by ·Comments Off on Importance of Perseverance
perseverance

Running uphill is a good analogy to perseverance– keep moving even when you feel like giving up

Perseverance is the third tenet of Taekwondo.  Aside from being respectful or nice to others (courtesy), or being responsible or doing what is right (integrity), applying perseverance can help you succeed in life.

The dictionary defines perseverance as:

“steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement”

The one thing this makes clear is that perseverance is the act of being persistent at some purpose or action despite hurdles, obstacles, or discouragement.

At Koryo Family Taekwondo Center, we regularly review the meaning of perseverance, what it means, how it applies to life, and share examples of it.

Our curriculum is extensive.  This means that some students may not pick them up right away.  It is through this learning moment where we teach them perseverance.  We help them understand that the only way they will fail  at something is if they give up.  As long as they continue to try their best, they will eventually succeed.

We also remind our students that persistence isn’t enough.  If at first they don’t succeed, they will need to look at what went wrong or what they did wrong.  Once they understand this and learn from it, then and only then should they try again–only this time, they correct the mistakes of the original action.

Through perseverance, we remind our students that the only limitation they have are the ones they put on themselves.  If they put their mind to it, be persistent, and learn from mistakes, there are no limits to what they can achieve.

This is why perseverance is such an important tenet of Taekwondo.

by ·Comments Off on Integrity: The Second Tenet of Taekwondo

Integrity

At every class we mention “integrity” in the process of reciting the 6 tenets of Taekwondo.  What is this thing called “integrity”?

For kids, this is such a big word and seems like an abstract concept.  However, it doesn’t have to be abstract.

Integrity, in simple terms is all about staying true to yourself and others.  Here are a few more things about what integrity is.

Integrity is…

  • Promising your mom that you’ll clean your room, and you did!
  • Picking up and giving back money that someone else dropped, and nobody around noticed.
  • Playing dodge ball, getting hit, and admitting you did even when no one else noticed.
  • Admitting you did something wrong even when the consequences might hurt.
  • Owning up to your responsibilities.
  • Giving credit where credit is due, especially when credit is due elsewhere.
  • Paying the $10 you owe someone on or before the due date.

Can you think of other good examples of integrity?  If so, just comment below.

by ·Comments Off on Code to Live By

We always recite the tenets of Taekwondo at the start of every class to help instill them into our students.  They are:

  1. Courtesy
  2. Integrity
  3. Perseverance
  4. Self-control
  5. Indomitable Spirit
  6. Victory

This is basically a list of traits or characteristics we as martial artists live by.  Courtesy is treating others with respect; just be nice to others.  When you do what is right and your word is your bond, you have integrity.  Life is full of challenges; perseverance can help you get over them; you only fail when you quit.  If you don’t let anger or other temptations get to you, you have self-control.  Indomitable spirit is setting high goals and going for them; people need a purpose in life.  With victory, one can radiate positive energy through their winning attitude; there is a silver lining to every dark cloud.

Why is this code important?

When you learn attack and defensive techniques that can potentially hurt people, that is “power”.  With “power” comes responsibility; you as a martial artist have the responsibility of using this power for good.

The original movie “Karate Kid”, clearly illustrates what would happen when this power isn’t guided or tempered with a martial arts code like our tenets of Taekwondo; people who simply learn martial arts techniques become bullies.

Do not take the tenets of Taekwondo lightly; we recite it for a reason.  We want to instill them in all our students.  The next time you recite the tenets of Taekwondo, think about what they represent.