Tenets of Taekwondo and Meaning

Courtesy: Le Phep: Students must show respect to their instructors, to higher-ranking students and to all others. Students must be polite and encourage a sense of justice. Students must constantly look within themselves and not be quick to judge others.

Integrity: Liem Chanh: One must be able to define right and wrong and have the conscience, if wrong,to feel remorse. Within the training hall, one must honestly attempt to do whatever the instructor asks. If you are asked to do 20 pushups, do not do only 10 because the instructor is not watching you. Outside the training hall, students must not misrepresent themselves or rationalize their behavior.Perseverance: Nothing of any true good comes easy.

Perseverance: Nhan Nai: It's patience are required to excel at anything. Perseverance means sticking to it. If you fail the first time, or even the hundredth time, try again, confident that you will succeed as long as your purpose is worthy.

Self Control: Tu Chu: This tenet is extremely important inside and outside the training hall, either conducting oneself in free sparring or in one's personal affairs. Good self-control in free sparring enables you to execute stunning techniques without injuring your partners. Good self-control in daily life allows you to work comfortably and confidently with others.

Indomitable Spirit: Bat Khuat: Never be afraid to be yourself and trust your judgment. Indomitable spirit is what enables you to keep your ideals and your identity in the face of overwhelming pressures. It is the strength to reject the things that "everyone else is doing" if you believe them to be wrong.