About Taekwondo

For decades traditional taekwondo has been the perfect medium for cultivating inner strength, extraordinary endurance, and an effective arsenal of defensive skills. In its current iteration it can be thought of as a direct reflection of modern society’s desire for a ritualized discipline devoid of religious dogma, but complete with a physically and spiritually enhanced set of ethical principles by which to live. Consequently, motives for training in the martial arts today range anywhere from gaining proficiency in self-defense and physical fitness in adults, to propagating discipline and focus in children that might otherwise be glued to a television set or computer screen. There is little doubt that practitioners of all ages can profit greatly from a sincere study of traditional taekwondo.

While sport and all its trappings can provide an outlet for aggression and create social bonds by way of teambuilding, it is, by definition restricted to a set place and time. Likewise, while organized religion attempts to satisfy an innate desire for spiritual enlightenment, it does nothing to address the physical needs of the individual. Martial arts, on the other hand, if offered in a traditional manner, represent a way of life and a vehicle for self-enrichment through diligent training. Invariably, one may ask how a pursuit so resonant with aggressive overtones can benefit humanity. The solution to this paradox can be found in the realization that the more frequently one trains and becomes proficient in the martial arts, the more one discovers that they have less to defend against. Confidence begins to replace fear. Defensive skills become internalized resulting in one’s ability to walk life’s path appreciating its simple pleasures rather than being blinded by its daily perils. Now more than ever, these benefits reflect the true worth of taekwondo training.

With roots dating back to antiquity, the robust philosophical foundation that acted as a code of honor for the Hwarang-do of ancient Silla, one of three ancient Korean dynasties, continues to support traditional taekwondo and remains as valid today as it was in the seventh century when these noble warriors sought ethical wisdom beyond the field of battle. The Five Tenets, originally fashioned by General Choi Hong-hi, are recited at the completion of each class and act as a roadmap to nobility.

1. COURTESY
2. INTERGRITY
3. PERSEVERENCE
4. SELF CONTROL
5. INDOMITABLE SPIRIT

Furthermore, children attending our Youth Training Class recite the Student Creed or the Ten Mental Educations before being dismissed. These principles are directly related to the Code of Honor as practiced by the Hwarang-do of ancient Korea.

• BE LOYAL TO YOUR COUNTRY
• BE LOVING AND SHOW FIDELITY TO YOUR PARENTS
• BE LOVING BETWEEN HUSBAND AND WIFE
• BE COOPERATIVE BETWEEN BROTHERS AND SISTERS
• BE FAITHFUL TO YOUR FRIENDS
• BE RESPECTFUL TO YOUR ELDERS
• ESTABLISH TRUST BETWEEN TEACHER AND STUDENT
• USE GOOD JUDGEMENT BEFORE HARMING ANY LIVING THING
• NEVER RETREAT IN BATTLE
• ALWAYS FINISH WHAT YOU START, SIR!