[ English Summary ]
Definizione e principi dell’arte
Dare una definizione di questa arte marziale, non è facile, poiché non è soltanto un metodo di autodifesa basato sull’uso di pugni e calci, ma implica uno stile di vita volto alla conoscenza del proprio io. Letteralmente la parola coreana Taekwon-Do divisa in tre ideogrammi, significa: arte di calciare in volo e colpire di pugno.
Tae = calciare in volo.
Kwon = pugno.
Do = arte.
Dal punto di vista pratico la conoscenza approfondita di sé, si realizza attraverso un severo allenamento, dove ogni praticante deve sviluppare e accrescere in sé forza e progresso fisico, mentale e spirituale.
L’approccio al Taekwon-Do è diretto e semplice, la sua vera forza deriva dalla sua relativa semplicità. I suoi movimenti riflettono il moto dell’onda del mare, le tecniche sono fluide, senza scatti, capaci di coniugarsi in un’armonia di tecniche contigue.
Le tecniche del Taekwon-Do si basano sui principi della scienza moderna che correttamente applicate consentono all’atleta di sviluppare immancabilmente il massimo della potenza. Il Generale Choe creò un’ampia varietà di tecniche che possono essere utilizzate in qualsiasi situazione e che si basano su alcuni principi che fanno del Taekwon-Do un’arte marziale, una disciplina esteticamente bella, una scienza e uno sport:
• Ogni movimento ha come obiettivo lo sviluppo della massima potenza in accordo con le formule scientifiche e i principi dell’energia cinetica.
• I principi che sottostanno alle tecniche devono essere talmente chiari che anche chi non conosce il Taekwon-Do è in grado di distinguere un movimento corretto da uno sbagliato.
• La distanza e l’angolo di ogni movimento devono essere definiti esattamente in modo da realizzare un attacco o una difesa della massima efficacia.
• Il proposito e il metodo di ogni movimento devono essere semplici e chiari, cosí da facilitarne l’insegnamento e il processo di apprendimento.
• I metodi d’insegnamento devono essere sviluppati razionalmente in modo tale che tutti, giovani e anziani, uomini e donne, possano godere dei benefici del Taekwon-Do.
• I metodi di respirazione devono essere insegnati correttamente, ossia in modo tale da aumentare la velocità di ogni movimento riducendo la fatica.
• Deve essere possibile attaccare qualsiasi punto vitale del corpo e deve essere possibile difendersi contro tutte le varietà di attacco.
• Si deve definire chiaramente ogni tecnica di attacco in funzione del corpo umano.
• Ogni movimento deve essere facile da eseguire permettendo cosí agli allievi di sfruttare il Taekwon-Do anche come sport e ricreazione.
• Bisogna considerare in modo particolare la promozione della salute e la prevenzione delle lesioni.
• Ogni movimento deve essere armonioso e ritmico in modo che il Taekwon-Do sia esteticamente bello.
Il Generale Choe sottolineò chiaramente i segreti dell’allenamento che ogni allievo deve custodire e seguire con attenzione:
• Studiare a fondo la teoria della potenza.
• Comprendere l’obiettivo e il metodo di ogni allenamento con la maggiore chiarezza possibile.
• Realizzare il movimento degli occhi, delle mani, dei piedi e il processo della respirazione, in un’azione unica e coordinata.
• Scegliere gli strumenti di attacco in modo appropriato per ogni punto vitale.
• Familiarizzarsi con l’angolo e la distanza corretta di ogni tecnica di attacco e di difesa.
• Mantenere le braccia e le gambe leggermente flesse durante l’esecuzione del movimento.
• Ogni movimento deve iniziare con un’azione all’indietro, con poche eccezioni. Tuttavia una volta che il movimento è iniziato non bisogna fermarsi prima di aver raggiunto l’obiettivo.
• Creare un movimento ondulante utilizzando correttamente le ginocchia.
• Attuare un’espirazione corta all’atto di colpire eccetto in caso di movimenti contigui.
La filosofia di base del Taekwon-Do
La filosofia del Taekwon-Do ha come fondamento la morale, l’etica e tutte le norme spirituali attraverso le quali gli uomini possano convivere armoniosamente insieme. Sono significative al riguardo le parole del Generale Choe:
«Spero sinceramente che attraverso il Taekwon-Do ogni uomo possa acquisire la forza sufficiente per arrivare ad essere il guardiano della giustizia, opponendosi ai conflitti sociali e coltivando lo spirito umano al livello piú alto possibile. È con questo spirito che mi sono dedicato all’arte del Taekwon-Do per tutti i popoli del mondo».
Choe stabilí alcuni principi basilari per lo sviluppo del Taekwon-Do, validi tanto nell’arte marziale quanto nella vita:
• Avere la volontà di progredire nonostante qualunque difficoltà.
• Essere gentili con i piú deboli e severi con i piú forti.
• Accontentarsi della propria posizione economica, ma non accontentarsi mai del livello raggiunto nella pratica dell’arte marziale.
• Portare sempre a termine ciò che si è iniziato, per grande o piccolo che sia.
• Essere maestri, a disposizione di tutti, senza tenere conto della religione, della razza o delle ideologie seguite dagli allievi.
• Non cedere mai all’oppressione o alle minacce quando si persegue una nobile causa.
