More Than Strength: The Transformative Power of Martial Arts for Youth

When I was in junior high school, I learned judo and kendo in physical education class. I still remember being taught the basic attitude of martial arts: "Rei(礼) ni hajimari Rei(礼) ni owaru" ("Beginning and ending with a bow(礼)"). Judo, in particular, may often be introduced as a self-defense technique for girls. Still, I now appreciate the fact that in Japanese education, everyone can learn equally, regardless of gender. For me, budo was not "just exercise" but an important place to learn how to live. 

In Japan, having martial arts as part of the national physical education curriculum is not just about tradition. It is about creating equal opportunities for all students to experience its values. It allows every student, regardless of background, to access a practice that cultivates both body and mind. I believe that incorporating martial arts in school systems globally, especially in a well-structured and inclusive way, could be an effective method for character education.

I was particularly impressed by the "meditation" time at the beginning and end of training. Those few minutes when I closed my eyes, breathed quietly, and faced my mind were also a spiritual discipline. Whether I had a good day or a bad day, silent contemplation gave me the strength to take the next step forward. I still remember the frustration I felt when I struggled with certain techniques, especially in judo. Sometimes, I wanted to give up after losing matches or failing to perform as I had hoped. However, facing those challenges, I learned that overcoming them taught me persistence and humility. I've realized that growth often happens in silence, not just in success. The quiet encouragement of my classmates and teachers during those moments helped me realize I was not alone and that growth is supported by those around us.

The connections I have made with the people I have met through martial arts are also treasures of my life. The courtesy cultivated in hierarchical relationships, the trust between friends and colleagues, and the exchange of "chi(氣)- a kind of energy" that allows us to communicate without words. These experiences taught me a deep connection that was very different from the classroom. 

As a university student, I began to think more broadly about the potential of martial arts through the activities of UNESCO ICM. At the Model UNESCO and the ICM Global Youth Martial Arts Academy, I discussed martial arts, sports, and the Fit for Life initiative with students from all over the world. Through this initiative, one friend shared that she was not even allowed to play sports because she was a woman, while another said to me that the dojo was the only place where she could escape racism. I was deeply moved by these voices, and at the same time, I was reminded of the power of "quality martial arts education". We also experienced Taekkyon, a traditional Korean martial art, and were able to gain respect for the traditional martial arts of each other's countries.

I once joined a workshop in Seoul led by a Japanese student who wanted to introduce the beauty of Taekwondo to more Japanese people. It was my first time experiencing Taekwondo. I had always wanted to try it, as it is one of the most popular extracurricular sports in South Korea. I was amazed by the sharp sound of each strike hitting the mitt, the sensation of correcting my posture on my own, and the refreshing sense of mastering each movement. I realized that traditional martial arts, regardless of origin, have the power to inspire and energize people across cultures. That inspiration can be contagious, and it makes people want to share and pass it on.

What is needed in the future is not just strength. Empathy, introspection, and respect for diversity are what I feel are really important for young people. Martial arts have the power to naturally nurture these qualities. However, in order to maximize this power, the attitude of the instructors, the content of the education, and the nature of the community are extremely important.

What struck me most during international exchanges was how martial arts created a common language beyond words. Even when we do not speak the same language, practicing together allowed us to understand and respect each other. I realized Martial arts can be a bridge between cultures, a tool for peacebuilding and mutual understanding in a divided world.

Martial arts is an "education of courtesy" that can be learned by anyone, in any country, of any ethnicity, religion, or gender, and it is a learning that can be a "power of life" for someone. I strongly believe that I will continue to convey the value of budo to more young people so that it becomes a "learning to live" that nurtures the mind and body. 

Figure 1 & 2. Teakkyeon experience at the 2023 ICM Model UNESCO Conference. Photo taken on August 1, 2023. (Source: UNESCO ICM)

Figure 3 & 4. Teakkyeon demonstration at the 2024 ICM MUNESCO Conference. Photo taken on September 26, 2024. (Source: UNESCO ICM)

Figure 5 & 6. Taekwondo workshop. Photo taken on April 26, 2025.

※ Views expressed in this article are the author's own