Paradise Ridge Tae Kwon Do

		Some Thoughts On A Philosophy of Tae Kwon Do
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At the University of Idaho

Some thoughts on the Five Tenants
by Ivan Peterson

It seems clear that these ideas are positive characteristics that aid in an individual in achieving an excellent life. Generally, ethical or moral concepts such as these are referred to as virtues. This is one of the classical approaches to morality, and is called Virtue Theory. Aristotle and Confucius are some of the best known virtue theorists.

Virtue theory holds that the ideal human life is one of excellence and flourishing. The virtues are the skills, habits, and behaviors that an individual needs in order to actualize the best life possible for a human being.

Virtues are the things we look for in our friends. The characteristics that one looks for in the ideal spouse. The skills and abilities ones parents tried to instill in us as children so we would be successful in life. They are the things that we teach our children so that they will have the best life possible.

Indomitable Spirit: One that cannot be subdued, not easily discouraged, defeated. This is the ability to keep our minds on the ultimate goal. It is the willingness to make sacrifices, go through difficulties to accomplish some goal. Very few things in life give the satisfaction of accomplishing some difficult task. Examples of Indomitable spirit are found throughout history, those individuals who stood up for what was right knowing full well what the consequences would be.

Perseverance: The continuing to do something in spite of difficulties, obstacles, counter influences, etc. It is the ability to over come failures, and unexpected problems. It is the ability to get back on the horse. It is an ability to resist discouragement. Life is full of set backs, problems, and errors. Having an excellent life involves how we deal with setbacks.
 

Etiquette: Behaving in accord with the conventional rules of social behavior. In behaving in an appropriate fashion we train our minds to respect those around us. Etiquette reminds us of kindness, and courtesy. In its ultimate manifestation it is a type of regard or respect for yourself as well as others. It is the ability to govern our behaviors in a way that is amenable to those around us without letting ourselves be someone’s door mat. Very few of us live in caves, the vast majority of the human condition is played out in a context with others. The best life for a human is found in some sort of social context. Getting along well with others becomes a necessary trait. We are constantly challenged to be the best friend (spouse, sibling, child, coworker, etc) that we can be. In this way etiquette is related to other kinds of Just behavior like being fair-minded, tolerant, or truthful.


Modesty: Having or expressing a humble or moderate estimate of ones own merits or achievements, not excessive or exaggerated. Involving an accurate and honest evaluation of ones strengths and abilities. Successful people know their abilities and rarely “get in over their heads.” Modesty is more than the evaluation it is how you communicate about you
abilities. Its roots are found in being self confident, the individual has no need to be boastful about what they can do. Individuals who are modest are also seen as moderate, temperate, unboastfull, unpresumptuous and having integrity. People who are not modest are seen as barefaced, brazen, shameless etc.

Self Control: The general ability to control ones reaction to stimulus or situations. People who have self control are seen as disciplined, balanced, stable, having will power, and dignified. In contrasting this with the other tenants it is the ability to rationally control ones response to pleasure. The idea being, it is easy to avoid and not partake in harmful activities that make you uncomfortable. The activities that detract from the ideal life that are pleasurable are much more difficult to resist. Self Control aids us in studying for the exam when our friends are all out having fun and want us along.