Yesterday's warriors – today's Taekwondo
A martial art in transformation – and our view of the path forward.
A martial art in transformation
Taekwondo, like all great sports, has evolved over time. From being a pure martial art focused on strength, discipline and physical dominance, the sport has gradually been adapted into a modern competitive form – not least through its entry into the Olympic Games.
But the question is: What has been gained – and what has been lost?
The 80s and 90s – a golden age
During the 80s and 90s, Taekwondo was in what many describe as a golden age.
It was a time when:
- power, explosiveness and courage were at the centre
- sparring was a real physical fight
- practitioners developed a robust and functional ability
A skilled Taekwondo practitioner from this era had not only technical skill – but also a mental and physical capacity that made them sought after in many security and protection contexts around the world.
You didn't train just to compete. You trained to be capable.
Today's competitive Taekwondo
In recent years the sport has undergone further changes. With electronic vests, scoring systems and a focus on precision, the competitive form has become:
- more technical
- more tactical
- more rule-driven
This has created a new type of practitioner – fast, smart and very skilled within the rules.
At the same time, certain classic elements have received less space:
- pure striking power
- physical impact
- the direct one-on-one fight
"You can be a master in today's competitive Taekwondo – without ever having developed real striking power."
That says something about how far the sport has moved from its roots.
Two worlds – the same foundation
It's important to understand that this isn't about right or wrong – but about different directions.
Modern Taekwondo
- An Olympic sport
- Adapted for safety and audience appeal
- Points and precision first
Traditional Taekwondo
- A martial art
- Built on strength, discipline and real physical ability
- Power and control first
Both have their value. But they are not the same thing.
Our view at JSK
At JSK we choose to stand firmly in both worlds.
We:
- follow developments in modern Taekwondo
- teach the techniques and adaptations required for today's competition rules
But we do it without letting go of our foundation.
We value:
For us, Taekwondo isn't just about hitting – it's about being able to influence, control and understand the power of your techniques.
Experience that builds people
There was a time when training was harder and the consequences clearer.
That didn't mean everything was better – but it created:
- respect
- discipline
- mental strength
These are values we still consider central.
Today's training is safer – and that is a good thing. But our task is to make sure that development does not come at the expense of:
- quality
- understanding
- real ability
Our philosophy
We don't train to pick a side. We train to create complete practitioners.
With us you get:
- the foundation of traditional Taekwondo
- an understanding of modern competition
- and the development required to be both strong and skilled
In closing
Then
Yesterday's practitioners were warriors
Today
Today's practitioners are athletes
At JSK we strive to develop both sides in the same person.
Because we believe the best practitioner is the one who:
- respects the roots
- masters the modern
- and understands the value of both
Jeong Sool kwan
Sweden's oldest WTF-Taekwondo club!
Founded in 1979 by Master Cho Yong-Oh. We train in an environment characterized by openness where individual development is at the center. JSK is known for its home-like atmosphere among all members, but also our high standards. Today the association is run entirely on a non-profit basis. The three main instructors are GM Peter Rollfelt 9 Dan, Björn Åkesson 8 Dan, and Mikael Adenås 6 Dan.
"A JSK black belt is a black belt who has had to sacrifice – blood, sweat & tears to reach their goals"
Openness
Everyone is welcome, regardless of age or experience level
Development
Individual development is always at the center
Community
An environment without prestige where everyone supports each other
Tradition
One of Sweden's oldest WTF-TKD clubs since 1979
Our training focuses on:
We are proud of our combination of martial arts training and an environment without prestige.