Taekwondo is more than an art of physical action. Taekwondo is a physical
expression of the human will for survival and an activity to fulfil the
spiritual desires of the individual.
Taekwondo is an activity for the whole physical system, generating energy
in every part of the body, developing muscles and stimulating the mind.
The human body is not free of physical rules and it is, in a way, a machine
that grows, develops and moves. Spiritually an individual thinks, is enlightened
and imagines the process of mental training.
Taekwondo transforms one’s character into a strong, resilient spirit
so that one can develop leadership and direction in every walk of life.
Leadership and a strong fighting spirit provide confidence in everything,
so that one can maintain composure and security, which in turn creates
patience and modesty.
Taekwondo teaches respect through responsibility: Responsibility to yourself,
responsibility of the student to the instructor and responsibility of
the instructor to the student.
From responsibility we can acquire discipline and determination, respect
and loyalty.
The student who does not respond to the gift of instruction with a conscientious
effort is irresponsible. The instructor who is not properly qualified
or who teaches without integrity or conscientious effort is even more
irresponsible. Yet, the instructor who teaches technical excellence without
developing the moral character of the student is the most reprehensible
of all.
It is because of this responsibility that the instructor system is so
strongly entrenched in Taekwondo, and it is only through this, that traditional
values can be preserved.
