Culture and Philosophy

 

Tae Kwon Do is a sport, a martial art, a way of life, and a tool for social development.


General Choi Hong Hi believed through the philosophy of Tae Kwon Do that we could make the world a more peaceful place. In a time where much is corrupt it is hard for one to find their own way, to tell right from wrong, or to even resist temptation into doing that which they believe is wrong. Tae Kwon Do's philosophy aims not to occur only in the dojang (designated training area) but in all areas of one's life.

Tae Kwon Do’s philosophy can be mainly summed up by two things, the OATH, and the TENENTS.

Fundamental Values

Practitioners of Tae Kwon Do (TKD) recognize that they are forever students of our Founder, General Choi Hong Hi. The TAGB and its affiliated organizations will strengthen and promote the legacy of General Choi as described in his Encyclopedia of Tae Kwon Do, notably the twenty-four patterns and the philosophy.

The TAGB belongs to all its members; it must work for its members and with its members to provide the services they need and want

The TAGB and its affiliated organizations are always open to suggestions from members and encourage innovative ideas

The TAGB and its affiliated organizations are and must remain free of all political influence

All qualifications and promotions within the TAGB and its affiliated organizations will be attributed according to merit and in conformity with well-established criteria

The respect of hierarchy authority is an important principle in all martial arts. All members of TAGB will respect those who are their seniors in the organization, particularly their teacher. On the other hand, the seniors will treat their students and other juniors with respect and fairness.

 

Objectives of Our Organisation

•Promote and develop Tae Kwon Do as a means of building a better society on a foundation of peace, freedom, and justice
•Improve the quality of Tae Kwon Do instruction by applying high standards of ethics, conduct, education, and achievement
•Establish and maintain the highest standards of professional ethics and conduct for all members of the TAGB
•Coordinate TAGB Tae Kwon Do activities around the world
•Resolve disagreements and conflicts between members
•Operate Tae Kwon Do in countries around the globe without discrimination on any basis; this includes race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and political beliefs.

PHILOSPHY

The philosophy of Tae Kwon Do can be summed up by the last two phrases in the TAGB Student Oath:

I shall be a champion of justice and freedom.

I shall build a better and peaceful world.

By practicing Tae Kwon Do and living according to its fundamental values, we will become good citizens and be able to create a better world.

The development of the Tae Kwon Do philosophy by our Founder General Choi Hong Hi was influenced by oriental philosophers such as Confucius and Lao Tzu, by Buddhism, and by the philosophy of martial arts. However, the fundamental values as expressed in the tenets of Tae Kwon Do, are universal. In the Encyclopedia of Tae Kwon Do, General Choi showed us how to find a harmonious balance between the physical and the mental.