THE TENETS OF TAEKWONDO
Courtesy
Taekwondo students should attempt to practice the following elements of etiquette: 1. To promote the spirit of mutual concessions. 3. To be polite to one another. 4. To encourage the sense of justice. 5. To distinguish the instructor from student and senior from junior.
Integrity
In Taekwondo, 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 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. 3. The instructor that teaches and promotes his art for materialistic gains.
Perseverance
There is an old Asian 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. One of the most important secrets in becoming a leader in Taekwondo is to overcome every difficulty by perseverance.
Self-Control
This tenet is extremely important inside and outside of the Dojang, whether conducting oneself in free-sparring or in one's personal affairs. A loss of self-control in free-sparring can prove disastrous to both student and opponent. An inability to live and work within one's capability or sphere is also a lack of self-control.
Indomitable Spirit
A serious student of Taekwondo 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.