• Educare all’abnegazione e alla destrezza con i fatti concreti e non solo a parole.
• Essere sempre se stessi in qualunque circostanza.
• Essere sempre il maestro che insegna con il corpo quando è giovane, con le parole quando è vecchio e con i principi morali quando è morto.
I principi del Taekwon-Do (Taekwon-Do Jungshin)
I principi del Taekwon-Do in dettaglio (Taekwon-Do Jungshin)
Cortesia (Ye Uil)
L’allievo deve impegnarsi a mettere in pratica i diversi aspetti della cortesia al fine di edificare un carattere nobile:
• Promuovere uno spirito di reciproca arrendevolezza e benevolenza.
• Vergognarsi dei propri vizi e aiutare gli altri ad emendarsi.
• Comportarsi educatamente.
• Incoraggiare il senso di giustizia e di umanità.
• Distinguere l’istruttore dall’allievo, l’anziano dal giovane (e stimarli di conseguenza).
• Rispettare i beni altrui.
• Agire con giustizia e con sincerità.
Integrità (Yom Chi)
Distinguere il giusto dall’ingiusto, coltivare la retta coscienza e riconoscere le proprie colpe. Quelli indicati di seguito sono alcuni segni certi di mancanza di rettitudine:
• Quando il maestro insegna tecniche sbagliate ai suoi allievi, per ignoranza o per cattiva volontà. Colui che fa questo in realtà disprezza se stesso e l’arte.
• Quando l’istruttore occulta le sue tecniche sbagliate dietro il lusso della palestra e gli apprezzamenti falsi elargiti ai suoi allievi.
• Quando l’allievo ottiene un grado solo a scopo egocentrico, per sentirsi piú forte degli altri.
• Quando l’istruttore insegna e promuove l’arte solo per fini materiali.
• Quando l’istruttore o l’allievo agiscono con doppiezza.
• Quando l’allievo si vergogna nel chiedere aiuto ai suoi minori in grado.
Perseveranza (In Nae)
Un antico detto dice: “la pazienza porta alla virtú e al merito”. Per raggiungere un obiettivo come un alto grado nell’arte o la perfezione tecnica, bisogna essere perseveranti e costanti. Uno dei piú grandi segreti per diventare maestri nel Taekwon-Do è superare le difficoltà applicandosi con perseveranza. «Chi è fedele nel poco, è fedele anche nel molto; e chi è disonesto nel poco, è disonesto anche nel molto» (Lc 16,10) e anche la sapienza di Confucio afferma che chi è impaziente nelle piccole cose, non raggiungerà il suo scopo neppure in cose di grande importanza.
Autocontrollo (Guk Gi)
Questo principio è di grande importanza tanto dentro quanto fuori del Dojang (palestra - scuola o piú propriamente: il luogo dove si segue la Via). La perdita di autocontrollo durante un combattimento può portare ad una sconfitta grave e irreparabile. «Il paziente val piú di un eroe, chi domina se stesso val piú di chi conquista una città» (Pr 16,32) e anche la saggezza di Lao Tzu attesta che la persona piú forte è quella che vince su se stessa piú che sugli altri.
Spirito indomito (Baekjul Boolgool)
Si manifesta quando una persona affronta una grave difficoltà con tutto il suo coraggio e senza rinunciare ai propri principi. Un vero allievo di Taekwon-Do deve essere sempre modesto e onesto. Colui che persegue il fine, onestamente e vigorosamente, con spirito indomito, non fallirà nel raggiungere i suoi obiettivi.
I frutti del Taekwon-Do
Il Taekwon-Do è un’arte marziale e uno stile di vita che si può praticare a tutte le età, in gruppo o individualmente, senza l’ausilio di particolari attrezzature. Ciò è vero poiché è il corpo stesso a fissare i limiti a cui si può giungere nelle varie tecniche, pertanto è molto difficile ferirsi o comunque farsi del male durante l’allenamento. La condizione fisica dell’allievo infatti determina necessariamente il ritmo, la velocità e la forza.
L’allenamento non serve tanto a sviluppare un apparato muscolare appariscente quanto ad aumentarne il tono, eliminando gradualmente la massa grassa. La frequenza, la ripetitività e la bassa resistenza dei movimenti sviluppa una muscolatura lunga elastica e molto flessibile. Nel tempo ne beneficiano anche l’apparato cardio-circolatorio e l’attività intellettuale a tutto vantaggio della persona nella sua interezza.
Le torsioni del busto nell’esecuzione delle tecniche di calcio ed il bilanciamento curato grazie al movimento delle braccia contribuiscono a formare un’ottima muscolatura addominale. Le tecniche del Taekwon-Do sono state studiate per raggiungere la massima energia e un istruttore esperto è in grado di aiutare qualunque allievo a raggiungere un buon risultato. La pratica del Taekwon-Do sviluppa armoniosamente il fisico, impegnando tutte le parti del corpo in modo razionale. La disciplina sviluppa specificamente gli arti inferiori in modo tale da conseguire particolare forza, agilità, scioltezza, ed elasticità insieme ad un’ampia escursione articolare. L’allenamento consente di mantenere un peso corporeo ottimale, aumentando la massa muscolare e riducendo i tessuti adiposi. Un’ora di allenamento intensivo comporta un consumo di circa 600 calorie, fra i piú alti nelle discipline sportive. Un consumo di 3.500 calorie produce una diminuzione di peso di circa 3,5 Kg, perciò si può prevedere una perdita di circa 0,5 Kg in una settimana.
