taekwondo training skyrockets overall fitness, making practitioners less likely to become an easy target for attackers.

Examples from the News of Taekwondo Students Using Their Skills in Real-Life Self-Defense Situations

• A Taekwondo black belt in San Diego, California was walking home from a restaurant one night when he was attacked by a man wielding a knife. Using his Taekwondo training, the student disarmed the attacker and held him until police arrived.
• In Florida, a Taekwondo instructor protected a group of children from a violent attacker. The instructor used his training to subdue the attacker and prevent him from causing harm to the children.
• In New York, a Taekwondo student stopped a robbery in progress at a convenience store. The student used his Taekwondo skills to quickly subdue the armed robber and prevent him from escaping.
• In Virginia, a Taekwondo student was able to escape from an attacker who had grabbed her from behind. Using her Taekwondo training, the student was able to break free from the attacker’s hold and flee to safety.
• In Brazil, a Taekwondo black belt was able to defend himself against a group of attackers who had attempted to rob him. Using his Taekwondo training, the student was able to fend off the attackers and escape unharmed.
• A New Jersey woman used her Taekwondo skills to fend off a would-be attacker. According to news reports, the woman was walking home from the train station when a man approached her and attempted to grab her bag. She was able to use her Taekwondo training to fight off the attacker and escape unharmed.
• A Texas man used his martial arts skills to protect his wife during a home invasion. The man, who had been training in martial arts for several years, was able to disarm the intruder and hold him until the police arrived.
• A Florida man used his Taekwondo skills to protect his family from a burglar. According to news reports, the man heard a noise in his home in the middle of the night and went to investigate. When he found a burglar in his home, he was able to use his Taekwondo training to disarm the intruder and keep his family safe.

The common theme in these stories is the power of preparation and training. By learning self-defense at Taekwondo, martial artists gain the skills and knowledge needed to stay safe in dangerous situations.

tl;dr

Learning self-defense during Taekwondo training can contribute to personal safety in more ways than just physical techniques. Through martial arts training, students develop increased awareness, confidence, and improved fitness, making them less likely to become targets. Examples from the news show how Taekwondo students have used their skills to protect themselves and others in real-life self-defense situations. The common theme is the power of preparation and training. By learning self-defense at Taekwondo, martial artists equip themself with the skills and knowledge needed to stay safe.