Discovering Martial Arts and a Life of Learning
We will start our journey by exploring the history, philosophy, and modern practice of the Korean martial art of Taekwon-Do. Roughly translated, Taekwon-Do means “the way of the foot and fist,” and teaches unarmed self-defense. However, as a practice, Taekwon-Do is a way of life guided by its five tenets: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit. We will explore the adaptation of these tenets to our journey as lifelong learners in the liberal arts, discovering “the way of the student.” We will then investigate other forms of martial arts from around the world, searching for connections and innovations between styles. Martial arts studies is, by nature, multicultural, and there will be significant emphasis on comparing and contrasting different martial arts styles and discovering the connections/evolutions of various forms. This course will include a physical martial arts lab in which students will learn from active practitioners in martial arts. For all levels of physical ability. 3 hrs. sem.