The Tenets of TaeKwonDo
Original Five Tenets of TaeKwonDo
COURTESY— is thoughtfulness and consideration of others, humility, civility, and politeness. We use good manners and practice humility in all circumstances. Consideration for others guides all of our interactions. We are always as polite to others as we hope they will be to us.
INTEGRITY—is the uncompromising adherence to a code of moral values and principles. It requires soundness of ethical strength. To be people of integrity requires honesty with ourselves and with others. We uphold the truth in spirit and in fact. We are always fair. When we say we'll be somewhere or do something, others know they can rely on us to carry through and be responsible. We always do the best that we can and always give 100%, in and out of the Taekwondo center.
PERSEVERANCE—is steadfast pursuit of one's goals. It is the quality of never giving up in the face of challenge. We persevere in Taekwondo by faithfully attending class, practicing on our own, and participating in as many Taekwondo activities as is possible. We believe: “Pain is temporary; pride is permanent.” These attitudes carry over in all things. We go on when we are tired. We continue in the face of difficulty. We never say we “can’t.” We don’t make excuses.
SELF-CONTROL—is restraint of one's emotions and reactions. Control comes from within rather than from outside forces. The principle of self-control implies that we control our own behavior; we don’t let emotion or thoughtless reactions take over. We never show frustration, grunt, groan, or make remarks. We push ourselves to exceed what we have done before. We are the captain of our own ship of success!
INDOMITABLE SPIRIT- means that you’re not easily discouraged, defeated, or subdued; If you say that someone has an indomitable spirit, you admire them because they never give up. It is that part of a person which makes them unique, that part of a person which provides hope, strength and courage to get up and face each day with a smile. Indomitable spirit is perseverance on a long-term basis.
Practiced and expected to be followed by Johnson's Martial Arts students training in Cary and Morrisville. Karate philosophy and values has long involved character building. Other organizations may have their own principles or tenets such as Tiger Rock which has 10 tenets: Honor, Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control, Indomitable Spirit. These are in the same spirit and important for all practitioners. Explore if you'd like to schedule a trial Cary or Morrisville Taekwondo class.
