The Five Tenets of Taekwondo

The tenets (core values) of taekwondo are a guide for the student’s behaviour inside the dojang (training area) and in the rest of life.   The development of character through these tenets is something that differentiates taekwondo from exercise classes.

*COURTESY (In Korean pronounced ye-wee) in a broader sense is kindness, humility, good manners, politeness, and respect.  It refers to showing courtesy to all others in the dojang (to those more senior and also those more junior than you) as well as people you meet outside of training, following correct etiquette at all times.  Examples of this includes bowing as you enter and leave the dojang, and listening respectfully to the instructors.

*INTEGRITY (In Korean pronounced yom-chee)  To have integrity means to be honest with everyone and with yourself at all times.  Determining the difference between right and wrong and standing up for what is right.  Not following the crowd if what the crowd is doing is wrong.

*PERSEVERANCE (In Korean pronounced een-nay) is persistence, the willingness of the taekwondo student to continue to struggle against all odds to reach their goal.  To practice that difficult kick over and over before finally succeeding.

*SELF-CONTROL (In Korean pronounced gook-gee) means to have control over your thoughts and actions.  Keeping your emotions in check particularly in difficult circumstances.  Taekwondo trains you in powerful techniques, and self control is needed to use these techniques only for good, and to prevent harm to others.

*INDOMITABLE SPIRIT (In Korean pronounced beckjool boolgool) Indomitable means unconquerable, unbreakable, unquenchable.  It refers to having the courage to stand up for your beliefs and to stay strong in those beliefs no matter what the odds against you may be.  It also refers to consistently giving 100% effort in all that you do inside the dojang and in life.  It is developed through the practise of taekwondo, by getting up after failing and trying again, and by facing your fears.