Why these matter

In ITF Taekwon-Do, technical skill and moral responsibility grow together. The Tenets and Oath exist to make expectations clear: power must be controlled, knowledge must be used responsibly, and progress must include character.

• They guide behavior when pressure is high.
• They protect training partners through self-control.
• They give instructors a shared language for correction.

The Tenets of Taekwon-Do

Each tenet is a practical training goal. Instructors should be able to point to visible behaviors that demonstrate them.

Courtesy (Ye Ui)

• What it means: respect for others, the dojang, and the learning process.
• In training: bowing properly, listening, helping partners.
• Teaching cue: correct disrespect immediately and calmly.

Integrity (Yom Chi)

• What it means: honesty with yourself and others.
• In training: admitting mistakes, counting reps honestly, accepting correction.
• Teaching cue: praise honesty more than performance.

Perseverance (In Nae)

• What it means: steady effort through difficulty.
• In training: continuing practice despite frustration or slow progress.
• Teaching cue: break goals into achievable steps to build momentum.

Self-Control (Guk Gi)

• What it means: restraint over physical power and emotion.
• In training: controlled contact, emotional regulation, discipline under pressure.
• Teaching cue: make control a requirement before intensity.

Indomitable Spirit (Baekjul Boolgool)

• What it means: calm courage and refusal to quit.
• In training: staying composed when challenged or fatigued.
• Teaching cue: reward composure and effort, not aggression.

The Student Oath

The Student Oath reinforces responsibility. If recited, it should be explained — not memorized without meaning.

Observe the Tenets of Taekwon-Do

• Meaning: values guide every action.
• In practice: behavior matters as much as technique quality.

Respect instructors and seniors

• Meaning: learning requires humility and trust.
• In practice: listen, respond, and apply corrections immediately.

Never misuse Taekwon-Do

• Meaning: skills exist for protection, not ego.
• In practice: control is mandatory in drills and sparring.

Be a champion of freedom and justice

• Meaning: use strength to protect, not dominate.
• In practice: stand against bullying and misuse of power.

Build a more peaceful world

• Meaning: conflict should decrease because of your training.
• In practice: better judgment, restraint, and leadership.

Teaching the Tenets & Oath effectively

The Tenets and Oath should be taught through action, not lectures.

• Correct behavior first, then reference the tenet behind it.
• Use real examples from class to explain meaning.
• Reinforce consistently — values fade if ignored.

Example: “That was good self-control” is more effective than repeating the word alone.

Common teaching mistakes

Mistake: Treating tenets as decoration

• Result: students recite but don’t apply.
• Fix: connect every tenet to visible behavior.

Mistake: Using tenets only for discipline

• Result: values feel like punishment tools.
• Fix: praise positive examples as often as correcting negative ones.

Mistake: Confusing respect with fear

• Result: quiet students who don’t ask questions.
• Fix: maintain structure while encouraging honest effort and inquiry.

Instructor drills for reinforcement

1) Control-first sparring rule

• Increase intensity only when students demonstrate control.
• Goal: self-control becomes the standard for advancement.

2) Immediate correction loop

• Correct once → student repeats → confirm improvement.
• Goal: integrity and perseverance through action.

3) Leadership rotation

• Have seniors assist juniors under supervision.
• Goal: courtesy and responsibility in action.

Next

Values guide structure and progression. Continue to Curriculum & Progression.