Principles to live by

We are taking a break from 52 Small Changes this week, as the woman who heads up the group over at the 'Hood has had a family crisis.  We are going to keep focusing on bringing laughter into our lives for another week.

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It turns out that TaeKwon-Do isn't just about exercise and getting into shape.  It also has a whole lifestyle side to it as well.  As part of his first test, Liam has to know the 5 tenets of TaeKwon-Do, so we have them printed next to the computer and he and I review them throughout the day.   I also try to find situations in our day to day life that I can show Liam examples of each.  Like last week on our bike ride, when he didn't think he could make it up the last hill.  I shouted "Perseverance!" and "Indomitable Spirit!" at him as he peddled.  I don't know if it helped him get up the hill or not, but he at least understood what they meant by the time he got to the top.


So my small changes this to incorporate the 5 tenets of TaeKwon-Do into my day to day life.


There are five tenets defined in the ITF.

Courtesy (Ye Ui / 예의) Showing courtesy to all, respecting others, having manners as well as maintaining the appropriate etiquette at all times, both within and outside the dojang (도장) (designated training area).

 Integrity (Yom Chi / 염치) Although it may be similar, this form of integrity takes on a more wider role then defined in the common dictionary. In Taekwondo, integrity means not only to determine what is right or wrong but also having the conscience to feel guilt if one has done wrong and to have the integrity stand up for what is right.

Perseverance (In Nae / 인내) One will persevere time and time again until they have achieved a result which is adequate towards what one was trying to achieve.[9]

Self-control (Guk Gi / 극기) This means to not only have control over one's physical acts, but also their mental thoughts and actions.

Indomitable spirit (Baekjul Boolgool / 백절불굴) To have indomitable spirit means to have the courage to stand up for what you believe in, no matter what odds you are up against, and to always give 100% effort in whatever you do.