The International Taekwon-Do “Do” Seminar will focus on the “Do” aspect of the Korean Martial Art. TaeKown-Do literally translated means “Foot,” “Fist,” and “The Way.” The ITF Do Seminar, rather than focusing on the Foot and the Fist, will take a deep dive into the “Do,” in so much as reviewing the protocol, the meaning of the tenets, and the student oath.
Taekwon-Do is much more than just punching and kicking. The tenants of Taekwon-Do are the foundation of the art and are the building blocks of the Do or “The Way.” The first tenant is courtesy.
Courtesy
In today’s modern world, courtesy is an invaluable asset for achieving success. It sets a standard of respect and is essential for building strong relationships. Without it, it can be difficult to make progress in business, education, or even personal relationships. Courtesy allows us to express genuine appreciation and regard for others and therefore foster mutual understanding.
Moreover, courtesy can extend beyond everyday interactions with people and help create an environment that is comfortable and safe for everyone involved. For example, by using courteous language when speaking about sensitive topics such as race or gender, we demonstrate consideration for those around us and encourage open dialogue. Additionally, being courteous when confronting someone’s opinions can prevent misunderstandings that may lead to conflict.
Courtesy is important in today’s modern world because it sets the tone for how other people are treated. By practicing courtesy every day in our interactions with others, we can show them the respect they deserve and help create a culture of compassion in our society. Moreover, this type of attitude helps us demonstrate values such as kindness and humility which can lead to more meaningful relationships with those around us.
Integrity
Integrity plays an integral role in our lives today and is important for creating a safe and secure environment for all. In Taekwon-Do, Integrity is a core tenant and is essential for the development of character.
Integrity can be defined as honesty, morality, and fairness, which are all virtues that help build strong relationships with others. It encourages us to act according to our values and beliefs, even when faced with difficult situations. This type of behavior shows respect for both ourselves and those around us. By being honest and maintaining a good moral code, we strengthen our reputation among peers and create trust within relationships. Additionally, by remaining fair when confronted with challenging decisions, we demonstrate impartiality and equality for all involved parties.
Integrity is particularly important in the martial art of Taekwon-Do because it serves as one of its core tenants. Developing character through Integrity helps individuals become aware of their actions in life as well as how they affect those around them. Through Integrity, TaeKwon-Do practitioners learn to live by their own sense of ethics rather than external pressures from society or authority figures. As they strive to uphold these ethical standards throughout their training they develop a stronger sense of self-discipline, responsibility, and loyalty.
By practicing Integrity in Taekwon-Do, individuals also gain insight into other aspects of life such as problem solving skills and self-confidence. With practice comes knowledge which allows students to expand their understanding beyond the physical aspects of the art form such as punching or kicking techniques; instead focusing on applying values such as integrity into their everyday lives.
Integrity is an invaluable asset in today’s world that promotes respect between people while also helping individuals develop a strong sense of character. As a core tenant in Taekwon-Do it provides practitioners with an opportunity to apply this virtue into their training thereby helping them grow both mentally and physically.
Self-Control
Self-control is an essential virtue in the development of a human being. It is the ability to resist impulses, cravings, and urges in order to make well-informed decision that benefit oneself and others. Without self-control, it can be difficult for individuals to take responsibility for their own actions and live up to their commitments. Self-control is a key factor in achieving success both in personal endeavors such as education or relationships, as well as professional goals.
In today’s world, self-control is particularly important due to the availability of technology and media that can be used as distractions or vices. Having strong self-discipline allows individuals to prioritize their goals without succumbing to these temptations. Effective self-regulation can lead to better performance on tasks that involve planning and thinking before acting, minimizing procrastination which can hinder progress toward goals.
Self-control also helps individuals manage their emotions more effectively by allowing them to pause and consider how best to respond when faced with difficult situations or circumstances. Through developing this ability, people are more likely to react in a thoughtful manner rather than impulsively; giving them a greater sense of control over their lives. The practice of self-control also creates healthier mindsets by fostering resilience and self-awareness which helps individuals stay focused on achieving positive outcomes even when faced with setbacks or challenges.
Developing self-control requires practice but the rewards are great; it leads to greater accountability in one’s actions and decisions, improved emotional regulation skills, higher goal achievement rates, and an overall sense of well-being. Practicing this virtue can help create habits that will promote success not just for oneself but for those around them as well.