Lo scopo che il Taekwon-Do si prefigge è anzitutto quello di aiutare l’individuo a migliorare: l’allievo acquisisce sicurezza, benessere fisico e psichico, capacità di concentrazione e serenità interiore, a vantaggio dei rapporti interpersonali. La pratica di una disciplina cosí è di grande utilità sia per chi svolge attività lavorative intense, sia per chi svolge attività intellettuali particolarmente impegnative.
Il Taekwon-Do infatti oltre a compensare gli effetti dell’inazione può alleviare il fisico dopo un’attività estenuante, favorendo il rilassamento psicologico, annullando cosí l’effettivo negativo delle tensioni accumulate nel corso della giornata. È un’arte che favorisce quindi anche il benessere spirituale della persona che accresce gradualmente il dominio su di sé e impara ad integrare piú facilmente le sue energie finalizzandole cosí al raggiungimento dei suoi obiettivi.
English Summary
[ Italian Text ]
CHARTER OF TAEKWON-DO
(Taekwon-Do Hun Jang)
Preamble
Since Taekwon-Do is an art of self defense which aims at a noble moral rearmament, high degree of intellectual achievement, graceful techniques, formidable power and beauty of physical form, it can be considered as a part of one’s daily life, just as are breathing and thinking.
As the founder of Taekwon-Do, I would like to define its philosophy, principles, and purposes so that these might be applied to bring about the flowering of morality, beauty, and power in harmony with the immortal spirit.
Part 1.
Through scientific practice of Taekwon-Do one can significantly improve his health and nourish his intellect. One can be in a position to aid others in the cause of justice, thereby promoting social ethics and morals, thus helping to bring about a happier and more peaceful society.
Part 2.
In order to come to terms with life, in spite of its detestable aspects, and with the idea of death, one ought to continue studying the art of Taekwon-Do to learn techniques of power and grace, and to enlarge his spiritual realm. This the motivations to study shall be an inheritance to limitless value succeeding generations.
Part 3.
Human beings come into the world with simple needs and desires. They need not become avaricious but ought to remain always humble and merciful, never compromise their principles, nor be swayed by selfish motives, to insure freedom and independence of Taekwon-Do so that it will be passed on in its pure form.
Part 4.
Since all students of the art are subject to the same rules of conduct and judged according to the same criteria regardless of their stations in life, their origins, and their religious convictions, they demonstrate to the world the essential equality and brotherhood of man.
Part 5.
Modern society is characterized by selfish preoccupation with material excess and unnecessary dependence on machines. Moral society is characterized by self discipline, sacrifice, and devotion. Dedication to the art can promote change toward a moral society.
Part 6.
Those who devote themselves to their fellows and live accordingly to the dictates of their consciences are always helpful toward their juniors and show respect toward their instructors and their seniors.
Conclusion
A beginning constitutes a significant part of the whole endeavor. Therefore, students of Taekwon-Do should not fail to take action whenever to do so might benefit the society. If he behaves thus, he himself will benefit most.
Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do
TENETS OF TAEKWON-DO
(Taekwon-Do Jungshin)
Courtesy (Ye Ui)
Integrity (Yom Chi)
Perseverance (In Nae)
Self-control (Guk Gi)
Indomitable spirit (Baekjul Boolgool)
Needless to say, the success or failure of Taekwon-Do training depends largely on how one observes and implements the Tenets of Taekwon-Do which should serve as a guide for all serious students of the art.
Courtesy (Ye Ui)
Taekwon-Do students should attempt to practice the following elements of courtesy to build up their noble character and to conduct the training in an orderly manner as well.
1) To promote the spirit of mutual concessions.
2) To be ashamed of one’s vices, contempting those of others.
3) To be polite to one another.
4) To encourage the sense of justice and humanity.
5) To distinguish instructor from student, senior from junior, and elder from younger.
6) To behave oneself according to the etiquette.
7) To respect others’ possessions.
8) To handle matters with fairness and sincerity.
9) To refrain from giving or accepting any gift when in doubt.
Integrity (Yom Chi)
In Taekwon-Do, the word integrity assumes a looser definition than the one usually presented in Webster’s Dictionary. One must be able to define right and wrong and have the conscience, if wrong, to feel guilt.
Listed are some examples, where integrity is lacking:
1) The instructor who misrepresents himself and his art by presenting improper techniques to his students because of a lack of knowledge or apathy.
2) The student who misrepresents himself by “fixing” breaking materials before demonstrations.
3) The instructor who camouflages bad techniques with luxurious training halls and false flattery to his students.
4) The student who requests rank from an instructor, or attempts to purchase it.
5) The student who gains rank for ego purposes or the feeling of power.
6) The instructor who teaches and promotes his art for materialistic gains.
7) The student whose actions do not live up to his words.
8) The student who feels ashamed to seek opinions from his juniors.
