The philosophy behind Tae Kwon Do begins with the meaning of the name itself. Translated from Korean the word "Tae" means "strike with the foot". The word "Kwon" means "strike with the hand". And the word "Do" means "art" or "way of life". Tae Kwon Do is not only a system of self-defense, it is also a system for living.
The most important concepts students learn at our school are the Tenets of Tae Kwon Do. They are:
- Courtesy
- Integrity
- Perseverence
- Self Control
- Indomitable Spirit
Because courtesy is such an important part of this martial art, the first lesson students learn in their first class is to bow. We bow towards the flags (US and Korean) to show respect for our own country and for the country in which Tae Kwon Do was created. We bow towards the other students in class to show our respect for them. We bow towards the instructors to both show respect, and to indicate that we are paying attention and are ready to learn.
We also show courtesy in class by referring to all black belt students and instructors as "ma'am" or "sir" depending on their gender. Thus a 60 year old white belt student would be required to call a 10 year black belt "ma'am" when asking her a question. This is not intended to put one person down or to indicate that one student is better than another. It is to show respect for a person who has more experience and training in our martial art.
Integrity means being honest with ourselves as well as with others. In class that means being honest about your level of knowledge. It means asking questions when you don't understand a technique your instructor is demonstrating instead of pretending to understand and then practicing incorrectly.
Perseverence means trying one more time when it would be easier to give up. Breaking a board with a new technique can be difficult. It probably won't break the first time and perhaps not the second or third time either. But with perseverence, it will break eventually.
Self-control is crucial in the Dojang. If you are out of control of your mind or body during a Tae Kwon Do class, you are a hazard to yourself and to the other students as well.
Indomitable Spirit is the never-say-die attitude we wish to instill in every martial artist. This is the ability to do your best no matter what the situation. Indomitable Spirit means that regardless of the odds, you refuse to surrender.
Clearly these tenets are important in the dojang, but the real measure of a martial artist is how well you live by these tenets outside of class. Courtesy behind the wheel of your car makes the world a safer and more pleasant place. Integrity in your interactions with others simplifies your life and lowers your stress level. Perseverence in school and work helps you achieve your personal best in all your endevours. Self-control when dealing with your loved ones makes you a better person and improves the lives of the people who matter the most. And Indomitable Spirit may save your life if you are ever attacked. That never-surrender way of thinking gives you the strength to fight back, or find a way to escape, when surrender would be the easier path.
These tenets are the guiding principals for the instructors at Two Rivers Martial Arts. They are the "Do", or way of life, we wish to share with our students. They are the philosphy behind Tae Kwon Do.