Perseverance
Perseverance is a vital part of character development as it allows individuals to develop resilience and strength even in the face of adversity. In Taekwon-Do, perseverance is particularly important because it helps practitioners cultivate the inner discipline and focus needed in order to excel at the art form. It requires students to push beyond their limits and strive for excellence despite the challenges they may face along the way.
Through regularly practicing perseverance, Taekwon-Do practitioners gain greater mental and physical control over their bodies which eventually leads to improved technique. Perseverance also develops self-confidence as Taekwon-Do students become aware of how much they can achieve when they persist despite difficulties. The mental and physical stamina developed through this virtue enables students to stay focused on their goals while developing clarity of thought and emotional stability; both essential qualities for success in life.
Furthermore, by cultivating perseverance through Taekwon-Do, individuals are better able to handle more difficult tasks with greater ease due to an increased capacity for problem solving and improved concentration levels. Perseverance is a key factor in achieving personal growth as it encourages individuals to strive towards higher goals which ultimately leads to an increased sense of fulfillment.
The practice of perseverance also teaches individuals valuable lessons about persistence and dedication that can be applied to any area or aspect of life. Through these lessons, Taekwon-Do practitioners learn important values such as self-discipline, dedication, commitment, respect for others, integrity and patience; all important qualities in becoming successful human beings who have a positive impact on those around them.
Indomitable Spirit
Indomitable spirit is the unwavering determination to never be defeated by life’s challenging circumstances. It is the courage and resilience to keep pushing forward, no matter how difficult the situation may be. This spirit requires individuals to tap into their inner strength in order to persevere and face each challenge head-on. Indomitable spirit involves developing resilience, courage, mental toughness, and perseverance, all of which can be cultivated through Taekwon-Do and other martial arts practices.
This spirit is important because it allows individuals to channel their energy toward overcoming difficulties and achieving success despite difficult odds. With an indomitable spirit, individuals are able to find their inner strength and use it as fuel for their endeavors. This enables them to have greater control over their lives by having the determination and fortitude needed for facing life’s challenges without feeling defeated or discouraged.
Having an indomitable spirit also impacts one’s ability to stay focused on personal goals as this virtue allows individuals to not give up when faced with obstacles in pursuit of success. Without this, people can easily become overwhelmed or discouraged by life’s difficulties leading them off track from what they truly want in life. Furthermore, it encourages individuals to take risks necessary for growth while building up self-confidence as they are able to face any adversities that come along the way with poise and strength.
In essence, an indomitable spirit is an invaluable asset that helps individuals overcome any challenge that stands between them and accomplishing their goals; providing them with a sense of control over themselves as well as their destiny.
Taekwon-Do Pattern History and Diagram Analysis
Exploring the history of Taekwon-Do patterns and their associated diagrammatic forms is an enriching way to gain greater insight into the martial art. Doing so can help individuals distinguish between different techniques, understand the principles behind each movement, as well as develop knowledge on its cultural roots.
Taekwon-Do patterns are a series of predetermined stances and movements which have been codified by General Choi Hong Hi in order to preserve their traditional heritage. These patterns are composed of various movements such as punches, blocks, kicks, and strikes that have been practiced and refined over centuries in countries such as China, Japan, and Korea. Each pattern is typically named after influential figures or places in these cultures’ histories and this naming convention serves to remind practitioners of the importance of respecting their traditions.
On a deeper level, each Taekwon-Do pattern conveys philosophical messages that relate to virtues important for personal growth such as loyalty, courage, and respect. For instance, some patterns illustrate the principle of “tension versus relaxation” which emphasizes the idea of remaining relaxed yet alert during practice; a concept that can be applied both on and off the mat. Similarly, other patterns embody concepts related to perseverance such as “never give up until you succeed” which encourages students to keep trying even when faced with failure or difficulty.
By exploring the history behind these patterns, individuals can gain greater insight into their personal development journey thus allowing them to better understand themselves and become more aware of how they interact with their environment. This knowledge can also be used in everyday life; providing practitioners with valuable lessons on how to overcome challenging situations while staying motivated toward achieving success.
Taekwon-Do Philosophy
At the center of the philosophy of Taekwon-Do, there is the moral obligation of helping “to build a better ,and more peaceful world in which humanity, freedom, justice, morality, wisdom and faith will prevail.” (Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do, 1987, vol. 1, p. 88).