Perseverance (In Nae)
There is an old Oriental saying, “Patience leads to virtue or merit”. “One can make a peaceful home by being patient for 100 times”. Certainly, happiness and prosperity are most likely brought to the patient person to achieve something, whether it is a higher degree or the perfection of a technique, one must set his goal, then constantly persevere. Robert Bruce learned his lesson of perseverance from the persistent efforts of a lowly spider. It was this perseverance of tenacity that finally enabled him to free Scotland in the fourteenth century. One of the most important secrets in becoming a leader of Taekwon-Do is to overcome every difficulty by perseverance.
Confucius said; “One who is impatient in trivial matters can seldom achieve success in matters of great importance”.
Self-control (Guk Gi)
This tenet is extremely important inside and outside the do-jang, whether conducting oneself in free sparring or in one’s personal affairs. A loss of self control in free sparring can prove disastrous to both student and opponent. An inability to live and work within one’s capability or sphere is also a lack of self-control.
According to Lao-Tzu “The term of stronger is the person who wins over oneself rather than someone else”.
Indomitable spirit (Baekjul Boolgool)
“Here lie 300, who did their duty”. A simple epitaph for one of the greatest acts of courage known to mankind.
Although facing the superior forces of Xerxes, Leonidas and his 300 Spartans at Thermopylae showed the world the meaning of indomitable spirit. It is shown when a courageous person and his principles are pitted against overwhelming odds.
A serious student of Taekwon-Do will at all times be modest and honest. If confronted with injustice he will deal with the belligerent without any fear or hesitation at all, with indomitable spirit, regardless of whosoever and however many the number may be.
Confucius declared: “It is an act of cowardice to fail to speak out against injustice”. As history has proven, those who have pursued their dreams earnestly and strenuously with indomitable spirit have never failed to achieve their goals.
MORAL CULTURE
(Jungshin Sooyang)
The broad connotations and various possible interpretations of the moral culture are often very difficult for the western mind to grasp because this is an aspect of Oriental Philosophy which pervades the lives of Oriental people. In a word, it is the endeavor and process of becoming an exemplary person such as Confucius (552-479 AD).
To become such a person, one has to first find himself and acquire a moral character which is respected by all. This can only be achieved through constant practice of mental discipline. Thus, if the times call for it, the mentally disciplined man can contribute to the building of an ideal society through wise counsel to the government and, even after death, through his everlasting examples.
Confucius said, “to promote the sense of morality one must treat others with faithfulness and sincerity based on righteousness, and to eliminate completely vicious thinking”.
Part I
Everyone of us, as a social being, desires to live in a free and peaceful society. At the same time, it is our obligation to build such a society for the people.
I have quoted various words of wisdom of ancient saints and philosophers for creating an ideal society in the hope that students of Taekwon-Do use them as a guide to cultivating their moral culture.
An ideal society, according to Lao-Tzu, is one in which the ruler is of such high moral character that he can rule naturally, not by interference or fear but by appealing to the good nature of his people, who by merely doing their duty can live freely in peace without fear and anxiety.
Next, a moral society is one in which the people admire and praise their ruler in gratitude for his love and the benign disposition he bears toward his people. Thirdly there is a “legalistic society in which the ruler because he lacks the moral authority resorts to various laws to govern his people, who in turn obey because they fear the retribution that the violation of these laws will bring. Under these circumstances, the ruler loses touch with his people.
Finally the worst kind of society is that in which the ruler, through deception and trickery, misuses his legal authority to further his personal ambitions and imposes his rule upon his people by force as he deems necessary. In such a society, the ruler is despised and hated by his people and eventually invites not only his own downfall but with him the downfall of the people and the country.
In Taekwon-Do a heavy emphasis is placed on moral culture, for it not only promotes a healthy body and keen mind but good sportsmanship and the perfection of moral behavior. As ancient Greeks first espoused in their sound mind, sound body, creative spirit concept, the more disciplined and cultivated the mind is, the more disciplined and cultivated will be the student’s use of Taekwon-Do.
No doubt the following lessons may be somewhat hard to fully understand; however, it would behoove the serious student of Taekwon-Do to read, digest, and attempt to grasp these very fundamental essences of moral culture.
A. Return to the basic nature - Mencius gave the following analogy when he reasoned that a man is basically good. Even a ruthless robber, coming upon an innocent child about to fall into a well, will try to save the child, forgetting for moment, his intention to rob the house. This good nature becomes obscured or completely lost by greed for money and power.
B. Be virtuous - It is difficult to define what virtue is. However, these are five human qualities which have been recognized as virtues since ancient times; humanity, righteousness, courtesy, wisdom, and trust. To be virtuous one must constantly cultivate and practice these virtues.
Confucius said, “Virtue is like the North Star. All the stars revolve around it in an orderly fashion”.
Therefore, people who surround the virtuous person, naturally will act for the betterment of society.
1. Humanity (In)
The ability to feel sorrow for the misfortunes of fellow men and love them all equally as parents love their children equally.
Confucius defined humanity in the following ways:
A. To love people, especially one’s parents.
B. Not asking others to do what you would rather not do.
C. To behave with the nature of propriety by controlling on oneself.
D. To have unbending desire to accomplish what is right regardless of how insignificant, the result may initially seem when compared to the amount of effort put forth.
E. To value others’ honor before your own.
F. To put others’ freedom, before your own.
To implement humanity he said one should:
1) Practice utmost prudence, modesty and discretion in everyday life.
