Principles of Tae Kwon Do

An experienced musician as well as a former customer service professional, Michael Ikossi also stands out as an accomplished athlete. In 2003, Michael Ikossi earned a black belt in taekwondo.

The Korean martial art of tae kwon do, or taekwondo, has been in the world for more than 2,000 years. One of the earliest signs of its existence is a mural that was painted on a tomb in the kingdom of Koguryo between 37 BCE and 66 CE. There are continuing records of the practice throughout the Korean kingdoms and it has remained a vital part of Korean culture, even through it has spread as an international martial art and sport in the 20th century.

The name of the art translates loosely to mean "the discipline of fists and feet." It involves precise techniques and particular foot movements, yet these must always be in synchrony with a disciplined mind. Tae kwon do requires that its participants seek harmony between the physical body and the mind, and that this harmony extend outward to the world at large.

This emphasis on harmony has also led to a focus on peace within the art. Tae kwon do holds that one of the primary goals of physical discipline is to control aggression, both within and outside of the self, and to use this ability to build a more peaceful and safe community. To achieve this end, Tae kwon do seeks to resolve confrontation in a way that promotes harmony and builds long-term unity among people.