The Belt Colours and their meanings:White
Signifies innocence, as that of the beginning student who has no previous knowledge of Taekwondo.
Yellow
Signifies earth, from which a plant sprouts root as the Taekwondo foundation is being laid.
Green
Signifies the plant's growth, as Taekwondo skills begin to develop.
Blue
Signifies heaven, toward which the plant matures into a towering tree as training in Taekwondo progresses.
Red
Signifies danger, cautioning the student to exercise control and warning the opponent to stay away.
Black
Opposite to white, therefore signifying maturity and proficiency in Taekwondo. Also indicates the wearer's imperviousness to darkness and fear.
The five Taekwondo Tenets:Courtesy / Ye-Ui
Within the school, one is naturally expected to be courteous to one's instructors and seniors; but it must go further than that. It must also include others of the same rank, regardless of their age or ability relative to yours. It must include those of a junior rank, since the relationship between juniors and seniors involves mutual respect, in both directions. Ultimately, it must also extend beyond the school to anyone with whom one comes into contact in the course of one's life.
Integrity / Yom-Chi
There are many words that could be used to describe one who has integrity: honest, upright, good, honourable, incorruptible, principled... Someone with integrity adheres to moral and ethical principles. A student of Taekwondo adheres to the tenets listed here.
Perseverence / In-Nae
Taekwondo training is physically demanding, and learning the techniques properly requires a lot of repetition. When one starts learning a particular technique or pattern, it will probably be difficult at first; so one must persevere through the time and practice required to master it, and not be discouraged. Without perseverance, one will not progress well in the art. It takes perseverance to have an indomitable spirit. Never give up.
Self-control / Guk-Gi
Taekwondo is not to be used for agression, but for defense. This is one reason why a student of Taekwondo must learn self-control while he/she is learning Taekwondo techniques. In class, physical self-control is vital to avoid accidentally harming one's self or one's fellow students.
Indomitable spirit / Baekjool-boolgool
One may not always succeed on the first try at everything that one attempts in Taekwondo, or in life. The indomitable spirit has the courage and confidence to try again and not be subdued or overcome in the face of fear or failure. The indomitable spirit perseveres. Sometimes this can be a challenge; training in Taekwondo can help to develop it.
Taekwondo Oath:
As a student of Taekwondo, I do solemnly pledge to abide by the rules and regulations of the Taekwondo Association, to strive always to be modest, courteous and respectful to all members, in particular my seniors, to put the art into use only for self defence or in defence of the weak and never to abuse my knowledge of the art.
There are many words that could be used to describe one who has integrity: honest, upright, good, honourable, incorruptible, principled... Someone with integrity adheres to moral and ethical principles. A student of Taekwondo adheres to the tenets listed here.
Perseverence / In-Nae
Taekwondo training is physically demanding, and learning the techniques properly requires a lot of repetition. When one starts learning a particular technique or pattern, it will probably be difficult at first; so one must persevere through the time and practice required to master it, and not be discouraged. Without perseverance, one will not progress well in the art. It takes perseverance to have an indomitable spirit. Never give up.
Self-control / Guk-Gi
Taekwondo is not to be used for agression, but for defense. This is one reason why a student of Taekwondo must learn self-control while he/she is learning Taekwondo techniques. In class, physical self-control is vital to avoid accidentally harming one's self or one's fellow students.
Indomitable spirit / Baekjool-boolgool
One may not always succeed on the first try at everything that one attempts in Taekwondo, or in life. The indomitable spirit has the courage and confidence to try again and not be subdued or overcome in the face of fear or failure. The indomitable spirit perseveres. Sometimes this can be a challenge; training in Taekwondo can help to develop it.
Taekwondo Oath:
As a student of Taekwondo, I do solemnly pledge to abide by the rules and regulations of the Taekwondo Association, to strive always to be modest, courteous and respectful to all members, in particular my seniors, to put the art into use only for self defence or in defence of the weak and never to abuse my knowledge of the art.