Courtesy (Ye Ui)

Show respect to parents, teachers and instructors at all times. Courtesy means being polite, helping others when in need and offering to help before you are asked. You must handle all matters with fairness and sincerity and encourage a sense of justice.

Integrity (Yum Chi)

Knowing right from wrong. You must always tell the truth and if you do something wrong, you must admit to it. If you want someone to trust you, you must first give them a reason. "Honesty is the best policy."

Perseverance (In Nae)

Never give up - remain patient. If something becomes difficult for you and you get frustrated, ask for help. Overcome your difficulties by perseverance. Confucius said; "One who is impatient in trivial matters can seldom achieve success in matters of great importance". Remember to always finish what you start. If you put your mind to it, you can do anything!

Self Control (Guk Gi)

Think before you speak or act. Stay calm, use your head not your punches and kicks when you get upset. Self-Control, along with the other four tenets, must be observed both inside and outside the do jang. When sparring, do not lose your temper, this could only prove disastrous to both you and your opponent. Outside the do jang, you must live within your capabilities. Do not give way to temptations.

Indomitable Spirit (Baekjul Boolgool)

Do not show fear. Set your goals and achieve them one step at a time. Do not be afraid to try new things. Trust in yourself and what you believe in and stand up for these beliefs.

I Shall Observe the Tenets of Taekwondo

I Shall Respect my Instructors and Seniors

I Shall Never Misuse Taekwondo

I Shall be a Champion of Freedom and Justice

I Shall Build a More Peaceful World

Signifies innocence, as that of a beginning student who has no previous knowledge of Taekwondo.

Signifies the awakening, when a plant sprouts and takes root as the Taekwondo foundation is being laid.

Signifies the earth in which a seed is planted and Taekwondo knowledge begins.

Signifies the plant's growth as the Taekwondo skill begins to develop.

Signifies the Heaven, towards which the plant matures into a towering tree as training in Taekwondo progresses.

Signifies danger, cautioning the student to exercise control and warning the opponent to stay away.

Signifies a controlled state, the student nears the Black Belt level feeling comfortable with what they have learned.

Opposite of white, therefore, signifying the student's maturity and proficiency in Taekwondo. It also indicates the wearer's imperviousness to darkness and fear.