Taekwon-Do Theory and Culture

The five tenets of Taekwon-Do

The tenets of Taekwon-Do serve as the grounding principles that all students and instructors should strive to follow. These are Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit.

Courtesy

여의

(Ye Ui)

Show courtesy to all others in the dojang (training hall), as well as people you meet outside of formal Taekwon-Do training. Maintain proper etiquette and manners at all times.

Tenets

The Taekwon-Do oath

The oath of Taekwon-Do is said at the start of every class:

"I shall observe the tenets of Taekwon-Do,

I shall respect my instructor and seniors,

I shall never misuse Taekwon-Do,

I shall be a champion of freedom and justice,

I shall build a more peaceful world."

This oath represents the goals students of Taekwon-Do should strive for, and helps guide us towards a better world.

Conduct in the dojang

Bow upon entering and leaving the Dojang at all times.
Bow to the Instructor at a proper distance.
Exchange greetings between students.
Bow to the instructor upon forming a line.
Recite the Taekwon-Do Oath prior to training.
Bow to the Instructor prior to dismissal.
Always address Instructors and black belts as "Sir" or "Ma'am".
Always hand objects to the Instructor with both hands.

Taekwon-Do Etiquette

Colour belt theory

Gradings

Taekwon-Do has a grading system with ten colour belts (10th to 1st Kup), and nine black belts (I to IX Dan). To progress you will need to show both physical improvement and a good understanding of the theory behind the offensive and defensive techniques you have to display.

Click on one of the belts below to view the requirements needed at each level (you should also know all previous theory for each grade).

Encyclopaedia of Taekwon-Do

Taekwon-Do has been carefully documented into a series of books known as the Encyclopaedia of Taekwon-Do. These are available to view here:

VOLUME I

Origin and development of martial arts
History of Taekwon-Do
Moral Culture
Philosophy
Training schedule
Cycle and composition of Taekwon-Do
Demonstration
- Model sparring
- Pre-arranged and free sparring
- Sample of self-defence techniques
About the author
Group photos

VOLUME II

Theory of power
Attacking and blocking tools
Vital spots
Training
- Training hall
- Conduct in the dojang
- Training equipment
- Practice suits
Stances
Training aids

VOLUME III

Hand techniques

VOLUME IV

Foot techniques

VOLUME V

Sparring

VOLUME VI

Fundamental exercises pt. 1

VOLUME VII

Fundamental exercises pt. 2

VOLUME VIII

Four directional punch
Four directional block
Pattern Chon-Ji
Pattern Dan-Gun
Pattern Do-San

VOLUME IX

Pattern Won-Hyo
Pattern Yul-Gok
Pattern Joong-Gun

VOLUME X

Pattern Toi-Gye
Four directional thrust
Pattern Hwa-Rang
Pattern Choong-Moo

VOLUME XI

Pattern Gwang-Gae
Pattern Po-Eun
Pattern Ge-Baek

VOLUME XII

Pattern Eui-Am
Pattern Choong-Jang
Pattern Juche

VOLUME XIII

Pattern Sam-Il
Pattern Yoo-Sin
Pattern Choi-Yong

VOLUME XIV

Pattern Yon-Gae
Pattern Ul-Ji
Pattern Moon-Moo

VOLUME XV

Pattern So-San
Pattern Se-Jong
Pattern Tong-Il

Encylopedia of Taekwon-Do