Do for Life
A martial art as a way of life
Martial arts are not just about movement – they are an inner attitude.
Do for Life means not just training Taekwon-Do on the mat, but also incorporating its principles into your daily life.
The spirit of martial arts
In the book ‘Discovering a Martial Art’ Björn writes:
‘Martial arts have always been more than just a method of sparring
– they are a path to knowing oneself, inner peace and vitality.’
In our modern world, importance is often placed on being faster, stronger, better. But martial arts show us a different way:
- A way to inner clarity and focus.
- A way to respect and humanity.
- A way to physical and mental strength.
Do for Life means applying these principles not only during training but also in every moment of life.
The 8 principles of Do for Life
The future of martial arts lies in a return to its fundamental values. These eight principles show how martial arts can become a lived philosophy – not only in the dojang, but in every moment.
‘The true strength of martial arts lies in their humanity.’
- Martial arts are for everyone – regardless of age, gender or physical condition.
- Humanity means respecting others in all their diversity.
- True greatness lies not in perfection, but in the acceptance of our imperfections.
When I started my journey in martial arts, I thought it was all about techniques. But with each step, I realised that Taekwon-Do is an art that teaches us to have a better standing – not only in combat, but also in life.
Maybe you relate to this philosophy. Perhaps you have questions or are looking for a new challenge. The answer lies not in fixed rules, but in discovering your own path.
Mindfulness and vibrancy in the moment
The true power of martial arts lies in the moment.
Taekwon-Do is an art of movement – but its deepest power is not revealed in the technique, but in the conscious awareness of the moment. Every movement, every breath, every glance can be an opportunity to be completely focused on the here and now.
Mindfulness is more than a technique – it is an attitude towards life. In a world characterised by hustle and distraction, martial arts reminds us that true control does not lie in being faster or stronger, but in being present.
When we perform a technique, we do not do it mechanically, but with complete awareness. We feel the contact to the ground, the tension in the body, the breath that carries every movement. This mindfulness opens a door to aliveness – to training that consists not of repetition but of conscious experience.
In martial arts, aliveness means not only being strong and active, but also welcoming the present moment, acting with full attention and feeling the energy of life in every movement.
How do we train mindfulness in martial arts?
- By focusing on each technique, rather than on mechanical repetition.
- Through conscious breathing that connects us to our body and mind.
- Through meditation in motion – each technique as an opportunity for self-awareness.
- By learning to focus not only on the next blow or the next movement, but on the present moment.
‘Do for Life’ means that mindfulness does not remain in the dojang (a martial arts training space) – but spills over into our daily lives. Every moment can be consciously experienced, every decision made with clarity. This way, martial arts become not just a movement, but a lived experience.
