about the art

What is Tae Kwon Do?

Tae Kwon Do is an action philosophy, it is the Korean art of self-defense. Literally translated it means “foot-hand art”. However, there is much more to it than kicking and punching. It is designed as a non-violent art system of entire body practice and a way of life. It includes physical and mental discipline with a deep philosophy. Through practicing Tae Kwon Do, all practitioners can benefit:

Physically: By developing good coordination and a strong body.
Mentally: By building self-confidence, gaining good judgment, and developing a sound mind.
Philosophically: By learning to respect others, be honest and to always stand by the weak.

Thus, it is a guide for the formation of outstanding character, a modern world sport, and a philosophy. Tae Kwon Do is the oldest and greatest martial art in the world.

History

Tae Kwon Do is the name of the martial art that was created and developed in Korea over the course of more than 2,000 years. Its origin goes back to the early days of human existence on earth. No matter where they lived, people had to develop personal skills to fight in order to obtain food and defend themselves against enemies, including wild animals.

In 37 B.C., on the peninsula now known as Korea, the three kingdoms Koguryu, Paekche, and Silla had developed the skills and techniques of the martial art Tae Kyon, the predecessor of Tae Kwon Do. The most outstanding contribution to the development of Tae Kwon Do came from an elite officer corps called Hwa Rang Do - Military and social organization for noble youths. Through stringent training the Hwa Rang produced courageous leaders. As Silla’s elite warriors they were taught martial arts and taught to act as models of cultured and chivalrous warriors. Hwa Rang means “Flower of Youth”, the promise of the nation, the hope of the future. Tae Kwon Do is the out-flowering of the Hwa Rang spirit.

The first martial art textbook was written in 1790, called “Muye Dobo Tongji”. Developed independently in Korea, Tae Kwon Do has in recent years become the most respected national sport of Korea and is now practiced in over 150 countries. In 1980 it was accepted in the summer International Olympics Games. Tae Kwon Do is an art of self-defense that has been scientifically calculated for maximum efficiency of motion and therefore proven to be highly effective.

Tenets of Tae Kwon Do

The Tenets of Tae Kwon Do should be recited aloud at the beginning and end of every class. It is important that students know these are not merely words but the characteristics one must possess if he/she is to ever become a true student of the Art. The Tenets of Tae Kwon Do go to the very roots of the Art, that of the positive development of the total individual.

COURTESY is the behavior that comes from a respectful attitude. Respect is the attitude that stems from humility. Each student must recognize how much there is to learn and that it is necessary to have someone teach the way. It is respect that will enable the student to be open to learning that comes from the instructor and from the deep places in the heart from where spirituality is nourished. This is why we bow to our instructor; this is why we bow as we enter and leave the dojang; this is why we bow to ourselves whenever we practice alone before the wall of mirrors in the dojang or in our basement.

INTEGRITY is the completeness one attains from adhering to a code of values, i.e. sincerity, honesty, and loyalty towards oneself and others. Wrong doing can lead to a path of personal deceit and destruction. The feeling of guilt is the conscious mind allowing one to see the error of his ways.

PERSEVERANCE is the nectar of sweat that yields the honey of accomplishment. The martial arts are a lifelong venture. This venture can be begun by the timid; but it can only be continued by those who discover perseverance within themselves. This quality can be learned as long as the student simply says "one more try." Perseverance means that one has learned the art of living with adversity while still keeping one’s sights on goals.

SELF-CONTROL, mastery over one’s behavior, is a vital component in the maturing process. So many children have benefited from their experience with martial arts because they have learned self-control. This enables them to direct their energies in creative ways as attaining better grades in school, more respect and acceptance of responsibility from teachers and parents, and develops a circle of friends based on the positive human values of gentleness and caring rather than rowdiness or intimidation.

INDOMITABLE SPIRIT is the will to do one’s best with all one has, against even the most insurmountable odds. It reflects a personal desire to achieve, through setting goals and living with the results, and resetting goals with the values appreciated through failures.

In the final analysis, it is these five qualities of spirit that will keep the martial artist on the mountain of life, regardless of the body’s physical limitations the years bring forth. To develop and to cherish these qualities and then to practice them, will enable the martial artist to face any and all terrain on the mountain of life where family, work, leisure, friendship and spirituality flow like streams into a lake, running over with water for everything living.

Ten Commandments of Tae Kwon Do

1. Be loyal to your country.
2. Be a good son or daughter to your parents.
3. Be faithful to your spouse.
4. Be on good terms with your brothers and sisters.
5. Be loyal to your friends.
6. Be respectful to your elders.
7. Respect and trust your teachers.
8. Use good judgment before killing any living thing.
9. Never retreat in battle.
10. Always finish what you started.