Tenets of Martial Arts
The five tenets of martial arts are among the first things
that you see when entering the dojang. Apart from being on
the wall, these tenets should be visible in every student
that you see. They are the foundation of all three martial
arts that Master Pak teaches at Iowa State.
- Courtesy
- Respect others, and they will respect you. The most common
evidence of courtesy is bowing. Traditionally, martial arts members
bow to each other, to the flags, and when entering and leaving the
dojang.
- Integrity
- Will you do the right thing even when no one else is looking?
- Perseverance
- When the going gets tough, the tough keep going..
- Self Control
- Self control is a necessary aspect of the martial arts. Physically,
it is needed to keep yourself and others from being hurt while
practicing. Mentally, it applies to the way you deal with others.
Martial arts members should never use their knowledge in an
inappropriate way to hurt others. Force is used only as a last resort.
- Indomitable Spirit
- This tenet is hard to describe, but easy to spot. Indomitable means
incapable of being overcome, subdued, or vanquished. The person
with indomitable spirit has a fire burning in their soul, and a
dedication to all of the other tenets that is unconquerable.