Tenets

Tenets are principles, beliefs, or doctrines that are generally held to be true; especially ones held in common by members of an organization, movement, or profession. The tenets of Taekwondo are based on the principles of Hwarangdo. Taekwondo philosophy may be best summarized by the philosophy of Hongik-Ingan: peace loving, spirit of integrity, protecting righteousness, and a strong sense of responsibility.

These tenets are usually repeated at the start of a training class. This reciting of the tenets is supposed to cause students to think about the tenets during their training. However, although they recite them at every class, most students do not know what the tenets really mean, they just repeat the words. To become a true practitioners of Taekwondo, students must incorporate these tenets into their training. If we understand Taekwondo according to these principles; when faced with a problem, we find a solution, and by continuously changing our skills, we will avoid ever being faced with the same problem again. By understanding these philosophical principles of Taekwondo, we may find ways to understand and develop our lives. The following are some basic tenets; however, some school may differ in the tenets they use.