Basic Meanings - Definitions

Tae Kwon Do

It literally means the art of foot and fist, the way of kicking and punching.

• Tae: Foot
• Kwon: Fist
• Do: Art of

The main feature of Tae Kwon Do is that it is a free-fighting combat sport using the bare hands and feet to repel the opponent.

The Tenets of Tae Kwon Do

The Tenets of Tae Kwon Do are, in essence, rules to live by. All of the tenets are actions and manners of being which the embodiment of the martial artist is.

Courtesy:

• Kind, polite and gracious in attitude and action
• Respectful, considerate and helpful to others

Reinforcing friendships, smoothing over disagreements, and even disarm the fiercest opponent. Courtesy is the easiest, safest and most powerful form of self-defense. Courtesy costs nothing, but is more valuable than gold.

Integrity:

• Honest, sincere and honorable in attitude and action
• Loyal to people and purposes

A person of integrity is revered by his friends and even trusted by his enemies. We have integrity when our word is our bond and we would rather die than break our commitments.

Perseverance:

• Tenacious, diligent and calm in attitude and action
• Patient and reliable with others

Perseverance is what makes people of lesser ability succeed where people that are more talented fail. The martial artist who develops the tenacity, diligence and patience will overcome.

Self-control:

• Self Control is what makes all the other tenets possible. We must first practice self-control on small, daily tasks until it is developed into a force that propels us through fear and all other distractions to our goal.
• Disciplined, concentrated and responsible in attitude and action
• Courteous and respectful with others

Indomitable spirit:

• An Indomitable Spirit sees the light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how dim or how far away. It makes everyday a new adventure. It lets us believe in ourselves and in our dreams or goals when others have abandoned both.
• Invincible in attitude and courageous in action
• Strong and confident with others

The tenets of Tae Kwon Do, when practiced diligently and continuously, can become an integral part of our character. Once they become second nature, they can protect us from conflicts. To the truly disciplined student, living the tenets of Tae Kwon Do can be the ultimate self-defense.

Meaning of the Jae Ho Sim’s Martial Arts Logo

• Red – Heaven
• Yellow – Human (man/woman)
• Blue – Earth

Meaning of the Korean Flag

The blue and red circle in the center of the flag represents the balance of harmony and conflict in the universe. The blue represents goodness and peace, while the red represents evil and conflict. Their arrangement represents the balance that must exist between the two.

The four trigrams surrounding the circle represent heaven, fire, earth, and water, the four philosophical elements of the universe. The four trigrams at the corners also represent the concept of opposites and balance. The trigrams are heaven (upper-left) and at the other corner earth, water (upper-right) and at the other corner fire. Looking at symbols of the trigrams, you can see that they are opposites as well. Three unbroken bars (heaven) vs. three broken bars (earth), etc.

My Pledge

• I shall respect the instructor and all senior ranks.
• I shall conduct myself in a respectful manner.
• I shall respect the teachings of Tae Kwon Do and never misuse them.
• I shall always respect the rights of others.
• I shall strive for brotherhood and peace in the world.

The Purpose of Discipline is to learn Respect, Humility and Patience.

Student Creed

• I intend to develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything that would reduce my mental growth or my physical health.
• I intend to develop self-discipline in order to bring out the best in myself and others.
• I intend to use what I learn in class constructively and defensively; to help myself and others and never to be abusive or offensive.