Why Are Taekwondo Schools Different?
Let me guess: You’ve changed taekwondo dojangs and discovered that the new school teaches something different from your old school. This can raise many questions. Why is it different? Did I not learn what I was supposed to? Am I even learning taekwondo?
These are all valid questions. So let’s take some time to explore them.
The answer, in general, is: It depends. To answer this question fully, we need to ask more questions. For this post, we’ll assume that both the new and old schools are under the same federation and teach the same style of taekwondo (let’s say, Jidokwan). So, why are they different?
The Beauty of Taekwondo
One of the beauties of taekwondo is its structure. With Poomse competitions and international criteria for black belt testing, federations maintain standards and specific forms for schools to teach. This makes it easier for students to change schools when needed. As long as both schools belong to the same federation, they will learn the same or similar forms.
Factors Contributing to Differences
If there is a federation system, why are there differences? Age is one reason. I’ve trained with multiple instructors. Some are younger, having become masters in the 2010s and just starting their schools. Others became masters in the 90s. They follow the modern version of taekwondo, which may not align with what is written down for competitions. This is still perfectly valid.
In contrast, one of the schools I volunteer at has a master who started her school in the 1970s. Her style is much older, and her school culture is more traditional. As a result, her version of taekwondo is distinctly different from what you see in the Olympics or even local competitions. She is still teaching taekwondo; it’s just an older version.
Traditional vs. Modern Taekwondo
Does this mean the older version is worse or less legitimate than the newer version? Not necessarily. Having trained in both traditional and modern schools, I believe each has its benefits. For example, traditional schools often use strategies that are out of fashion and can be unexpected. People are often surprised when their opponent catches them with a more traditional kick, such as an in-to-out kick.
On the other hand, the newer version is more familiar with what is currently in fashion. It is often considered faster, more efficient, and more precise. This is certainly helpful when competing in modern competitions.
Embracing the Differences
In summary, you are learning taekwondo in both schools, and they are indeed different. The key here, in my experience, is to look for the benefits in each. It is a great tragedy to view one school of thought as superior to the other. Much like the differences in various martial arts, both have their strengths and weaknesses.
What Can You Learn Here?
The question is: What can you learn from this experience? Embrace the diversity in your training. Each school offers unique insights and techniques that can enhance your overall understanding of taekwondo. By appreciating the differences, you can become a more well-rounded martial artist.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the journey through different taekwondo schools can be enlightening. Each school has its own approach, and understanding these differences can enrich your practice. Whether you find yourself in a traditional or modern setting, remember that both paths lead to the same destination: mastery of taekwondo.
By exploring these differences, you open yourself up to a world of knowledge and skill. So, keep training, stay curious, and enjoy the journey!
What do you think? Is there something I didn’t mention? Leave a comment, and I’ll be sure to look at it!
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