IDO MOVEMENT FOR CULTURE

Background. Despite the global popularity of Taekwon-Do, few studies have examined the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) and its pedagogical practices.
Problem and aim. The ITF’s International Instructor Courses (IIC) are designed to ensure proper execution and understanding of Taekwon-Do, yet no known study exists on how IIC educate future Taekwon-Do instructors. The musul-muyae-mudo pedagogy attempts to understand the natural development of students within Taekwon-Do. As such, the aim of this paper is to examine if this pedagogy exists within ITF IIC.
Methods. Three semi-structured interviews were performed with ITF 6th-9th degree black belts who are internationally recognized Taekwon-Do experts. Thematic analysis was utilized to uncover common codes and themes across the interviews, and data was then synthesized.
Results. Musul (martial technique) is achieved during IIC through execution of proper technique. Muyae (martial artistry) learning is not encouraged during IIC, but ones’ Taekwon-Do experience may affect the impact IIC have on the individual. Mudo (martial way) is achieved when grand masters teach ITF moral culture (i.e., mental discipline), how to apply Taekwon-Do lessons to better one’s everyday life, and build a peaceful world (i.e., the highest objectives in Taekwon-Do).
Conclusions. A small number of ITF practitioners are aware of the musul-muyae-mudo pedagogy. Yet, if it was taught at IIC, instructors would better understand how to guide their students toward the mudo strata using the ITF curriculum, thus fulling the ITF’s mission to build a peaceful world.