Tenants of Taekwon-Do

The Five Tenets of Taekwon-Do: Our Code of Conduct

At Nova Taekwon-Do, our training is guided by five core principles that extend far beyond the dojang—they are values for life. As the Founder of Taekwon-Do taught, living by these tenets helps us build strong character and contribute to a more just and peaceful community. These tenets form the foundation of every true martial artist.

Courtesy (Ye Ui)

Politeness, humility, and respect.
We create a community based on kindness and fairness—bowing to show respect, listening carefully, and encouraging each other. Outside the dojang, we treat everyone with respect, value others’ belongings, and act with honesty.

Integrity (Yom Chi)

Honesty with yourself and others.
Integrity means taking responsibility for your actions and ensuring your deeds match your words. In training, it’s giving your best effort every time and never misrepresenting your skills. In life, it means owning mistakes and avoiding unearned rewards.

Perseverance (In Nae)

Patience and persistence toward your goals.
Whether mastering techniques or facing life’s challenges, perseverance means pushing through frustration and setbacks with steady effort and determination.

Self-Control (Guk Gi)

Mastery over mind, body, and emotions.
Self-control keeps training safe and guides wise actions in life. It means managing strength and emotions during sparring, thinking before acting, and staying calm under pressure.

Indomitable Spirit (Baekjul Boolgool)

Courage to stand for what is right.
This spirit helps us face challenges with confidence and stand up against injustice. It means defending others, resisting negative influences, and living by your principles.

Our Commitment

These tenets remind us that Taekwon-Do is about more than just physical skill—it’s about growing into responsible, respectful, and confident individuals. At Nova Taekwon-Do, we use our training to protect and uplift our community, always with respect and care.