2) Devote oneself to assigned work be it large or small.
3) Demonstrate sincerity with whole heartedness to others at all times.
Tae Kong Mang (12th century B.C.) said “The heaven provides us four seasons while the earth has the power to produce all living things. This privilege is not reserved for any specific person but for all human beings... Therefore, humanity lies in the idea of sharing the fruits of nature with all people”.
2. Righteousness (Ui)
The ability to feel ashamed of unjust acts and to do one’s duty to others. Mencius said; “for the ordinary person life and death are the most important in the life. However, for virtuous person to and live and die for righteousness is far more important than life and death themselves”.
Righteousness is well defined in the act of a certain army general depicted in the book of “War Manuel” written about 2,400 years ago.
A General was taking a break from the grueling war with his soldiers by a river bank when an aide brought him a small carafe of wine for his refreshment. He took the carafe and slowly emptied it into the flowing river in full view of the puzzled soldiers and invited them to share the wine with him by taking a sip of the water from the river.
3. Propriety (Ye)
Unlike animals fighting over food, a courteous man would offer another man a piece of bread even though both we re starving, out of respect and good manners.
Confucius said, “propriety must be practiced for the proper development of personality, and whoever lacks sincerity in his words, cannot be considered a gentleman”.
He also said:
“Frankness without courtesy can be rather ruthless”.
“Respectfulness without courtesy can make the recipient rather uncomfortable”.
“Courageousness without courtesy can be rather Violent”.
4. Wisdom (Ji)
The ability to judge right from wrong, not especially in matters concerning the right and wrong of others but in matters concerning oneself.
A wise man (Yu Bee) once said to his sons, “no matter how small it is you should not do what you realize is wrong. On the other hand you must do what is right no matter how small it may seem”.
5. Trust (Shin)
The ability to keep one’s words and promises, not only to one’s friends but to everyone in general. Without trust a person loses all principles and dignities and becomes a liar and a cheater.
Part II
How, then, can man discover his own human nature?
There are two ways by which a person can find himself; first, by preserving the goodness given to him by God or heaven at birth, and secondly by renouncing greed for material things.
A. Man may occupy two positions in a life time
Basically there are two kinds of position; one is the live virtues given by heaven, explained earlier, and the other given by man, such as a cabinet minister, bureau chief, and so on. Unfortunately man often relies too much on worldly position which is transient at best, for what man gives can also be taken away. On the other hand, what heaven endows us with is eternal. This is not to say that we reject all worldly things but rather that we keep both positions in proper balance so that the virtues of the former position provides guidance for the proper use of the latter.
In this manner a man will gain respect and set good examples for others to follow. Without proper guidance, a person can easily fall victim, to the temptations of personal power and wealth, employing unethical means to further his ambitions. Ultimately such a person will become a tyrant, or a dictator and an enemy of the people.
According to Confucius, a generous and loving man cannot have enemies. Therefore, humanity, the first virtue, is like a strong secure fortress.
B. Greed is insatiable
He who is content with what he has is the richest man in the world. On the other hand, if one has everything and still more, he may yet be poor. A man who is blinded by greed is not only given to corruption, intrigue and exploitation of others, but worst of all, he casts himself in the position of “friend fighting against friend, father fighting against son”, finally becoming no better than an animal.
There is certain truth in the old saying that a truly good person cannot be rich, and a rich person cannot be a truly good person.
According to an ancient adage, “constant material dissatisfaction is considered to be the root of all misfortunes”. There is no better way to self satisfaction and human growth than the constant development of a generous nature.
C. Be humble
A weed holds up its head in arrogance while a mature grain bows its head in humility. Lao-Tzu taught that lofty virtue is like a deep valley into which all streams of water flow. A virtuous man will draw the respect of others toward him in the same fashion while one who is selfish and egotistic will lose the respect of his fellow man and become despised and isolated. To be humble is not to engage in petty squabbles, but to be like the magnanimous river in the low valley which irrigates the farm fields around it.
D. Self-criticism
No one is wise from the moment of birth. As human beings we have many faults and are prone to make mistakes. However, once having acquired knowledge we learn to correct these shortcomings.
It would not be impossible to eventually become perfect human beings. For this purpose, it is essential not to be idyllic towards learning and continue to be willing to criticize oneself.
It is said that Confucius and his pupils practiced self-criticism by repeating the following three times daily:
1) Have I neglected others’ requests because of selfishness
2) Have I behaved with a sincere attitude towards friends
3) Have I inspired others with certainty, while being uncertain myself
4) Have I neglected to practice virtue
5) Have I erred in my studies
6) Have I avoided acting with righteousness
7) Have I corrected myself immediately upon realizing my fault
E. Be soft
Because light is formless and soft, it can illuminate and give warmth to even hidden corners. As water can assume any shape or form, it can better serve the living things that need to survive. Once water becomes a part of the ocean, even the largest ship is like a mere leaf, and its awesome fury when aroused can conquer the tallest mountain.
If one claims to be strong, he will soon meet someone who is stronger. A tree, such as a sapling, can withstand a strong wind when it is soft and flexible but may be toppled or broken after it becomes old and brittle. The same principle also applies to human beings.
