Tenets of Taekwon-Do (Taekwon-Do Jungshin)
The Tenets of Taekwon-Do are:
- Courtesy (Ye UI)
- Integrity (Yom Chi)
- Perseverance (In Nae)
- Self-Control (Guk Gi)
- Indomitable Spirit (Baekjool Bolgool)
Courtesy (Ye Ui):
Taekwon-Do students should attempt to practise the following elements of courtesy to build up their noble character and to conduct their training in an orderly manner as well. 1) To be polite to one another 2) To encourage a sense of justice and humanity 3) To distinguish instructor from student, senior from junior and elder from younger 4) To behave oneself according to etiquette 5) To respect others’ possesions
Integrity (Yom Chi):
In Taekwon-Do, the word integrity assumes a looser definition than the one usually presented in a dictionary. One must be able to define right from wrong and have the conscience, if wrong, to feel guilt. Listed are some examples where integrity is lacking: 1) The student who requests rank from an instructor or attempts to purchase it. 2) The student who gains rank for ego purposes or the feeling of power.
Perseverance (In Nae):
There is an old Oriental saying, “Patience leads to virute or merit” – “One can make a peaceful home by being patient 100 times”. Certainly, happinesss and prosperity are most likely to come to the patient person.To achieve something, whether it is a higher degree or the perfection of a technique, one must set a goal and then constantly persevere. One of the most important secrets in becoming a leader in Taekwon-Do is to overcome every difficulty by perseverance.
Self-Control (Guk Gi):
This tenet is extremely important inside and outside the dojang, whether conducting oneself in free sparring or in one’s personal affairs. An inability to live and work within one’s capability 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 (Baekjool Bolgool):
Indomitable spirit is shown when a corageous 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, he/she will deal with the belligerent without any fear or hesitation at all, with indomitable spirit, regardless of whomever and however many the number.
Student Oath:
I shall observe the tenets of Taekwon-Do
I shall respect my instructors and seniors
I shall never misuse Taekwon-Do
I shall be a champion of freedom and justice
I shall build a more peaceful world
Influences on the Moral Culture:
When General Choi created the moral culture of Taekwon-Do, he had three primary influences, they were Buddhism (Buddha) , Confucianism (Confucius) and Daoism (Lao-Tzu).
Qualities of a Virtuous Person:
Humanity
The ability to feel sorrow for the misfortune of fellow men and love them all equally as parents love their children equally
Righteousness
The ability to feel ashamed of unjust acts and to do one’s duty to others.
Propriety
Unlike animals fighting over food, a courteous man would offer another man a piece of bread even though both were starving, out of good manners.
Wisdom
The ability to judge right from wrong, especially in matters concerning oneself.
Trust
The ability to keep one’s word and promises, not only to one’s friends but to everybody.