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Tae Kwon Do is action philosophy. It is the Korean art of self defense. Literally translates,
Tae means kick, jump or smash with the foot.
Kwon means denotes a fist-mainly to punch or destroy with the hand or fist.
Do means the art, the way, the method.
It is much more than the image of the martial arts physical aspect. It is designed as a nonviolent art and system of complete body exercise as well as being a way of life. It includes physical techniques, mental disciplines, and a deep philosophy. By practicing Tae Kwon Do one can benefit in these ways:
Physically: One can develop good coordination, gain strength, increase flexibility, and improve cardiovascular conditioning. From all of these physical practices on can have a strong body.
Mentally: One can build self-confidence, gain better judgment, and improve self-control. From all these mental disciplines, one can have a sound mind.
Philosophically: While developing a strong body and a sound mind, it is appropriate to learn the valuable philosophical tools and lessons in life offered by Tae Kwon Do philosophy. Among these lessons:
The way to be honest, always standing for justice.
How to respect and help others.
The meaning of loyalty and courtesy.
Tae Kwon Do philosophy emphasizes good health, happiness, generosity, and a sense of value of freedom, justice, and peace. All of these inspire both independence and coexistence.
Tae Kwon Do is an art for humanity. It is a guide for the formation of outstanding character. It is practiced as a modern world sport. It is useful as a contemporary universal philosophy.
Tae Kwon Do is the most practical, most beautiful and greatest martial art in the world.
5 Tenets of Tae Kwon Do
Courtesy (Telu) - To promote the spirit of mutual concessions. To be ashamed of one's vices, contemplative to those of others. To be polite to one another. To encourage a sense of justice. To distinguish instructor from student and senior from junior.
Integrity (Yom Chi) - Integrity means being able to define right from wrong and have the conscience, if wrong, to feel guilt.
Examples:
-The instructor who misrepresents himself and his art by presenting improper techniques to his students because of lack of knowledge or because of apathy.
-A student who misrepresents himself by "fixing" breaking materials.
-A student who requests rank from an instructor or attempts to purchase rank.
-A student who gains rank for ego purposes or the feeling of power.
-The instructor who promotes the art for materialistic gains.
Perseverance (In Nae) - There is an old oriental saying, "Patience leads to Virtue and Merit". A serious student must learn not to be impatient; to continue steadfastly; to persevere.
Self-Control (Guk Gi) - This tenet is extremely important inside and outside of the dojang, whether conducting one's self in free-sparring or in one's personal affairs. A loss of one's self-control can prove disastrous to both student and opponent. An inability to work within one's capability is also a lack of self-control.
Indomitable Spirit (Baekjul Booigool) - A serious student will at all times be modest and honest. If confronted with injustice, he will deal with the belligerent without fear or hesitation and with an indomitable spirit. Regardless of whomever or how many the number may be.
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