2020, Volume 16
A Study on the teaching methods and values of Chinese taekwondo masters
Suh-Kyung Kim1
1Department of Physical Education , Gachon University, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Author for correspondence: Suh-Kyung Kim; Department of Physical Education , Gachon University, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea; email: dbbear@hanmail.net
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Abstract
Background and Study Aim: In light of the increasing number of taekwondo students in China, in almost thirty years since the martial art was first introduced in the country, this study discusses whether taekwondo’s intrinsic value as a martial art, along with its physical training, are being adequately taught by Chinese taekwondo masters. This study aims is knowledge about the personality traits that Chinese taekwondo masters display when teaching taekwondo.
Materials and Methods: The research was conducted by interviewing five masters who have managed a taekwondo school in China for more than five years.
Results. First, Chinese taekwondo instructors attribute more importance to formal greetings than to the personal development of their students, believing that the teaching of taekwondo principles and values begins by ‘taking a deep bow’. Second, the study revealed that each master adopts a different teaching method, and that the teaching of personal values often depends on factors such as the master’s behaviour, praise given, and explicit teaching. Third, the study established that the role of the master acquires more importance when teaching the philosophical principles and values of taekwondo as a martial art, rather than the practical and technical skills of taekwondo.
Conclusions. Teaching taekwondo principles should be included and worked on in depth when training new instructors. By sharing the principles amongst Korean and Chinese masters, an appropriate environment to train in taekwondo could be established, and trainees could correctly train and learn the principles of taekwondo philosophy, regardless of where the school is located.
Key words: martial arts, leadership, courtesy, self-confidence, self-development, sociality, wushu