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Tenets of Taekwon-Do

The 6 Taekwon-Do Tenets that the BUTF abide by:
Courtesy (Ye Ui)
Integrity (Yom Chi)
Perseverance (In Nae)
Self-Control (Guk Gi)
Indomitable Spirit (Baekjul Boolgul)
Humility (Kyom Son)

Courtesy - Treat others with the respect that you expect to receive yourself.  If you do treat other people with respect and courtesy, you will receive it in return.  

Integrity - Integrity is honestly.  Not just with other people, but more importantly it is about being honest with yourself.  Integrity is the ability to be truly honest, truthful and trustworthy without compromise.

Perseverance - This is one of the hardest of all tenets.  It requires effort.  Perseverance is about not giving up.  When asked to do a task, do not fall at the first hurdle or put false impediments in the way.  Perseverance is about doing everything within your power to achieve the desired result, be it learning a new kick or breaking an old habit.  Keep practicing until you get it right!

Self-Control - Where would we be without self-control?  Self-Control affects many things that we do.  In the martial arts world it is vital.  Self control is about making sure you stay within the rules that life lays down to ensure that you remain healthy, happy and safe.

Indomitable Spirit - How can one person overcome many others?  Because they have the will to win.  It is not about accepting failure.  You can win and will win.  That is indomitable spirit.

Humility - The word ‘humble’ in the Collins New English Dictionary is interpreted as exhibiting a ‘modest and unpretentious demeanour’ and to be conscious of ones failings.  As such, the true martial artist should allow the physical acts of their achievements to be the broadcaster and not the sound of their own pontificating voices, as appears to be in so many cases.

As a reminder of the frailty of human character, the word ‘Humility’ is added on to the existing five Tenets thereby making them ‘ Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, Indomitable Spirit and Humility’.  C.I.P.S.I.H.

Note:  This sixth tenet was introduced by Grand Master Raymond M. K. Choy IX (BUTF) and is the culmination of his personal observations of the demeanour of the many ‘so called exponents’ of the martial arts that he has come across over the past 40 years that he has been involved in Taekwon-Do.

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