The Meaning of Tae Kwon Do

What is the meaning of Tae Kwon Do? To put it simply, Tae Kwon Do is a version of an ancient form of unarmed combat which was perfected in Korea. This art was adopted in many eastern countries, notably in Japan and China. In China they practice Kung Fu, while in Japan it is called Karate or Kempo.

Translated from Korean, "Tae" literally means to jump, kick, or smash with the foot. "Kwon" denotes a fist, chiefly to punch or destroy with the hand or fist. "Do" means art or method. Thus collectively "Tae Kwon Do" means the technique of self defense involving the skilled application of punches, flying kicks, blocks, and interceptions with the hands, arms and feet to rapidly defeat the opponent.

Tae Kwon Do and Hap Ki Do are both forms of self defense indigenous to Korea and are currently becoming very popular all over the world. Tae Kwon Do is now an event in the Olympic Games and as of 1987 is also in the Pan American Games. It is the fastest growing sport in the world today. 

Tae Kwon Do Tenets

1. Courtesy (YeLu)
- to promote the spirit of mutual concessions.
- to be ashamed of one's vices, contempting those of others.
- to be polite to one another
- to encourage a sense of justice
- to distinguish instructor from student and senior from junior.

2. Integrity (Yom Chi)
- In Tae Kwon Do, integrity means being able to define right from wrong, and have the conscience if wrong, to feel guilt. Examples:
- the instructor who misrepresents himself and his art by presenting improper techniques to his students because of lack of knowledge, or because of apathy
- student who misrepresents himself by "fixing" breaking material.
- student who requests rank from an instructor, or attempts to purchase rank.
- student who gains rank for ego purposes or the feeling of power.
- instructor who promotes the art for materialistic gains.

3. Perserverance (In Nae)
There is an old Oriental saying, "Patience leads to virtue or merit". A serious student must learn not to be impatient; to continue steadfastily, to perservere.

4. Self Control (guk Gi)
This tenet is extremely important inside and outside of the Do Jang whether conducting ones' self in free-sparring or in ones' personal affairs. A loss of ones' self control can prove disastrous to both student and opponent. An inability to work within ones' capability is also lack of self control.

5. Indomitable Spirit (Baekjul Boolgool)
A serious student will at all times be modest and honest. If confronted with injustice, he will deal with the belligerent without fear or hesitation and, with an indomitable spirit, regardless of whomever or how many the number may be.

Tae Kwon Do Students Oath

I shall observe the tenets of Tae Kwon Do.

I shall respect instructors and seniors.

I shall never misuse Tae Kwon Do.

I will be champion of freedom and justice.

I will build a more peaceful world.