The five tenets of Taekwondo and the student oath
The tenets are the five principles every Taekwondo student is expected to live by, inside and outside the dojang. They are learned in order, often in Korean as well as English, and are among the first things asked at a grading.
The five tenets
| Tenet | Korean | What it looks like |
|---|---|---|
| Courtesy | Ye Ui | Being polite and respectful |
| Integrity | Yom Chi | Knowing right from wrong |
| Perseverance | In Nae | Never giving up on a goal |
| Self Control | Guk Gi | Controlling your temper and techniques |
| Indomitable Spirit | Baekjul Boolgool | Courage against all odds |
The student oath
As a student of Tae Kwon-Do, I do solemnly pledge
to abide by the rules and regulations of the Tae Kwon-Do 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 defence of the weak
and never to abuse my knowledge of the art.
Common questions
What are the five tenets of Taekwondo?
The five tenets of Taekwondo are Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control and Indomitable Spirit.
What are the tenets of Taekwondo in Korean?
Courtesy: Ye Ui. Integrity: Yom Chi. Perseverance: In Nae. Self Control: Guk Gi. Indomitable Spirit: Baekjul Boolgool.
What is the Taekwondo student oath?
As a student of Tae Kwon-Do, I do solemnly pledge to abide by the rules and regulations of the Tae Kwon-Do 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 defence of the weak and never to abuse my knowledge of the art.
More Taekwondo theory
- Taekwondo theory: the complete guide
- Patterns: meanings and movements
- Korean terminology
- The tenets and student oath
- Belt colours and meanings