The success or failure of Taekwon-Do training depends largely on
how one observes and implements the tenets of Taekwon-Do.
COURTESY (Ye Ui)
It can be said that courtesy is an unwritten regulation prescribed
by ancient teachers of philosophy as a means to enlighten human
beings while maintaining a harmonious society. It can be further be
as an ultimate criterion required of a mortal.
INTEGRITY (Yom Chi)
In Taekwon-Do, the word integrity assumes a looser definition than
the one usually presented in Webster's dictionary. One must be able
to define right and wrong and have a conscience, if wrong, to feel
guilt.
PERSEVERANCE (In Nae)
There is an old Oriental 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 or a technique, one must set his goal,
then constantly persevere.
SELF CONTROL (Guk Gi)
This tenet is extremely important inside and outside 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 (Baekjool Boolgool)
"Here lie 300, who did their duty," a simple epitaph for one of the
greatest acts of courage known to mankind. Although facing the
superior forces of Xerxes, Leonidas and his 300 Spartans at
Thermoplylae showed the world the meaning of indomitable spirit. It
is shown when a courageous person and his principles are pitted
against overwhelming odds.