The Tenets of Taekwondo

Question 1

Tenets of Taekwondo

Answer 1

• Courtesy
• Integrity
• Perseverance
• Self-control
• Indomitable spirit

Question 2

Courtesy

Answer 2

1. Courtesy (Yah Hee) Being Polite and Respectful Promotes mutual understanding, harmony, peacefulness, humbleness, cooperation, respect, and a sense of justice. It may be displayed as:
   
   1. Politeness - please and thank you. asking instead of telling. Distinction of roles - speak and act with respect to seniors, elders, teacher and the respect to those who are junior.
   2. Consideration of others - be aware how others think, feel and treat other with kindness.
   3. Compliment/Honor others - Recognize the good in others and acknowledge their actions.
   4. Deference - allow others to go first because it will be helpful, kind or respectful to that person.
   5. Generosity: Give or make something available to someone out of the kindness without expectation of reward.

Question 3

Integrity

Answer 3

Integrity (Ghum Son) Alway doing the right thing

In Taekwondo, we must be able to determine right from wrong and to have a conscience. We must always seek to intergrate our thoughts, feelings and values within ourselves and with the world in which we live through consistant actions. If we demonstrate integrity in our daily interactions with others, people will learn to regard us as dependable, responsible and honest. Integrity may be displayed as:

• Honesty: Be truthful with yourself and others
• Adherence to a standard of values: be mindful of what is right and what is wrong.
• Loyalty: Be faithful to the people and practices that are important in your life and acknowledge the positive role that people such as family, friends and practices such as Taekwondo have had in your life
• Learning from Mistakes: Use your mistakes as a tool to avoid making the same mistake again.
• Consistency: Our actions match our words and stay the same on a daily basis.

Question 4

Perseverance

Answer 4

Perseverance (In Nae) A steady course of action in spite of difficulties [never give up]

Perseverance is the quality of being insistant. Success comes to those who do not give up. It takes a lot of work to achieve something truly great. A large amount of personal satisfaction may be gained from the growth, mastery, and self-knowledge that come from practice and commitement to a goal.

Perseverance may be displayed as:

• Patience: Ability to calmly proceed when things become slow or difficult.
• Overcoming Obstacles: Find ways to keep working toward your goal when difficult situations arise.
• Focus on Goals: Keep in mind what it is that you are trying to achieve.
• Follow your convictions: Be true to what you think is right and important.

Question 5

Self-control

Answer 5

Self-control (Ku Kgi) Being master of one’s own impulses

Your ability to get along and adapt to your environment and to recongnize your capabilities is a measure of self-control. Self control may be displayed as:

• Discipline: The ability to stay focused on your goals an on the actions required to achieve those goals.
• Discretion: Do not violate confidences, or speak or act in ways that will unnecessarily hurt others.
• Dignity: Keep a calm exterior in the face of adversity.
• Self Mastery: The control over and awareness of your actions and words.
• Restraint: The way we control our actions when we are upset or angry.
• Will power: Have the energy, desire and attitude to continue a course of action even in the presences of obtacles and hardships.

Question 6

Indomitable spirit

Answer 6

Indomitable Spirit ( Bak Jul Bul Kue) Cannot be stopped [Unconquerable]

Indomitable Spirit means standing up for what is just, regardless of who disagrees with you.

• Positive Thinking: Always maintain a positive attitude, even when things are going your way.
• Courage: To be yourself at all times, and to do what you think is right regardless of the pressures people put on you.
• Strong spirit: Not being crushed or swayed by adversity or obstacles.