THE PHILOSOPHY OF TAEKWON-DO

(Taekwon-Do ChulHak) 

The utmost purpose of Taekwon- Do is to eliminate fighting by discouraging the stronger's oppression of the weaker with a power that must be based on humanity, justice, morality, wisdom and faith, thus helping to build a better and more peaceful world.

All men, regardless of age, have felt that death is a shame and lamented that they cannot five 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 the tyranny of power. However, there are two ways to deal with these problems: The former, through mental discipline, the latter, through physical training. 

The philosophy of Taekwon-Do is based on the ethical, moral, and spiritual standards by which men can live together in harmony, and its art patterns are inspired by the ideals and exploits of great men from Korean history. 

Korea's famous military and civil leaders (yet, in nearly five thousand years of Korean history have never invaded their neighbor) fought bravely and made great self -sacrifices to defend their homeland against invading enemies. 

Each Hyung (pattern) of Taekwon-Do expresses the thoughts and the actions of these great men, so the students of Taekwon-Do must reflect the true intentions of those whose name each Tul bears. Therefore, under no circumstances should Taekwon- Do be used for selfish, aggressive or violent purposes, either by an individual or group. Nor will Taekwon-Do be used for any commercial or political purpose whatsoever. 

Set forth are the following philosophy and guidelines which will be the cornerstone of Taekwon-Do and by which all serious students of this art are encouraged to live.

Be willing to go where the going may be tough and do the things that are worth doing even though they are difficult.

1. Be gentle to the weak and tough to the strong.
2. Be content with what you have in money and position but never in skills.
3. Always finish what you begin, be it large or small.
4. Be a willing teacher to anyone regardless of religion, race or ideology.
5. Never yield to repression or threat in the pursuit of a noble cause.
6. Teach attitude and skill with action rather than words.
7. Always be yourself even though your circumstances may change.
8. Be the eternal teacher who teaches with the body when young, with words when old, and by moral precept even after death.

                Taekwon-Do  © Gen. Choi Hong Hi 1972