The
Meaning of Taekwon-Do
Taekwon-Do
literally means Tae( Foot) Kwon(Hand ) Do ( The art or the way).It
should be noted that for many centuries the relationship between
the acquisition of martial arts and the necessity of using these
skills in a mature and the necessity of using these skills in
a mature and responsible way has been taught. Unfortunatly, because
of the commercialization of the martial arts and the accelerated
exportation of Instruction caused by increased popularity; it
seems that this concept has not always been received sufficient
emphasis. Taekwon-Do should not be practiced solely as fighting
technique. In order to make effective use of the fundamental techniques
and maximum development of the taekwon-Do athlete, the philosophical
aspect of Taekwon-Do as an art of self defense must be recognized
and must play a prominent role.
Traditional
Taekwon-Do is purely a martial art and student should train with
a proper attitude. Even though one self defense object of Taekwon-Do
is inflict devastating damage on an opponent with a single blow,
stronger emphasis should be placed on the spiritual side of the
martial art rather than on the physical techniques. Proper training
must apply to the body and the spirit in conjunction. One should
be that the traditional system of Taekwon-Do places an emphasis
on the character building aspect of the activity with respect
for ones opponent as a cardinal principal. Ideals should be taught
to the students such as honesty, Integrity, Perseverance, self
control and Indomitable Spirit.. Consequently, a true follower
of Taekwon-Do should strive for perfection in both the philosophical
and physical aspects of the art. This will not diminish but enhance
the individual’s ability in the execution of Taekwon-do
techniques in practice, competition, or self defense.
The
utmost purpose of Taekwon-Do is to eliminate fighting by discouraging
the aggressor’s oppression of the weaker with a power that
must be based on humanity, justice, wisdom and faith, thus helping
to build a more peaceful world.
All
men, regardless of age, have felt that is a shame and have lamented
that they cannot live as long as the pine trees or the turtles
that seem to live a thousand years. Righteous men, on the other
hand, deplore the fact that justice does not always triumph over
tyranny of power. There are ways to deal with this problem: one
through mental; discipline, and two, through physical training.
Taekwon-Do
as the way of life
The
following philosophy and guidelines are to be considered the cornerstone
by which all serious Teakwon-Do students are encouraged to live
by:
1. Be willing to give where the going be tough and do the things
that are worth doing even though they are difficult.
2. Be gentle to the weak and tough to the strong.
3. Be content with what you have in money and position but never
in skills.
4. Always finish what you begin, be it large or small.
5. Be a willing teacher to anyone regardless of religion, race
or ideology.
6. Never yield to repression of threat in the pursuit of noble
cause.
7. Teach attitude and skill with action rather than words
8. Be yourself even though your circumstances may change.
9. Be the eternal teacher who teaches with the body when young,
with words when old and by moral precept even after death
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