F. Respect of elders
As son respects parents, younger brother respects older brother, man must always respect his elders or seniors. This is the beauty of mankind, and one of the distinctions between human and animal.
Mencius said there are three things of value in human society: position, honor and moral integrity. In government, position is considered important, in a community, honor, and for a leader or advisor, moral integrity. Indeed, there can be no children without parents, nor a young generation without the old generation. A society and a nation could not avoid chaos without its culture and social order being based on respect for the knowledge and wisdom of its elders.
G. Respect the rights of others
To criticize someone who is better, to covet other’s possessions and to steal the merits of others are the marks of an unscrupulous man. Mother Nature does make claims to her domain, yet all creatures within it acknowledge her eternal accomplishments. To help others develop and succeed in life is a reward in itself and has a true value only if nothing is expected in return.
Throughout human history, people who in jealousy have stolen the recognition due to others and have stolen their possessions out of avarice have always left dark imprints of shame and dishonor.
H. Be just
To be correct and forthright is to live one’s life correctly. Old sages used to say; “To common men, life is most valuable, and death, most fearful” However, a righteous man would value justice above life itself and would be willing to die rather than submit to injustice. Such notable figures as Baek-E- Sook-Je of China, Sung-Sam-Moon of Korea and Yoshida-Shoing of Japan all chose death in defiance of injustice leaving to their posterity lasting examples.
Baek-E-Sook-Je lived in Chou period about 2,000 BC. When King Moo toppled the twenty-seventh King, who was a very notorious tyrant, he refused to serve the new King, who usurped the throne by force and not by legitimate process; he eventually starved to death in a self -imposed exile in the Sooyang mountains.
Sung-Sam-Moon was an important minister of the King Se Jong, inventor of Han-Gul (Korean alphabet) in the 14th century. After the king died and the young Dan Jong became king his uncle Se-Jo conspired against the boy king and took over the throne.
Minister Sung was later executed because of his persistent protest over the unlawful act of King Se-Jo. Yoshida-Shoing, one of the loyalists was also executed in protest when the Doku-Kawa military government, at the time, tried to abolish the Mei-Ji monarchy.
I. Be frugal
Since ancient times, excessive luxury and pleasure caused the downfall of many kings and nations without exception and history is full of such examples. Persons in leadership in particular must learn to be frugal and live moderately. As the old adage goes “if the water is muddy upstream so it will be downstream”.
An extravagant leader will affect his subordinates in this same way and will bring more hardship to his subjects through increased taxation and bribery. During the Lee Dynasty of Korea, the king’s roving inspector, Lee-Mong-Yong, while traveling the countryside incognito, was invited to one of the lavish dinner parties of a notorious governor. In the middle of the feast he recited his famous poem:
The sweet wine you drink from the glittering cups
Flows from the tears of people who toil
The tender meat which fills the dishes of jades is torn from
their aching flesh
Merrier you laugh, sadder they will weep
Louder you sing, more plaintive their lament.
The governor and his cohorts recognizing the true identity of the poet, became frightened and fled from the scene. Remember that there are tears and heartaches of many behind one man’s pleasure.
J. Be discreet
In every thing he does, a person must not be impulsive or reckless but be patient and thoughtful. “He who acts without thinking at least three times, will later regret his action”, warns an old proverb.
Accordingly, on a matter of an important appointment or punishment, one must not decide hastily but must deliberate to reach a decision that is both fair and objective.
K. Know true happiness
Lao-Tzu pointed out that nature was based upon harmony contrasts. For example, the universe was made up of two forces, Yin (female) and Yang (male). Other contrasts were hard and soft, long and short, night and day, solid and empty, cold and warm, big small, beautiful and ugly.
All things in this world are relative to one another. Misery can only come from having been happy once and sorrow from joy. The wealthy and the powerful are not necessarily happy. For every rich person, there are countless poor and for each tyrant, a nation of oppressed.
Mencius defined life’s three happinesses as follows:
1. Healthy parents and harmony within the family.
2. To live with pride and honor through correct behavior.
3. To educate the young to become upright and useful members of society.
L. Let your actions speak for yourself
Even the ablest orator is apt to err if given to verbiage. A closed mouth can save fish from the hook as well as stay secrets from the enemy. To speak only what is meaningful is a sign of a cultivated person. People talk mostly to brag about themselves or to gain advantage over others.
A man of virtue expresses himself more through deeds than words. Thus, he influences others through living examples. In the old days, the truly effective way to teach was believed to be by the actions not by the words of the teacher.
M. Develop peace of mind
A clear pond becomes muddy if agitated and then returns to its original state when allowed to settle undisturbed.
It is said that calm will be able to conquer the heat. Undoubtedly you can endure the hottest summer heat if you sit calm and composed. Conversely, if you move too much in order to warm your freezing body you may get temporary relief, but it does not last too long.
We can attain peace of mind through meditation, by emptying our minds of all petty thoughts and returning to the natural state of man. Unlike in Buddhism or Zen, meditation in Taekwon-Do does not mean a total divorce from the world, like a dead body, but rather an active moment to reflect on our past mistakes in silence and in the privacy of our thoughts, and through penitence, to continue our self-improvement toward becoming better men and women.
This active thought process in silence is called “Jung-Joong-Dong”.
