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Meaning of the term Tae Kwon Do

The origin of Tae Kwon Do dates as far back as the existence of man himself on earth.  With the passage of time, it had been streamlined and gradually formalized, then developed into a positive and perfect level due to the necessity for social life as simple human life became more complex and diversified.
Although Tae Kwon Do had survived through the long and adverse periods of Korean history as a component part of traditional culture, only a few murals in the underground chambers of Tumuli depicting Tae Kwon Do were found.

There are evidence of Tae Kwon Do in the murals of the Kakjeochong, Mooyongchong and Samsilchong Tombs of the Kogooryo era.  The tumuli of this era located at the former capital of the kingdom, present murals that are undeniable evidence of the existence of Tae Kwon Do in that period.  The murals show the original features of Tae Kwon Do.

Twenty years after the Kogooryo era, the Silla Dynasty was founded.  The warriors of Silva enjoyed various sports including archery, hunting, and Tae Kwon Do.

Other historic documents prove that there were also martial arts called by different names in the territories of Silla, Kogooryo, and Baekjae.

The entire nation of Baekjae enjoyed the sports of horse riding, archery, and Tae Kwon Do.  In fact, the whole populace were warriors well trained in martial arts.

The Baekjae nation was eventually conquered by Koryo where Tae Kwon Do was widely propagated as a national sport.

As far as Tae Kwon Do is concerned, Korea is the master country.  Historically, authentic records of Tae Kwon Do illustrate a large part of the Korean nation.  Handed through the Kogooryo, Silla, Baekjae, and Koryo, it was deeply rooted in the Joseon Dynasty era and scientifically systematized.

After the decline of the Joseon Dynasty, the Japanese invaded Korea and the Tae Kwon Do devotees often the the struggle against the invaders.

Today, modern Tae Kwon Do stresses on the scientific mobilization of human force and its application; the most important factors of which are stability, support, balance, elasticity, agility, and flexibility as well as mental and nervous concentration.

1. Children shall greet their parents with “Hi, Mom! and “Hi, Dad!” when they enter the home and tell their parents “Goodbye!” when they leave.
2. Children will always be respectful of their parents, teachers, and elders.
3. Children will be kind to their brothers and sisters.
4. Children will keep the household neat and clean.
5. Children will keep their hair, body, and teeth clean  daily.
6. Children will not interrupt adult conversations.
7. Children shall fix The Recipe for Straight ‘A’s Daily!
   • When you come home from school, open the refrigerator and have a glass of milk or juice. 
     Open your book to review what you studied today.
   • Do your homework.
   • Preview what you will study tomorrow.

I realize what the spirit of Tae Kwon Do represents, and I will obey the instruction of the teachers placed above me.

I will demonstrate the spirit of Tae Kwon Do within my daily life and will have a strong sense of justice.

I will, to the best of my ability, try to develop my mind and body and will keep faith in my fellow students.

I will obey my parents, volunteer dedicated service to my country, and will strive to be a productive member of society.

These are specific rules you should follow to help you become a better martial artist and person.

1. Loyalty to your country
2. Respect your parents and elders
3. Faithfulness to your spouse
4. Respect your brothers and sisters
5. Loyalty to your friends
6. Loyalty to your Do-jang
7. Respect and trust your Instructor
8. Behave correctly, in all means
9. Stand for what is right
10. Always finish what you start

Use these tenets to help provide you with a general guideline of how you ought to conduct your life as a martial artist.

1. Courtesy
2. Integrity
3. Perseverance
4. Self Control
5. Indomitable Spirit
6. victory

Courtesy (Yae Yi)

Be polite and nice to others; example:  say “please” or “thank you” as appropriate.

Integrity (Sung Sil)

Having strong ethical values; example:  you return a wallet that was dropped by a stranger.

Perseverance (In Nae)

On the road to success, you will find challenges and experience failures; to persevere you must try and try, never letting setbacks keep you down; example:  you are learning to ride a bike and you keep falling down, but you keep trying and eventually learn to ride without falling.

Self Control (Ja Jae)

Ability to control one’s mind and body; example:  anger can sometimes result in unintended actions; therefore, never act when angry.

Indomitable Spirit (Bool Gul Ye Jung Sin)

Never let overwhelming odds keep deter you; continue to face the challenge with inner strength; example:  the soldiers who landed on the beach of Normandy in WWII had this because knowing that their chance of surviving the landing was low under heavy enemy fire, they eventually took control of that beach.

Another aspect of this is in risk taking.  Take risks and set goals; no one has ever achieved some level of success without taking risks.

Victory (Sung Ri)

Think positively; by thinking positively you can solve problems or win over situations placed before you; example:  Your boss gives you a project that must be done in one week, but you know you don’t have enough resources to complete the project in one week.  A person that doesn’t use “victory” as a guide for their general behavior will probably tell their boss that it can’t be done.  On the other hand a victory-minded person will say “yes, it can be done under the following conditions…”