Introduction: At Guilderland Martial Arts we consider character development in Taekwondo as important, if not more important, than the physical aspects of training. No where is this illustrated better than in the Five Tenets of Taekwondo.
Each of these five aspects of character can be applied to the life of any child or adult. There are many situations both in and out of our school that
I. Self Control
The ability to control our minds and our bodies for optimum learning and quality life.
Examples: Sitting straight at school, standing straight in Taekwondo class, driving with in the speed limit, eating a healthy amount of food.
II. Indomitable Spirit
The ability to maintain high spirits and positive attitude despite any negativity or obstacles one may encounter.
Examples: Not being affected by people who boo, keeping a positive attitude at work when coworkers speak negatively about you or a situation, being happy at school even if someone says something negative about you.
III. Courtesy
Being kind and respectful to everyone, even if they are not courteous to you.
Examples: Smiling at people you encounter, holding doors for people, letting some one get in front of you in line or in traffic, being selfless, picking up trash you see on a walk.
IV. Perseverance
Never ever giving up.
Examples: Continue your attempt at breaking a board no matter how many times you miss, continue to pursue a class no matter how hard it is, keep trying to do any thing you really want to do until you are successful.
V. Integrity
Doing the right thing even when nobody is watching you.
Examples: Showing great self control in class even if the instructor is not watching, following rules at school when the teacher cannot see you, obeying the speed limit when there are no police around.
Master Robert Rice has been instructing martial arts since 1989 and holds a 4th degree black belt in Taekwondo. His instructive experience includes running a successful Taekwondo after school program and summer camp, coaching soccer, offering music lessons, math tutoring and over 16 years of teaching experience in New York and Istanbul, Turkey. Presently, he is also teaching math at Guilderland High School.
Master Rice resides in Guilderland with his wife and three boys. He is very proud of his familys achievements in pursuing the study of Taekwondo. Mrs. Rice and their youngest son hold first degree blackbelts and his two oldest boys are second degree blackbelts. They have trained together for many years in a family Taekwondo program.
