Published by Brendon Taylor
BA Political Science and Spanish, BA Political Science and Spanish
CELTA Certified Teacher
2nd Dan WTF Style Black Belt, 1st Dan ITF Style Black Belt
While I have trained and learned all over the world — from Canada to Puerto Rico to Colombia and Korea itself — I found everywhere the spirit of Taekwondo-Do remains the same. This common thread comes from a set of principles and ideals, passed on, shared and lived to define the true martial artist.
This culture of respect comes from the fundamentals we promise to follow and live out our daily lives by. Wherever we go, we carry this foundation to share the knowledge of the art.
The Taekwondo Student Oath and its Tenets are more than words, but a guide to life. We promise to follow these ideals, because when a martial artist grows on their journey, they realize all the lessons their instructors taught them weren’t really about becoming a better fighter, but about becoming a better person.
Martial arts is really about the sharing of knowledge; this wisdom to persevere and seek our better natures. To not give up in the face of adversity. To reach and grow.
In following these ideals, the Tenets of Tae Kwon Do — Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control and Indomitable Spirit — a martial artist walks the path to building a better world.
For Courtesy, we of course bow and address our instructors and seniors with respect, and help them how we can — because this is a model for how we act in life. Polite manners, words and kindness are the gifts we can give to everyone with our conduct.
Integrity means keeping our promises, being honest and true. A martial artist is principled because that is how a person should be. Our actions should match our words.
Life is a challenging journey, but it is also a beautiful experience because of what comes when we face its challenges. Following through on what we commit to do — especially when it’s hard — builds strength and wisdom. Duty calls for commitment. That is the essence of Perseverance.
Training in martial arts makes us stronger, which means we also need to show Self-Control. Power calls for restraint. We learn to control how much power we use in our techniques and sparring; we learn to control our bodies and minds, because this gives us the discipline and mindset for the right conduct in all situations. Patience, wisdom, and balance all derive from self-control. We learn how to choose the right thing by practicing how to control ourselves.
An Indomitable Spirit is one that practices all these Tenets. Having the will and courage to try, to not give up, to stick to your principles. To persevere when it’s difficult or when you’re afraid. To choose to do the right thing when life pulls you in all the wrong directions. It’s learning to be able to find your own calm in the storm.
By seeking the good and embodying these principles, we hope to lead by example for those around us. Aiming higher lifts everybody up.