TMA Tenets

                                                   TMA TENETS

Courtesy – One must always, in and out of the dochang, follow the proper mode of courtesy for the circumstances. Courtesy is action symbolizing respect. The person without courtesy has no respect for others, and without respect for others, there is no respect for self. With no self- respect,  true achievement in life is impossible. The practice of courtesy itself leads to respect and is therefore highly valued.

Integrity – Integrity is, in the broadest sense, honesty. A person must have basic honesty to others and to him/herself in order to achieve anything worthwhile in life. Dishonesty to others will eventually be discovered and destroy the dishonest. Dishonesty to self can only lead one into incorrect ways. A facet of integrity is loyalty – to one's country, one's friends and associates (obviously including the TMA and the school), to one's family and one's principles.

Perseverance – Stories of the importance of perseverance are common to the folklore of all cultures. Perseverance is universally respected for furtherance of the goals of any culture. Perfection of self is a universal value as well, and in TaeKwonDo, we must persevere through physical, mental and spiritual trials to further our personal improvement. 

Self Control – Power with control is useful. Power without control is without use and can also become dangerous both to individuals and to the world at large. One must control and direct energies to some benefit or face consequences of the lack of direction or damage to others caused by lack of control, both in and outside the dochang. 

Indomitable Spirit – This is the moral strength to do what is necessary and right regardless of consequences. Persons with this spirit have literally changed the world. Examples include: the 300 men of Sparta who held off a Persian invasion in spite of hopeless odds to save Greece, or American Patriot Nathan Hale who stated on a British gallows in the Revolutionary War, “I regret that I have only one life to give for my country.” 

Victory – Victory, Pil Sung in Korean, is more than winning a match or even earning a belt rank. Every positive action is a victory. Achievement of little victories, regardless of size, will add up to big victory. In this way, one becomes victorious in life. Martial arts training offers a perfect field to learn victory. 

Honor – ‘Esteem due or paid to worth; high estimation; respect; consideration; reverence; veneration; manifestation of respect or reverence.