N. Be firm of mind
A person of strong conviction is unsuspicious and unafraid. When proved wrong, he has the moral strength to admit his mistakes to even the most humble and has the courage to stand up to the mighty if he believes himself or herself to be right.
Strong conviction can be gained through the broad and deep “Ki”-spirit. Ki is a form of active energy which fills every physical cell and organ while “Chi”-will is the motivating force: the former moves the latter leads. If “Ki” is nurtured with great care and allowed to grow based on humanity and justice, its soaring power and outreaching strength can fill the heaven and earth, enabling man to reach a new height of great achievements, so Mencius exhorted his disciples.
On a more practical level “Ki” helps us to keep our minds clear and alert when the affairs of life become strained and confused, or sees us through sleepless nights when our loved one is gravely ill.
O. Be devoted
As meditation is to the religious, concentration and devotion is to the artist, and perseverance is to the laborer, so is moral culture to the practitioner of the martial arts. In other words a person’s unflinching dedication to his own interest and duty is the source of life and power. Cultivation of mind, therefore, is no monopoly of any particular person.
In fact the sincerity and effort definitely produce the belief and the belief makes one able to reach the final goal.
Moral culture is considered to be a cultivating movement to make one devote oneself to his work, whatever it might be, until his life and work become one.
PHILOSOPHY OF TAEKWON-DO
(Taekwon-Do Chul Hak)
In recent years, there has been an upsurge in violence and a loss of morality in all levels of society, especially among the young. There are, of course a number of reasons for this.
Many psychologists today feel that this problem stems from frustration. Analysts, on the other hand, point out that these misguided people are indeed a disillusioned segment of society searching for values and relevance in what they consider deceitful, materialistic, and absurd world of wars and decadence.
Unfortunately, however, instead of constructively channeling their extraordinary energy and potential, far too many strike out in blind anger, destroying rather than building, or merely running away from it all by isolating themselves with drugs and their own worlds of fantasy.
Presently, the tendency of “the stronger preying upon the weaker” appears to be at its peak. Frankly, the present world closely resembles a “corrupt age”.
It is obvious that this phenomenon of society is not merely because of the struggle for survival, but mainly because of an overdeveloped material and scientific civilization. The former misleads the young to the extreme materialism or egoism, while the latter seized human beings with fear, though playing an essential role in public welfare.
Then what would be the remedy? Needles to say it is the development of moral civilization-the proper mental states of human being as the lord of creation, enough to prevail or at least keep abreast with the development of material and scientific civilization.
The utmost purpose of Taekwon-Do is to eliminate fighting by discouraging the stronger’s oppression of the weaker with a power that must be based on humanity, justice, morality, wisdom and faith, thus helping to build a better and more peaceful world.
All men, regardless of age, have felt that death is a shame and lamented that they cannot live as long as the pine trees or the turtles that seem to live a thousand years. Righteous men, on the other hand, deplore the fact that justice does not always triumph over the tyranny of power. However, there are two ways to deal with these problems: The former, through mental discipline, the latter, through physical training.
It is my firm belief that through Taekwon-Do, anyone can garner enough strength to become a guardian of justice, to challenge social disunity and, to cultivate the human spirit to the highest level attainable. It is in this spirit, I am dedicating the art of Taekwon-Do to the people of the world.
The philosophy of Taekwon-Do is based on the ethical, moral, and spiritual standards by which men can live together in harmony, and its art patterns are inspired by the ideals and exploits of great men from Korean history. Korea’s famous military and civil leaders who in nearly five thousand years of Korean history have never invaded their neighbor yet who fought bravely and made great self-sacrifices to defend their homeland against invading enemies.
I also include the names of patriots who willingly gave up their lives to regain Korea’s freedom and independence from the Japanese occupation.
Each Tul (pattern) of Taekwon-Do expresses the thoughts and the actions of these great men, so the students of Taekwon-Do must reflect the true intentions of those whose name each Tul bears.
Therefore, under no circumstances should Taekwon-Do be used for any commercial or political purpose whatsoever.
I have set forth the following philosophy and guidelines which will be the cornerstone of Taekwon-Do and by which all serious students of this art are encouraged to live.
• Be willing to go where the going may be tough and do the things that are worth doing even though they are difficult.
• Be gentle to the weak and tough to the strong.
• Be content with what you have in money and position but never in skills.
• Always finish what you begin, be it large or small.
• Be a willing teacher to anyone regardless of religion, race or ideology.
• Never yield to repression or threat in the pursuit of a noble cause.
• Teach attitude and skill with action rather than words.
• Always be yourself even though your circumstances may change.
• Be the eternal teacher who teaches with the body when young, with words when old, and by moral precept even after death.
TAEKWON-DO AND PHYSICAL FITNESS
The study of Taekwon-Do offers several unique advantages to the physical fitness of the student.
No doubt one of life’s most treasured assets is good health. Therefore, one of the great cardinal sins of mankind is his abuse of this asset. Incidentally, he who does not abuse or hurt his own body, including the hair, is defined as obedient to his parents; so described in Oriental Philosophy.
Wealth, power, fame and the blessing of physical beauty are all relatively unimportant if one does not possess good health. An individual owes it to himself and his family to constantly maintain and improve his health. Confucius said: “Being in good health is a way of showing great devotion to the parents, as child’s health is their utmost concern”.
