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The Tenets of Tae Kwon-Do
The definition of a tenet according to the Merriam-Webster's Dictionary is: "a principle, belief, or doctrine generally held to be true; especially: one held in common by members of an organization, movement, or profession." The Martial Art Tae Kwon-Do has 5 tenets. These 5 tenets govern not only how we should conduct ourselves once we enter the DoJang, but also how we are to strive to become in our daily lives.
-Courtesy- -Integrity- -Perseverance- -Self-Control- -Indomitable Spirit-
Courtesy- This is a respect for and consideration of others.
How does this apply to our behaviors in and outside the DoJang? This governs many of the behavior guidelines we use as Tae Kwon-Do students. Many Rules and Guidelines accompany being a member of our elite organization! (See "Rules of our Do-Jang" section) The following excerpt is an example of how courtesy applies to our rules: 1. Respect for our DoBok/ Do-Jang/ Flags/ Instructors: Arrive 10-15 minutes before class to stretch, warm-up, practice form, etc… Before entering the Do-Jang while in your DoBok (uniform), ensure it is neat, tidy, not soiled. Have your belt tied properly. Be proud! This DoBok represents who we are. Upon entering the Do-Jang, immediately face the flags and bow. Do not wear only part of your Do-Bok in the Do-Jang. If not in uniform, enter the restroom and change into your DoBok, assuring you are wearing it properly before entering the practice area. Before entering the practice area of the Do-Jang, remove your shoes and socks, and place them in the proper area. Greet the Instructor with a proper handshake and a greeting such as “Good Morning Sir/Ma’am”. Do not interrupt the Instructor if he or she is engaged in a conversation. If you do have to arrive late, warm up at the back of the class quietly, stretch out, then raise your hand and await an answer from the Instructor. When acknowledged, ask “Sir/Ma’am, may I join the class?”
Integrity- A synonym for integrity is honesty. Our KwanJangNim, Master Joseph Philip, 7th Dan and Chief Instructor with the UNI Tae Kwon-Do Club states it best: “In Tae Kwon-Do, the word integrity assumes a looser definition than the one usually presented in Webster's dictionary. One must be able to define right and wrong and have the conscience, if wrong, to feel guilt.” Integrity is not something that once gained, you will always have. While integrity practiced over and over, like your form, becomes ingrained in one’s self and is easier to attain, integrity is the moment by moment, decision to do what is right, just and moral.
Perseverance- To go on resolutely in spite of opposition, importunity, or challenges. How does this affect us as students? Once we set a goal, whether it be learning a new form, winning a sparring competition, or getting one’s Black Belt, challenges and set backs may (and often do) occur. How we handle these obstacles determines if we have perseverance. For example: You may have practiced for months or years for your next level, and the day of testing, you messed up your form, missed a scoring opportunity in sparring, and did not break your boards. You wait a long, agonizing week for results (perseverance!), only to find out that you received a “No Change”. You practice for months and months more. Same result. Again, “No Change”. Self-doubt sets in. This could be the last testing before reverting back to an earlier rank! You are facing what may be one of the hardest tenets we have: Perseverance. You pick yourself up, dust yourself off, come to practice regularly, work hard, focus and persevere. Finally, testing day comes around again and you know you are ready. Your form goes flawlessly. You defend and score at every opportunity in sparring. Your boards break into more pieces than you can count. Your reward? Waiting a week to find results... This is perseverance. Self-Control- This is practicing a restraint exercised over one's own impulses, emotions, or desires. This tenant is extremely important both in and outside our DoJang.
In the DoJang, we must practice self control when we spar, perform One-Step sparring and Form. A loss of self-control in free sparring can result in injury to either yourself or your opponent.
Outside our DoJang, self-control must be managed daily, whether it is our spending habits, the amount of food we eat, or any one of the many vices we may face on a daily basis.
Indomitable Spirit- To be incapable of being subdued. On the UNI Tae Kwon-Do website, our KwanJangNim, Master Joseph Philip, 7th Dan states:
"Here lie 300, who did their duty." A simple epitaph for one of the greatest acts of courage known to mankind. Although facing the superior forces of Xerxes, Leonidas and his 300 Spartans at Thermopylae 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 Tae Kwon-Do will at all times be modest and honest. If confronted with injustice, they will deal with the belligerent without any fear or hesitation at all, with indomitable spirit, regardless of whosoever and however many the number may be. Confucius declared; "it is an act of cowardice to fail to speak out against injustice." As history has proven, those who have pursued their dreams earnestly and strenuously, with indomitable spirit, have never failed to achieve their goals. Last Update November 15, 2007 |
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