in tae kwon do?

Question

is it just competitions, i want to learn self defence and come more to the spiritual side. would taekwondo employ that and i dont want to learn just kicks and punches rather blocks and throws and sweeps, would it employ that

Answer 1

Tae Kwon Do is more about forms and self discipline. It does teach kicks, blocks, punches etc. But self defense isn't its main focus. Typically you don't compete at all until you get up into higher belt rankings and even then, you are judged on forms, not sparring.

Answer 2

Before you choose a school, make sure it's not just a money-machine for the "sensei." I've known people who ended up disgruntled because the teachers just keep advancing people to build up the belt fees.

That being said, most schools true to their traditions do have a spiritual side, no matter the specific martial art. BUT those that seem to promote "spirituality" most are the ones focused more on the "internal" arts, harnessing your inner energies as opposed to outer (muscular) energies:

Tai Chi, Pa Kua, Hsing I, Aikido

Oh, by the way, I attended 6-months of Cuong Nhu, which blended Karate, Judo, Wing Chun, and some other things. They also focused on morals, ethics, "right" behavior. Check it out:

http://www.cuongnhu.com/index.aspx

Answer 3

if you want to learn self defense and learn medidation learn tai chi instead of tae kwon doe

Answer 4

Kempo is a better all around choice...