Courtesy -Integrity -Perseverance -Self Control- Indomitable Spirit
1. Courtesy (politeness, civility, gentility, manners, kindness)
An excellent definition of courtesy is the golden rule. Simply "do unto others as you would have others do unto you". This seems like a simple concept, but in our everyday lives, we often forget it. In the dojang, courtesy is developed in several ways. One way is by having students and instructors show their mutual respect by bowing to each other. Another way is by having students address the instructors and senior students as ma'am or sir. Students are also required to not 'talk back' to a senior or instructor, even if the student thinks his superior is wrong. By practicing courtesy in the dojang, students learn to be polite and respectful of others regardless of their station in life.
2. Integrity (honesty, character, decency, honor, principle)
To have integrity one must be able to know the difference between right and wrong. One must also feel shame and guilt when consciously doing something wrong, and be able to learn from his or her mistakes. The instructor and student should also be proud of their accomplishments and of treating others honestly and fairly; however, they should never behave in a boastful manner.
3. Perseverance (endurance, persistence, steadfastness, tenacity)
Perseverance is the ability to pursue a goal and never give up until it is achieved. It is necessary that each individual develop perseverance in order to achieve difficult, long-term objectives. Happiness and prosperity are most likely to be brought to the individual who will not quit until his goal is achieved.
Tae Kwon Do students learn perseverance through their slow progress and attainment of rank. When people first start class, their expectations are often very high. Some think a black belt can be easily obtained within a few months, and that they will be able to defend themselves against any assailant. These individuals are often disillusioned after a couple of classes when they realize that practicing Tae Kwon Do is much harder than it looks and takes years to develop good, strong techniques. This is one reason why Tae Kwon Do has such a high drop out rate, and why only dedicated and persistent people ever make it to the black belt level.
4. Self-Control (manage, regulate, command, govern, contain)
Self-control is as the name implies, control over aspects of oneself. The major areas over which control must be achieved are the mind or thoughts, the body or physical, and the emotions or character. To say that self-control is very important both in and out of the dojang would be a gross understatement. A loss of control during free sparring could prove disastrous by causing permanent injury or even death.
Tae Kwon Do teaches self-control in three major ways. First, the student must be acutely aware of himself and his actions when attempting dangerous or difficult techniques. Second, the honor system under which free sparring is conducted requires the student to control his temper and emotions. Lastly, the student must have good focus and concentration thus demonstrating mental control.
5. Indomitable Spirit (invincible, unconquerable, unyielding)
An individual with an indomitable spirit will, without fear, stand up for what he believes in regardless of consequences or number of opponents. An example of this outside Tae Kwon Do is in the defense of the weak in the face of superior odds.
A student can be shown to develop an indomitable spirit through board breaking. For example, the student knows that there is a possibility of a painful broken hand or foot if the boards are not hit with the proper speed, technique, and power, yet the student overcomes this fear and hits the boards. Also, a novice regularly competes and succumbs to more advanced students. With this, the inexperienced student learns not to fear loss, and to realize that diligent practice is needed to prevail.
