What are the 5 tenets of Taekwondo and what do they mean?

Taekwondo is a modern martial art that originated in Korea during the 1940s and 50s. Primarily a striking martial art, it features punches but mostly involves kicks and feet strikes over using the fists. Like many martial arts, Taekwondo has roots deeply connected to the respectful side of philosophy and is as much a spiritual, mental discipline as it is about improving your physical aspects. Because of this, Taekwondo has 5 tenets that are to be followed by its practitioners.

These 5 tenets act as a moral code and guideline as each student progresses through the martial art. To help keep the idea of respect freshly embedded in the martial art, often the instructor will recite these tenets once the students have bowed onto the mats. This is a traditional way to remind its users that Taekwondo is based on self-improvement and humility. Below we shall analyze the 5 tenets individually and what they mean. For now, we will briefly give a quick list of what the tenets are which are as follows: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-control, and Indomitable spirit.

Courtesy

Courtesy involves being respectful towards others, without seeking gratification or favors in return. Sometimes in martial arts dojos, students can be overly-courteous to their seniors. Whilst this can be perceived as a sign of respect, it can also be seen as a Machiavellian way to climb the ladder of status quickly. For instance, if you are courteous to a black belt but less so to a newcomer, then really that is a form of fake courtesy.

Whilst black belts will naturally demand a level of respect based on their status, this should be an acknowledgment of their achievement and shouldn’t go overboard. Similarly, senior ranks should also remember acts of courtesy as well. Too often in martial arts, practitioners may act humble throughout the lower belts, only to misuse their dominant status after reaching black belt. This isn’t honest and should not be taken advantage of. Further, if you are courteous inside the dojo but act rude and entitled outside of the gym, then it’s another sign of disingenuous courtesy.

Being courteous should be a theme throughout your general life as well as martial arts. It doesn’t hurt to be polite to people and act in a friendly manner. As the saying goes ‘treat others how you would like to be treated yourself’. This phrase is very true when it comes to courtesy and the importance of the concept within the Taekwondo community.

Integrity

The next tenet is based on integrity. Integrity can be roughly defined as a moral code based on core values. Often these values may involve honesty a level of self-respect. For instance, if someone has no integrity then they will literally do anything which is not always a good thing. By having integrity, you should have the ability to stand up for yourself as well as others. Within the context of Taekwondo, integrity can mean staying true to your word. For instance, if you are told to teach a Taekwondo class as the role of Boosabum – then you should do this to the best of your ability. This means arriving on time, teaching with a good attitude, and being willing to help those who are new and need assistance.

This is a good example of integrity. It’s basically the idea of doing something with respect and not going back on your word. Again, integrity isn’t just a skill acquired for the gym either. Integrity should also leak into other areas of your life. For instance, if you tell a friend you will help fix their car, then you should be true to your word. Do not promise things that you will go back on and it’s better to be upfront and say ‘no’ if you aren’t originally interested in helping. This is what integrity is, a moral code based on honesty and the decency to finish tasks to the best of your ability without deviant motives.

Perseverance 

The third tenet, perseverance is a key element whilst learning Taekwondo. To persevere through tough tasks is a skill in itself, especially if you don’t especially like the task as well. This shows a degree of mental strength and toughness which is a good quality in and outside of the dojo. For example, you may have particularly bad technique when trying to hit a hook kick. Obviously, everyone will have their own unique set of strengths and weaknesses.

It would be good to persevere through this and make sure you improve the hook kick even if it’s an arduous process. After you’ve improved your technique you will feel better inside and the ends will have justified the means. Basically, it’s a good habit to pick up as it means you can get through tough times. Similarly, if you feel lazy and don’t want to train but turn up anyway, this shows perseverance again and will help build towards your progress in the long run.

As perseverance can be built in the gym, it can also be used outside of the gym. For example, you may not want to clean your house as it’s boring and not fun. However, if you persevere and do the task regardless, then the outcome is often worth it. In short, it’s investing in yourself through the hard times which pays off afterward.

