Tenets

Courtesy ( Ye ui )

Integrity ( Yom chi )

Perseverance ( In nae )

Self control ( Guk gi )

Indomitable spirit ( Baekjul boolgol )

COURTESY

 It can be said that courtesy is an unwritten regulation prescribed by ancient teachers of philosophy as a means to enlighten human beings while maintaining a harmonious society. It can be as an ultimate criterion required of a mortal. Taekwon-Do students should attempt to practise the following elements of courtesy to build up their noble character and to conduct the training in an orderly manner as well.

1. To promote the spirit of mutual concessions.

2. To be ashamed of one’s vices, contempting those of others.

3. To be polite to one and other.

4. To encourage the sense of justice and humanity.

5. To distinguish Instructor from student, senior from junior and elder from younger.

6. To behave oneself according to etiquette.

7. To respect others possessions.

8. To handle matters with fairness and sincerity.

9. To refrain from giving or accepting a gift when in doubt.

INTEGRITY

In Taekwon-Do, the word integrity assumes a looser definition than the one usually presented in Websters dictionary. One must be able to define right and wrong and have a conscience, if wrong  to feel guilt. Listed are some examples where integrity is lacking.

1. The instructor who misrepresents himself/herself and their art by presenting improper techniques to his/her students becauase of a lack of knowledge or apathy.

2. The student who misrepresents themselves by ‘fixing’ breaking materials before a demonstration.

3. The instructor who camouflages bad technique with luxurious training halls and false flattery to their students.

4. The student who requests rank from an instructor, or attempts to purchase it.

5. The instructor who gains rank for ego purposes or the feeling of power.

6. The instructor who teaches and promotes his/her art for materialistic gains.

7. The students whose actions do not live up to their words.

8. The student who feels ashamed to seek opinions from their juniors.

PERSEVERANCE

There is an old Oriental saying, “patience leads to virtue or merit, one can make a peaceful home by being patient 100 times” Certainly happiness and prosperity are most likely brought to the patient person. To achieve something, whether it is a higher degree or the perfection of a technique, one must set his/her goal, then constantly persevere.

Robert Bruce learned the lesson of perseverance from the persistent efforts of a lowly spider. It was this perseverance and tenacity that finally enabled him to free Scotland in the 14th century. One of the most important secrets in becoming a leader of Taekwon-Do is to overcome every difficulty by perseverance. Confucius said “One who is inpatient in trivial matters can seldom achieve success in matters of great importance”

SELF CONTROL

This tenet is extremely important inside and outside the Dojang, whether conducting oneself in free sparring or in one’s personal affairs. A loss of self control in free sparring can prove disastrous to both student and opponent. An inability to live and work within one’s capability or sphere is also a lack of self control.

According to Lao Tzu ” The term of stronger is the person who wins over oneself rather than someone else”

INDOMITABLE SPIRIT

” Here lies 300, who did their duty,” a simple epitaph for one of the greatest acts of courage known to man. Although facing the superior forces of Xerxes, Leonidas and his 300 Spartans at Thermoplylae showed the world the meaning of indomitable spirit. It is shown, when a courageous person and their principles are pitted against overwhelming odds.

A serious student of Taekwon-Do will at all times be modest and honest. If confronted with injustice, they will deal with the belligerent without any fear of hesitation at all, with indomitable spirit, regardless of whosoever and however many the number may be.

Confucius said, ” It is an act of cowardice to fail to speak out against injustice.”