It is the ultimate goal of Taekwon-Do to instill in its practitioners an understanding of important virtues such as courage, respect, and honor. These ideals are embodied by the ancient philosophy behind the martial art and serve as its core principles. The ultimate aim is for practitioners to become individuals who embody these values and strive towards building a more peaceful world in which justice, morality, wisdom, and faith prevail. In addition to this, they should also learn how to manage challenging situations with poise while developing greater control over their lives through being determined and having an indomitable spirit. Through mastering this art form and understanding its roots, practitioners can gain insight into how to best interact with their environment while also honing valuable skills that may be useful in everyday life such as how to stay focused on personal goals or how to take risks necessary for growth. By following these ideals, students are able to develop not only physical strength but mental fortitude as well; allowing them to become well-rounded individuals capable of making positive contributions toward the betterment of society.
In addition to the main Tenants, TaeKwon-Do practitioners abide by the Student Oath:
1) I shall observe the Tenets of Tae Kwon Do and ethical rules
The importance of observing the tenants of Taekwon-Do cannot be overstated, as they serve as the framework for both physical and mental development. The tenants embody the philosophical principles behind the martial art and are a reminder to practitioners of what it means to be a responsible martial artist. Not only do they provide guidelines for positive behavior within the dojang, but they also serve as a moral compass for practitioners who must be mindful of the values of Taekwon-Do when interacting with their environment.
2) I shall respect the instructors and seniors
One of the most important aspects of Taekwon-Do is respect for one’s instructors and seniors. This respect is earned through hard work, discipline and an understanding of the art form which will be evident in one’s actions both inside and outside of the dojang. It is important to recognize that instructors are not just teachers but also mentors who can provide valuable insight into both physical and mental aspects of Taekwon-Do. By recognizing their authority, practitioners can learn from the wisdom of their seniors and use this knowledge to become better martial artists.
3) I shall never misuse Taekwon-Do
At its core, Taekwon-Do is a martial art created for self-defense and should never be used as an offensive weapon without just cause. Practitioners must be mindful of this by using proper techniques and good judgment to avoid injury or harm to their opponents. Taekwon-Do is only meant to be used as a last resort, so it is important for practitioners to not misuse the art form and instead focus on mastering its principles with humility and respect.
4) I shall respect Instructors and seniors
Respect for one’s instructors and seniors is an important aspect of Taekwon-Do. Practitioners should show respect and admiration for their seniors by not only following the rules in the dojang but also by serving as a role model to other practitioners. Not only does this demonstrate humbleness and humility, but it also allows practitioners to learn from the wisdom of their seniors. Furthermore, this respect should be extended outside the dojang in order for students to properly represent Taekwon-Do and its values wherever they may go.
5) I will build a more peaceful world.
Building a more peaceful world is something that TaeKwon-Do practitioners strive to do on a daily basis. The practice of Taekwon-Do not only teaches physical strength, but it also encourages mental fortitude and emotional discipline. Through the tenants and student oath, practitioners learn how to interact with their environment in an ethical manner, while also striving to make positive contributions towards the betterment of society. By doing so, practitioners can create an environment of peace, respect and understanding that will ultimately lead to a brighter future for everyone.
To reach the goals, Taekwon-Do heavily emphasizes becoming an exemplary person. To become such a person in Taekwon-Do, one must practice the five tenets of Taekwon-Do and apply the Student’s Oath. By understanding and adhering to the tenants and student oath of Taekwon-Do, practitioners can develop a greater appreciation for the art form while embodying its values. This not only allows them to become better martial artists but also helps them to cultivate important virtues they can use in everyday life. Ultimately, by following these tenants and striving towards building a more peaceful world, Taekwon-Do practitioners can become well-rounded individuals capable of making a positive contribution to society.
About the Speaker:
GrandMaster Thibado is a lifelong Tae Kwon Do practitioner. His college studies were Human Development, Psychology, and Philosophy. In addition to being a published author, he runs a thriving construction and contracting business in beautiful Crystal River, Florida. Read more about him here: https://thibado.net/master-peter-thibado-a-8-17/
He is also hosting the ITF America Summer Camp at Camp Geneva, Florida on August 11, 12, & 13 2023. Sign up here: https://thibado.net/product/itf-america-summer-camp/