Tae kwon do, the ancient Korean martial art, is demanding and disciplined. It teaches both self-defense and self-control. It is also a lot of fun, says Dennis Dutson, who took it up just over a year ago.
Although a relative newcomer to the sport, Dutson's work and skill have paid off. He took the gold medal in Olympic Sparring and the bronze medal in Traditional Forms in the 30+ age group at the International Tae Kwon Do World Championships held in Las Vegas in August.
Dutson's son, Daiden, 6, who has been doing tae kwon do for about 2 1/2 years, took the gold in both categories in his age group.
And they have a 6-foot-tall trophy to prove it. "It was pretty exciting," says Dutson, who took up the sport because his son was having such a good time at it.
Dutson actually learned about tae kwon do while serving an LDS mission in Korea. Then he went back to study and work in Korea for seven years. "The whole time I was there, I thought it would be a great opportunity to learn it, but somehow I never got into it."
He married Yoon Mi and they moved back to Utah, where Dutson has an Internet-service company. When Daiden was 4, they decided to enroll him in a class at Kim's Academy of Tae Kwon Do in Sandy. "He just took to it. He jumped right in. So, I thought I'd try it, too."
Father and son have enjoyed the challenge and discipline of working together. "I like to do it with my Dad," says Daiden, "even though," he adds without a trace of boasting, "I'm better than he is. Sometimes I have to show him the forms."
True, says Dutson. "He just seems to have a natural ability. He does show me some of the forms."
Tae kwon do is to Korea what karate is in Japan and kung fu is in China — a martial art that emphasizes flexibility and both hand and leg defensive movements. It is equal parts physical conditioning, recreation and mental discipline. Students progress through a series of belt colors that indicate skill level on their way to black-belt status.
Tae kwon do was introduced at the Olympic Games in Seoul in 1988 and became a medal event at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.
It's a sport that has benefits for all ages, says Jack Markman, owner and head instructor at Kim's Academy, but he thinks it is particularly good for children. "This school is based on self-growth. It helps people believe in themselves, to do their best and try their hardest — all while having fun."
The children are taught respect and discipline and must memorize and recite certain rules and creeds before they can move on to new levels. They must learn the "10 Articles of Mental Training," which include qualities such as loyalty, obedience, cooperation and compassion. They must learn and follow the "Children's Home Rules," which include things like: "Children will always be respectful to their parents, teachers and elders" and "Children will be kind to their brothers and sisters."
But tae kwon do is also a "way for parents and children to spend quality time together," says Markman.
Yoon Mi agrees. "It's been a good experience for them. My husband has become more flexible and more focused. Daiden has become more respectful. He will do what I ask the first time. It has helped him socially with making friends."
The physical side of the sport involves such techniques as hammer fist, front kick, axe kick, jumping-front kick, spinning-heel kick and a fist-and-hook kick.
In the Traditional Forms, athletes pretend they are fighting opponents and are scored on things like power, control, snap in the movement, etc.
In Olympic sparring, opponents fight each other and get points for landing kicks and punches within the restricted ranges.
There's a peace of mind that comes from knowing you can defend yourself, says Markman, who has been doing tae kwon do "most of my life," and is in his 10th year at the academy. Over the years, he says, it's been rewarding to see not only the skills but also the friendships and camaraderie his students develop. He is justifiably proud of the Dutsons' achievements. "We've been in a lot of tournaments, but this is the highest for the school so far."
Does Daiden think about maybe doing tae kwon do in the Olympics? Maybe. Right now, he's just hoping he gets to have a party when he achieves his black belt. That will be cool.
The secret to doing tae kwon do is learning to relax, says Markman. "Relaxing is the key to energy, and energy is the key to power and speed."
"It's a tremendous aerobic workout," says Dutson. "I've lost 17 pounds doing this."
It is good for the body, he says, "it builds endurance, muscle strength. It has a lot of far-reaching effects. I come here and it 'de-stressifies' me." But it is also good for the mind. "It is excellent mental training. It keeps me ready to take on any task. What I learn here helps me take on what's out there."
Tae kwon do student creed
1. To build true confidence through knowledge in the mind, honesty in the heart and strength in the body.
2. To keep friendship with one another, and to build a strong and happy community.
3. Never fight to achieve selfish ends, but to develop might for right.
10 articles of mental training
Be loyal to your country
Be obedient to your parents
Be loving to your family
Be cooperative with others
Be faithful to friends
Be respectful of master
Be honest in personal affairs
Show concern for others
Never attack without reason
Finish what you start
Tae kwon do children's home rules
1. Children shall greet their parents with "Hi, Mom! Hi, Dad!" when they enter the house and say "Goodbye!" when leaving.
2. Children will always be respectful to their parents, teachers and elders.
3. Children will be kind to their brothers and sisters.
4. Children will keep the house neat and clean.
5. Children will keep their hair, body and teeth clean daily.
6. Children will not interrupt adult conversations.
7. Children shall fix the recipe for straight "A's" daily:
a. When you come home from school, open the refrigerator and have a glass of milk or juice.
b. Open your books to review what you have studied today.
c. Do your homework.
d. Preview what you will study tomorrow.
Children who do not obey their parents CHEERFULLY may be reduced in rank!
E-mail: carma@desnews.com