The Five Tenets of Taekwondo

Taekwondo incorporates five Tenets which it instils into its students:

Courtesy: Courtesy to both one’s superiors and one’s subordinates.  In Taekwondo there is obviously a strong amount of respect for authority and one’s teachers, but there is also a strong emphasis upon courtesy towards those of lesser grades or status.  After all if teachers had no respect for their students, how on earth could students ever have or learn respect for their teachers?  In a practical sense Courtesy is learnt from the point of view of respecting and acknowledging all other students in the Do’Jang (training hall), regardless of grade, ability or personal dislikes.  In a grander sense Taekwondo also teaches the student that the best way to live life and appreciate it to the full is to have courtesy and respect for those around you.

"When music and courtesy are better understood and appreciated, there will be no war." - Confucius

 

Integrity: The Integrity that Taekwondo teaches the student is slightly different to some western ideas and interpretations of integrity. Whereas integrity is often seen as a thing that is observed by others within a person, the Korean/Taekwondo interpretation is a much more personal one.  It involves a student realising from within what is right or wrong, and acting accordingly. This integrity does not require others to acknowledge that you are acting correctly, merely the determination of the student to always act correctly regardless of circumstance.  In a practical sense, a student learns from really wishing to correct a move or kick from within – seeking guidance where necessary – and not merely wishing to look ‘flashy’ or sound ‘tough’.  In a grander sense the same is true, the student will attempt to act in accordance with what is ‘right’ in any given situation, learning from his betters or elders how to act for the best along the way. 

 - Lao Tzu (Tao Te Jing Ch. 28)

 

Self Control: Self Control is the most crucial of the five tenets. Think before you act, and do no harm to others.  Do not act out of anger or revenge, and always do what is in the best interests of others. The Taekwondo practitioners new found confidence and self-respect acquired through training helps the student to have the confidence to walk away from a fight, be it physical or not.

Next >