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Philosophy of Taekwondo


The utmost purpose of Taekwondo is to eliminate fighting and disunity by discouraging oppression of the weak. We must base our philosophy on humanity, justice, morality, wisdom and faith, thus helping to build a better and more peaceful world. Through Taekwondo, anyone can garner enough strength to become a guardian of justice, to challenge social disunity and to cultivate the human spirit to the highest level attainable.

Taekwondo is not just training in kicking, punching, and self-defense. It has roots in the many tenets held by spiritual masters and martial artists throughout history. Buddhism, introduced to the Koguryo kingdom from China in 347 AD, contributed greatly to the growth of the Korean martial arts.

Since we experience life through the movements of daily living and we experience Taekwondo through its movements, we begin to understand the philosophy of Taekwondo by practicing Taekwondo and relating it to our daily movements. The only way to truly learn the philosophy of Taekwondo is to actually practice the art.

At the end of each class at Rhode Island Taekwondo, students recite the Training Hall Oath in unison. This commitment is as follows:
  1. Be loyal to your community.
  2. Honor your parents.
  3. Be loving between husband and wife.
  4. Be cooperative between brother and sister.
  5. Be faithful to your friends.
  6. Be respectful of your elders.
  7. Establish trust between teacher and student.
  8. Use good judgment before harming living beings.
  9. Never retreat in battle.
  10. Always finish what you start.


We then recite the Five Tenets of Taekwondo:
  1. Courtesy
  2. Integrity
  3. Perseverance
  4. Self-Control
  5. Indomitable Spirit

Students begin Taekwondo training for various reasons, such as fitness, weight loss, discipline, and self-defense. If students continue training, then their initial reason for beginning the training is irrelevant. At this point, they continue training because the basic principles of Taekwondo have become an integral part of their lives. Through kicking and punching, they have achieved the way.