Taekwondo means literally the art of striking with the hand and kicking with the foot. Choong Sil Kwan means literally the School of Constant and Never Ending Improvement. Meaning of the White Belt - The white belt signifies innocence, as that of a beginning student who has no previous knowledge of Taekwondo.
As a new student of Taekwondo, you are entering into a very ancient system for training both your mind and body. Taekwondo is a martial art, which developed in Korea over thousands of years. Taekwondo means literally “the art of striking with the hand and kicking with the foot.” It is known for its many beautiful kicks.
Our style of Taekwondo is known as Choong Sil Kwan. This means, literally, the School of Constant and Never Ending Improvement. In other words, everyone in our school, even your instructors and black belts are working to become better.
The first stage of Improvement that a student enters is the Imagination level. Everyone has different reasons for training in Taekwondo, but we all share the fact that we have a dream.
At this point, we emphasize the importance of not only visualizing results but also setting both short and long-range goals that will enable us to reach our dreams.
The purpose of Choong Sil Kwan Taekwondo is to develop an individual's mental and physical well being through a highly stylized and deliberate method of rigorous martial arts training. The result of this training is the empowering sense of self-worth, and the ability to control one’s physical state and personal destiny.
The student is guided into four stages of philosophical development.
1. Imagination
2. Inspiration
3. Actualization
4. Realization
In the initial stage of philosophical development, students must use their imagination to set goals beyond their current limitations and, from this, visualize their achievements in advance. This, in turn, strengthens their belief system to the point that specific goals are possible and obtainable.
With goals firmly in mind, the students must learn to self-inspire themselves into action, as they develop a sense of self-worth. Without this, they may never strive for success as they may feel they do not deserve the rewards that accompany achievement.
Actualization is taking the first step and entering into the process of the work and reward system. The development of a strong work ethic is the most important element in this philosophy. Even the most average of people can achieve excellence with a positive work habit.
Realization refers to the attainment of one’s goals. Upon reaching these achievements, new privileges are merited as new goals are recognized. This process perpetuates itself as the previous results offer new challenges and new responsibilities. This positive growth cycle not only improves oneself, but also the immediate world around you. This concept of "constant and never-ending improvement" is the ultimate purpose of Choong Sil Kwan.
Courtesy
Being courteous means to show respect for others and treat them, as you would wish to be treated. The practice of courtesy encourages a sense of justice and humanity. The practice of courtesy and proper etiquette allows us to distinguish instructor from student, senior from junior, and elder from younger. Students should practice courtesy to build their character and to allow us to conduct training in an orderly manner.
Integrity
We must be truthful and honest, not only with others, but also with ourselves! Integrity means to have a wholeness that is often associated with truth and commitment to principles. Integrity should lead you in your daily decisions and the way you live your life.
Perseverance
"If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again!” We are all familiar with this popular expression that demonstrates the spirit of perseverance. Life is a series of challenges and, frequently, we face obstacles in the path to our goals. We must patiently face these obstacles with a positive mental attitude, not seeing them as problems but as challenges to be met and surpassed on the road to achievement.
Self Control
To control not only your body in its physical motions, but also your mental attitude so that you are open to learning and able to achieve your goals. In order to achieve control, you must first take responsibility for all of your actions. By recognizing the things you can change to avoid problems and failure or merely to improve your technique, you can then learn to control them. Self-control means you are in control of your own actions and have the option of making your own decisions. With self-control will come the rewards and consciousness of our actions.
Indomitable Spirit
Indomitable Spirit means to have the courage and strength of character to face adversity, whether mental or physical, and to triumph over it.
The Tenets of Taekwondo are traits or characteristics that all students of Taekwondo should apply to their daily lives. Students of Taekwondo should set an example for others by displaying these tenets in their actions.
As with parents, teachers, and other authority figures, your instructors and seniors have worked very hard to achieve their position and deserve to be treated with the respect that recognizes their hard work and accomplishments.
Taekwondo is taught for the purpose of self-defense. It is not to be used for intimidation or to get your way. The Tenets of Taekwondo describe how you should apply your skills and talents.
As a student of Taekwondo, you have been taught the difference between right and wrong, good and bad. You should take it upon yourself to see that all those around you are treated in a fair and just way.
By applying the tenets of Taekwondo to your life, showing respect, using your Taekwondo properly, and being a champion of freedom and justice, you will help make the immediate world around you a more pleasant and peaceful place to live.
The Tenets of Taekwondo and our Student Oath represent ideals that we attempt to achieve in order to strengthen our character. All students of Taekwondo are expected to be able to name them, recite them, understand them, and to use them as governing principles in all areas of daily life.