Self control

Self control is based on sticking to your principles and not giving into temptation. Within the context of the dojo, this could be going light in sparring against someone you don’t particularly like. Imagine you’re a black belt and they’re naturally an annoying person. You could decide to smash them during sparring and kick them hard with excessive force. Whilst this may feed your ego and feel like a good release of energy, it is not what Taekwondo is about. Instead, you should remember why you started training and understand that it’s based on your own self-improvement. The idea of Taekwondo is based around respect and so it’s not the correct etiquette to train as a bully who intends to hurt others.

This concept applies outside of the dojo too. Instead of losing your cool and snapping, creating an argument, you should instead try to remain cool and calm. If you did end up using your Taekwondo in an altercation when walking away was an option, then this shows a failure on your behalf. In extreme circumstances, you could seriously injure someone which could result in prison. Obviously, this isn’t a good situation so self control is very important. Just because you can now hurt other people and defend yourself, this should not enhance your ego and turn you into an aggressive idiot. Instead, it’s best to remain humble and practice self-control as much as you possibly can, in all areas of life.

Indomitable Spirit

The term indomitable spirit roughly means to never give in and keep going. In some ways, this term matches many of the ideologies that are found in perseverance. In short, having an indomitable spirit means you will always try no matter what, and is a great characteristic to carry over into wider areas of your life too. For example, imagine you have a training partner who always beats you during sparring. It would be weak-minded to avoid them or to give up completely. However, there’s a certain strength of facing this opponent who has beaten you hundreds of times before.

Whilst you may understand that defeat is the outcome, you charge through regardless without fear of losing. This mentality will mean you’re unbreakable and do not easily give in. Similarly, you may be unsuccessful at competing in Taekwondo. This may be disheartening and even embarrassing if others start to judge you. Instead, you keep on looking forward and focus on the positives. Having an indomitable spirit is one of the reasons why people stick to Taekwondo. It’s because they can see the good even on bad days and aren’t easily discouraged.

In wider life, an example of indomitable spirit could be to keep turning up to job interviews even if you’ve been rejected many times before. Instead of becoming unconfident, you instead look at the positives and don’t give up on yourself, knowing that one day the hard work may pay off. This will help in times of personal crisis. For instance, you may go through a phase of depression or angst. Whilst this is sad, you also have the willpower to try and fight through this stage and come out stronger.

The student oath in relation to the 5 tenets of Taekwondo

In relation to the 5 tenets, there is a student oath that is often recited after the instructor has spoken. These terms are all directly related to the tenets and help re-enforce the core beliefs. The first is to observe the 5 tenets and try and mindfully digest them at all times. The second oath is to respect all seniors and instructors which ties in with the concept of integrity. Next, is to never misuse Taekwondo. As established, it’s a self-defense tool and this is related to self-control.

Penultimately is being a champion of freedom and justice, this involves being truthful and helping others who are in trouble. This concept heavily relates to the idea of integrity and how you can use your own integrity to help others and set a good example. Lastly, is to help Taekwondo build towards a more peaceful world. This links in with all the tenets which almost act as a religious set of commandments and moral blueprint of good behavior in and outside of the dojo.

Final thoughts

The 5 tenets of Taekwondo are to be respected and are a good tool in teaching a healthy mindset in relation to learning martial arts. Sadly, it seems these days a lot of modern martial artists do not always abide by these tenets which can be seen with cocky MMA fighters who at times act as thugs rather than martial artists. This means that Taekwondo doesn’t just teach people how to fight in combat, it also teaches them life skills such as respect and other humble traits.

With this said, it’s a shame other martial arts don’t have tenets such as those found in Taekwondo. Overall, the idea of a student oath to help better themselves as well as others around them is a great idea. This positive hierarchy helps everyone improve and lifts everyone around you. Whatever your personal thoughts on Taekwondo, we can all agree that the 5 tenets help enforce a positive culture that ties in with the original principles of martial arts, which are to combine physical and mental discipline to help improve people’s lives in all areas.