Loyalty

Loyalty in the martial arts could probably be traced back to villagers who were devoted to the caveman who first taught them how to throw a rock with enough power and accuracy to kill an animal or enemy. As stated in other topics, Taekwondo, although developed as a Korean martial art, was originally based upon Japanese Shotokan Karate. Loyalty for Japanese martial arts is based on the Bushido of the Samurai. Loyalty for Korean martial arts, including Taekwondo, is based on the Code of the Hwarangdo.

Bushido (Way of the Warrior) developed in Japan between the Heian and Tokugawa Ages (9th-12th centuries). It was a code and way of life for Samuari, a class of warriors similar to the medieval knights of Europe. Bushido emphasizes loyalty, self-sacrifice, justice, sense of shame, refined manners, purity, modesty, frugality, martial spirit, honor, and affection.

Bushido developed out ofBuddhism, Zen, Confucianism, and Shintoism. From Buddhism, Bushido gets its relationship to danger and death. The Samurai did not fear death because they believed as Buddhism teaches, that, after death. one will be reincarnated and may live another life on earth. The samurai were warriors from the time they become Samurai until their deaths; they have no fear of danger.