Taekwondo is much more than the physical of technical training. Taekwondo embraces the traditional precepts of honour and integrity, respect and loyalty, modesty and compassion – the same moral traditions, in fact, which were so highly esteemed by Hwarangdo in Shilla, in Korea's early history. In theory, these traditions are the one thing most martial arts have in common, but in practice, they are found with increasing difficulty.
Sometimes the question arises: "Is Taekwondo a sport or a martial art?” Whilst certain techniques have refined and systemised for practice as an international sport, nevertheless, all the traditional elements of the martial art are retained. These include not just some traditional techniques which are excluded from competition taekwondo, but more importantly, the martial arts philosophy and spirit. Without these, taekwondo would be just another sport, without all the benefits it offers as a traditional martial art.
The social and ethical philosophies of taekwondo not only create practical order in the social structure, but endow that order with harmony which enhances the enjoyment of the art and heightens the appreciation of its many benefits. A keener sense of the worth of one's instructors, colleagues, fellow-students and also of oneself, is developed. Further, this moral training flows through into the individual's interaction with society.
Responsibility is the key concept – responsibility to oneself, responsibility of the student to the instructor and of the instructor to the student. From this responsibility springs discipline and determination, respect and loyalty. Without these, we cannot fulfill the responsibility we have to do justice to ourselves and to others, by doing our best in every area of life.
The student who does not respond to the gift of instruction with conscientious effort is irresponsible. The instructor who is not properly qualified or who teaches without integrity or conscientious effort, is even more irresponsible. The instructor who teaches technical excellence without developing the moral character of his student is, perhaps, the most reprehensible, since the consequence of this kind of irresponsibility are not restricted to the individuals concerned, but can have wider social ramifications. Instructor system is so strongly entrenched in taekwondo, and it is only through this that traditional values can be preserved. It is through the special relationships which are fostered between instructor and student and between seniors and juniors under this system, that a spirit of generosity and cooperation flourishes, as we strive for common goals.
While we practise taekwondo in an environment of respect and discipline, our critical faculties are sharpened, both in regard to ourselves and others. We develop clarity of mind and purpose and together with a strong sense of human charity and decency, we develop wisdom and self-knowledge. Through the hard physical training imposed on us, initially by our instructors, and later by ourselves, we cultivate toughness of mind courage and determination, - the indomitable martial arts spirit, tempered with wisdom and humanitarianism.