The students will realize how important Taekwon-Do is to human health through the following article written by Dr. Robert S. Arner, a black belt holder of Taekwon-Do
Taekwon-Do may be practiced individually or in groups without the use of weights or special equipment. It is, in most cases, practiced alone except the sparring. Since the body sets it’s own limits, injuries or strains are rare and the physical condition of the student paces automatically. The entire system of the body, from fingers to the toes, is brought into play.
The training does not produce large knotty muscles; it tends to exchange flabby tissue for lean tissue. The thick muscles developed through weight training tend to push blood vessels apart without adding new ones to fill the gap. Such tissue has difficulty in receiving oxygen and disposing of waste through the blood stream and thus tires more easily.
Taekwon-Do’s high repetition, low resistance movements develop a longer, leaner and more flexible musculature. Such muscles have more of their areas close to blood supply routes, thus producing maximum endurance and well being. (Brown. p. 231).
The emphasis in twisting the trunk in executing the kicking movements and in counter balancing the hand movements builds a firm, well-muscled abdomen. The high leg raise preceding most of the kicks in Taekwon-Do also develops the side of the trunk and inner thigh muscles. The study of Taekwon-Do also develops the side of the trunk and inner thigh muscles. The study of Taekwon-Do is particularly recommended for women because of this development of the lower abdomen, hips and inner thighs; areas produce a youthful feminine figure for women of all ages.
After childbirth in particular, these areas are stretched and weakened; Taekwon-Do training is ideal to restore muscle tone for health as well as appearance.
The typical training regime, involving extensive movements of the entire body, raises the pulse rate and oxygen characteristics of the heart and lungs over an extended period. This increased ventilation is termed an aerobic effect (Copper, p. 108) and provides the following benefits:
Helps the lungs operate more efficiently.
Enlarges the blood vessels, making them more pliable and reducing the resistance to blood flow, thus lowering the diastolic blood pressure.
Increases the blood supply, especially red blood cells and hemoglobin.
It makes the body tissue healthier in supplying it with more oxygen.
It conditions the heart, providing more reserve for emergencies.
It promotes better sleep and waste elimination.
The training tends to be a normalize of body weight in that it results in a gain of solid tissue for the under-weight and a loss of body fat for the obese. The estimated calorie consumption for a vigorous Taekwon-Do workout is about six hundred calories per hour one of the highest for any sport activity.
Since the expenditure of about 3,500 calories results in weight loss of one pound, it will be seen that a weekly training schedule of only six hours will result in weight loss of one pound per week.
Taekwon-Do offers a super means of developing the characteristics of good performance in other sports, as suggested by Mcloy (p. 311):
Muscular strength.
Dynamic energy- the ability to throw oneself into performance with vigor.
Ability to change the direction of movement.
Agility- the ability to move the body quickly from one place in space to another.
Flexibility of joints, muscles and ligaments.
Peripheral vision.
Concentration and the ability to avoid distraction.
Understanding the mechanics and techniques of body movements.
“Focus” requires that we have muscular strength, balance and the exertion of dynamic energy when we concentrate all the power of the body at one point in space. Combinations of fundamental movements and patterns develop agility and the ability to change movements as well as direction while sparring develops peripheral vision and concentration.
The organized training procedures stress a systematic warm up of muscles and ligaments, increasing blood volume and flow through the muscles. These warming up exercises promote flexibility of joints, tendons and ligaments as well as serving to prevent injuries in training.
The regime also stresses warming down exercises after training to pump down the accumulation of blood and fluid present in the muscles after violent exercises. If this is not done, stiffness and discomfort will result (Williams, p. 55).
These techniques of warming up and warming down as well as the breathing exercise taught are other examples of the highly developed science of body mechanics and physiology contained within formal Taekwon-Do training.
The attacking “Yell” that is taught also has its basic physiology. Aside from serving to demoralize the opponent, the “Yell” serves also to tighten the lower abdominal muscles to prevent injury in the event of an unexpected counter-attack. In addition, the exhalation, or thoracic grunt as practiced also by weightlifters or wrestlers serves to equalize pressure increase in the thorax which may result from violent exertion, thus preventing injury to the vital organs. The complete exhalation of the “Yell” serves to expel the tidal air of the lungs thus increasing the breathing or vital capacity of the lungs.
It can be seen that the study of Taekwon-Do is recommended for men, women and children. It may provide benefits in perceptual-motor organization, concentration, vision, body development, aerobic conditioning of the heart and lungs and provides training in body control which is valuable in the pursuit of any other sport or physical activity. Coupled with the obvious benefits in self-defense and the satisfaction of mastering ancient art form, it would appear that Taekwon-Do should be part of the life of all people for all their life.
References
Brown, Roscoe, C. and Gerald S. Kenyon Ed,. “Classical Studies on Physical Activity”. Prentiss-Hall, Inc., New Jersey, 1968.
Cooper, Kenneth H. “Aerobics”, M. Evans and Co., N.Y. 1968.
Williams, J.G.P., “Medical Aspects of Sport and Physical Fitness”, Perfamon Press, London, 1965.
Dr. Robert S. Arner, Optometrist.
The English text has been extracted from: CHOE HONG-HUI., Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do, 15 voll., s.l., 1983.
