The Five Tenets of Taekwondo
Courtesy–Integrity–Perseverance–Self-Control–Indomitable Spirit
There are five universally accepted tenets of taekwondo accepted by both the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) and the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF). Master Taekwondo bases our dojang rules and etiquette on the “Five Tenets of Taekwondo.”
(The Building of Character)
#1. Courtesy – Students will show courtesy to all others in the dojang, as well as people they meet outside of their formal training.
Younger students will address adults as “Sir” or “Ma’am.”
Students will bow to the American and S. Korean flags upon entering and exiting the dojang.
#2. Integrity – Students are expected to be honest and be willing to exhibit strong moral principles that will help them distinguish between right and wrong.
#3. Perseverance – Students must remember that they will never grow stronger by engaging their doubts. Therefore, students should be willing to confront their fears, battle back against their struggles, and never look for short-cuts when achieving their goals.
#4. Self-Control – Students are expected to keep their emotions (thoughts and actions) in-check at all times, both inside and outside the dojang.
Punctuality is essential because all classes start promptly at the designated times.
Students are expected to keep the dojang clean and tidy.
#5. Indomitable Spirit – Students will consistently exhibit a full 100% effort in all they do inside and outside the dojang.
Students must show courage when standing up for their beliefs and convictions inside and outside the dojang.