Today is the birthdate of Taekwon-Do!
Today is the birthdate of Taekwon-Do. Taekwon-Do was 'born' on April 11th, 1955. Having been created by General and Grandmaster Choi Hong Hi. He was a Major General in the South Korean Army and a 9th Degree Black Belt in Taekwon-Do and a 2nd Dan in Karate.
Taekwon-Do is a phenomenal martial art, and to celebrate its birthday, we’d like to focus on the true meaning of the art and philosophy, or tenents.
Many people who don’t train martial arts may ask themselves, I don’t like martial arts, so why should I care? The answer is: martial arts offer an amazing philosophy or guide for life. Sadly, even some martial artist today forget the tenets.
So, to celebrate the birthdate of Taekwon-Do, we would like to invite everyone to read, think and meditate on the tenets and how you can use them in your life.
- Courtesy, or 여의in Korean Hangul (pronounced ye-wee), refers to showing courtesy to all others in the dojang (training area or school) as well as people you may meet outside of formal Taekwondo training. Included in this tenet is observing correct etiquette and manners at all times.
- Integrity, or 염치in Korean Hangul (pronounced yom-chee), includes not only the general definition of integrity where one is not only able to determine the difference between right and wrong but also being able to stand up for what is ethically correct. Being honest and having strong moral principles is paramount and working hard to be beyond corruption are important aspects of the tenent of integrity.
- Perseverance, or 인냬 in Korean Hangul (pronounced een-nay), simply refers to the willingness of the Taekwondo student to continue to struggle against all odds to reach their goal. This applies to their Taekwondo training as well as other aspects of their lives. It is important to mention that Integrity should not be abandoned to reach one’s goals.
- Self-control, or 극기in Korean Hangul (pronounced gook-gee), means to have control over your thoughts as well as your actions. Maintaining a pure mind as well as a pure body by keeping your emotions in check, particularly in difficult or trying circumstances.
- Indomitable spirit, or 백절불굴in Korean Hangul (pronounced beckjool boolgool), is difficult to define but generally refers to having the courage to stand up for your beliefs and to stay strong in those beliefs and convictions no matter what the odds against you may be. It also refers to consistently exhibiting a full 100% effort in all that you do inside the dojang (training area) and in life.
These tenents are not unique to Taekwon-Do. Bushidō or "the way of the warrior" is a moral code concerning samurai attitudes, behavior, and lifestyle. It is loosely analogous to the European concept of chivalry. The tenents of Bushidō are:
- Sincerity - do not lie, do not be insincere, do not be superficial.
- Responsibility - do not be obsequious or obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree.
- Frugality - do not be greedy or irresponsible.
- Politeness - do not be rude, do not slander.
- Modesty - do not be boastful, do not be arrogant.
- Loyalty - do not be unfaithful.
- Harmony - be on good terms with comrades.
- Tranquility - do not be overly concerned with events.
- Compassion - show concern for one another, be compassionate, with a strong sense of duty.
Taekwon-Do’s tenents, like those of Bushidō, reflect a philosophy of not just martial arts training, but a reflection of how to deal with everyday life’s challenges and virtues.
Veteran martial artist will understand that Taekwon-Do and other martial arts, are a true mirror of life’s wins, losses, learnings, disappointments, enlightenment, ignorance, fun, sadness, successes, dedication, friendships, rivalries, etc. and how a true warrior in life and spirit should strive to manage these.
More importantly, it is the realization that there is nothing outside of yourself that can ever enable you to get better, stronger, richer, quicker, or smarter. Everything is within. Everything exists within and you should seek nothing outside of growing yourself.
To learn more, visit us at https://www.limitlessmartialarts.ca