Philosophy
Moo Kwang (Moo is non-stop and eternal. Kwang is brightness)
Taekwondo is the body, mind and spirit training as one entity. When there is physical training without mental discipline, good character cannot be realized. Similarly, without constant training, it is impossible to achieve control of the body and unity with the mind. In addition to emphasizing personal excellence in training, Grandmaster Lee stresses the importance of balance in one’s life while using the martial art to progress toward a life goal. Family, work, school, and Taekwondo, are all facets of a practitioner’s existence, which must be evolved in harmonious balance.
The beautiful thing about Taekwondo is that once a high level of technique is mastered, a great deal of self-confidence is developed. As a student of SDG Taekwondo, you will learn how to protect yourself, but in addition, Taekwondo is good for your body and good for your balance. It develops your hand and eye coordination and it is stimulating both mentally and spiritually. “Taekwondo is not only kicking and punching and traditional fighting, it works toward a stronger spirit. It’s how you control your mind and body."
Your real power comes from your inner spirit. Taekwondo utilizes both mental and physical development which provides a setting for emotional well-being free from stress and fear, a complete system of self-defense, a popular new sport, and a truly unique approach to living. I would also say that Taekwondo is for any person, old, young, male, female, big or small who wishes to master an art. Grandmaster Tae Eun Lee’s life work has been a mission and a passion. 28 years ago, he opened Ottawa's first School of Taekwondo.
There is no magic in what we do here, because I know, personally how the discipline of Taekwondo makes a person believe in themselves, how it makes and individual the best he or she can be. Instructors instill a sense of honour in the martial art and a loyalty to Grandmaster Lee, his school, and the other students, creating a martial art family. Instructors stress teamwork, not placing one individual above another.
We have been able to get people past drinking, smoking and weight problems. We’ve helped people with Attention Deficit Disorder and physical handicaps. Grandmaster Lee uses his training as a former elite army combat instructor to guide his students to positively redeploy their energy and focus. Not only do his students become proficient in the art of self-defense, they become empowered to achieve that precious, elusive commodity: supreme self-confidence.
At SDG Taekwondo, we believe a person only fails in life when he or she stops trying.