Taekwon-Do is a fighting
art, and the ultimate test of one's competence is the ability
to defend oneself in a fight. This test, however, should not be
just a function of who is bigger, stronger, or faster, but rather
a test of refined technique and skill in physical combat. To attain
this high level of skill in Taekwon-Do requires great attention
to the details of technique, theory, and attitude. Concentration
on these areas of training and study ultimately results in proficiency
for the dedicated martial artist. In this type of training, hardship
is the anvil that forges moral character; with perseverance, self-control,
and indomitable spirit as the hammer, improvement follows. This
hardship has a way of teaching us the need for courtesy, integrity,
and self-control by making progress more difficult without them.
In a complex interaction of cause and effect, the perfection of
martial arts skills is ultimately tied to the development of moral
character, and developing these skills. Therefore, regardless
of one's goal in martial arts, a well-balanced emphasis on the
physical, intellectual, and moral aspects of training is essential.
-from 'History of Taekwon-Do Patterns' by Richard L. Mitchell
Courtesy - Ye Ui
Courtesy: Acting in ways that are
well mannered (polite.)
Courtesy is the first of the
five Tenets of Taekwon-Do. A student may wonder how he or she
is learning courtesy while punching, blocking, kicking, performing
patterns, practicing step-sparring and free sparring. The tenet
of Courtesy is developed by learning and practicing etiquette,
as described by General Choi. 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. Taekwon-Do students should attempt to practice the following
elements of courtesy to build up their noble character and to
conduct their training in an orderly manner as well:
1)
To promote the spirit of mutual concessions
2) To be ashamed of one's vices, comtempting those of others
3) To be polite to one another
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 any gift when in doubt
Integrigy - Yom Chi
In Taekwon-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. Listed are some
examples where integrity is lacking:
1) The instructor who misrepresents himself and his art by presenting
improper techniques to his students because of a lack of knowledge
or apathy
2) The student who misrepresents himself by "fixing"
breaking materials before demonstrations
3) The instructor who camouflages bad techniques with luxurious
training halls and false flattery to his students
4) The student who requests rank from an instructor, or attempts
to purchase it
5) The student who gains rank for ego purposes or the feeling
of power
6) The instructor who teaches and promotes his art for materialistic
gains
7) The student whose actions do not live up to his words
8) The student who feels ashamed to seek opinions from his juniors
Perseverence - In Nae
There is an old Oriental saying "Patience leads to virtue
or merit." "One can make a peaceful home by being patient
for 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 goal, then constantly persevere. Robert Bruce learned
his lesson of perseverance from the persistant efforts of a lowly
spider. It was this perseverance and tenaacity that finally enabled
him to free Scotland in the fourteenth 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 impatient in trivial matters
can seldom achieve success in matters of great importance."
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. A loss of self-control
in free sparring can prove disasterous 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 - Baekjul Boolgool
"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 when a courageous person
and his 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 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.
Let us out do one another in being helpful and kind.
taken from the Encyclopedia
of Taekwon-Do by General Choi Hong Hi |