Shirakawa's Tae Kwon Do Philosophy
Shirakawa's Tae Kwon Do offers what I call “Traditional” Tae Kwon Do. Modern Tae Kwon Do stresses the sport aspect, where as, traditional Tae Kwon Do stresses equal development of mind, body, spirit, character and competition. In traditional Tae Kwon Do, the sport aspect exists only to support the other components of the art and is not considered a separate entity. Without the inclusion of a philosophy, intended on the development of character, Tae Kwon Do is merely a sport.
Tae Kwon Do, as an art of self-development, is only truly understood by its dedicated practitioners. Those who live it understand the philosophy of Tae Kwon Do. Masters of the art have written that the essence of Tae Kwon Do cannot be captured by words on paper. One must become a student of the art to gain such understanding. The idea behind Tae Kwon Do training is that people learn by doing. What the students are taught and expected to practice inside the training hall (Dojang) is meant to be applied in all of life. Nonetheless, there are tenets, commandments and a student oath that provide a frame work for understanding the character a Tae Kwon Do student develops through training in this art.
THE TAE KWON DO STUDENT OATH
1. I will observe the tenets of Tae Kwon Do.
2. I will respect all instructors and seniors.
3. I will never misuse Tae Kwon Do.
4. I will be a champion of freedom and justice.
5. I will build a more peaceful world.
THE TENETS of TAE KWON DO
1. Courtesy
2. Integrity
3. Perseverance
4. Self-control
5. Indomitable Spirit
The Tenets of Tae Kwon Do are general concepts that are used in guiding the moral development of Tae Kwon Do students, whereas, the Commandments of Tae Kwon Do describe more specific behaviors expected of Tae Kwon Do students.
10 COMMANDMENTS of TAE KWON DO
1. Be loyal to your country.
2. Respect your parents.
3. Be faithful to your spouse.
4. Respect your brothers and sisters.
5. Be loyal to your friends.
6. Respect your elders.
7. Respect your teachers.
8. Never take life unjustly.
9. Be loyal to your school.
10. Finish what you begin.
The student Oath, Tenets, and Commandments are meant to inspire one essential idea: harmony. That is, harmony with oneself and with nature. The Tae Kwon Do Philosophy is based on the idea that strong moral character leads to social responsibility. Tae Kwon Do, therefore, is about the development of socially responsible individuals so that social harmony may exist.
