THE SPIRIT AND PHILOSOPHY OF TAE KWON-DO
A New Focus and Direction in Martial Arts
Traditionally, Martial Artists were regarded as models of Cultured Chivalrous Warriors and Leaders of high moral character who practice and uphold the principles of Humanity, Justice, Peace, Honesty andIntegrity. Martial Arts training today are mostly centred on competitive sports tournaments, commercialism, self interests and personal egotism . The original Spirit and Philosophy of Martial Arts training have slowly vanished or given little emphasis in our ever changing modern world of Exploitation, Corruption, Aggression, Materialism and Commercialism.
As one of the most experienced and senior Taekwon-Do Instructors in Australia and the South Pacific region, I felt its time to promote a New Direction and Focus in Martial Arts Training which emphasise on the original Spirit and Philosophy of Taekwon-Do.
With over 35 years of continuous practice, I am one of the very few original Taekwon-Do practitioners in Australia deeply committed and dedicated to practice, teach and promote the Ture Spirit and Philosophy of the Original Art of Taekwon-Do as taught by its founder General Choi Hong Hi. I have trained under Four First Generation Korean Masters – Rhee Chong Hup, Rhee Chong Chul, Yun Young Ku and Park Jung Tae. My Taekwon-Do career started with the desire to learn Self Defence and develop physical fitness. It has exceeded far beyond my expectations as my study have given me the opportunity to observe and learn much more about what the Art of Taekwon-Do really stands for. Since the birth of Taekwon-Do on April 11, 1955 in Korea, it has spread to every corner of the World existing under many different organizations and systems. Although Taekwon-Do is the largest and fastest growing Martial Art in the world, it is a disappointing fact that very few Taekwon-Do organizations practice and promote the True Spirit and Philosophy of the Art of Taekwon-Do. Many Taekwon-Do students were not taught truthfully and therefore are not been guided towards the real benefits and purpose of Martial Arts Training because Taekwon-Do’s original teachings were tarnished by political and governmental interferences, commercialism, self interests, personal egos, greed, dishonesty and unethical practices of Taekwon-Do ‘Masters’ and ‘Instructors’.
Taekwon-Do as a modern Martial Art was developed by General Choi Hong Hi and it is intended to be taught as a Discipline and Way of Life where all serious practitioners must practice and uphold the basic principles of HUMANITY, JUSTICE, PEACE, INTEGRITY, SELF CONTROL ANDINDOMITABLE SPIRIT. All Taekwon-Do practitioners can develop powerful, effective, devastating and incredible physical techniques and power. However, physical training is only a part of the overall training and development. Physical training is only a means and a way towards mastering the Spiritual and Mental aspects of Taekwon-Do. The Mental and Spiritual Power must compliment the Physical Power. The wholistic approach on the development of the MIND, BODY & SPIRIT is paramount. My years of training have also taught me the importance of Respect for Individual Differences, Understanding, Mutual Respect, Building Lifelong Friendships, Loyalty and Trust, Truthfulness, Honesty and Self Control.
A complete and true Taekwon-Do practitioner must possess not only Physical and Technical excellence, but also most importantly the Spiritual and Mental attributes with Conscience and StrongMoral Character who stands on the side Humanity,Justice, Peace and Harmony. We must realise that Physical and Technical excellence are only temporary, while the Spiritual and Mental attributes are permanent, everlasting and most important. All Taekwon-Do Instructors must not only speak but also practice and live the Spirit and Philosophy of Taekwon-Do. Many Masters and Instructors only preach about them at gradings, seminars, commercial advertisements and club brochures. The mentality of ‘Do as you are told but not what I do’ is far too common. It is time for all Taekwon-Do practitioners start living the True Spirit and Philosophy and practice through example. Let our action be the guiding light and inspiration to others – physically, mentally and spiritually.
My observation and experience indicated that many current and ex-Taekwon-do practitioners are very disappointed and disillusioned with the way Taekwon-Do is been administered, taught and promoted. The Administrators, Masters and Instructors have the responsibility to ensure that all Martial Artists follow the true Spirit and Philosophy of Martial Arts Training. .
In this world of increasing conflict, corruption, violence, aggression, oppression, intolerance, injustice, dishonesty, immorality and inhumanity, I strongly believe that Taekwon-Do practitioners have the unique opportunity to lead the way to be an inspiration and role model to show the Way of Humanity and help build a morePeaceful World. With over 75% of Taekwon-Do practitioners between 7 to 21 years of age and they are our future and Taekwon-Do Instructors have an important part to play and help mould not only their physical but also their spiritual, mental and moral character development to be future leaders in a Better World of Humility, Tolerance, Compassion, Co-operation, Truthfulness, Integrity, Love, Peace and Harmony.
Master Peter Wong 7th Dan
D Hom B Arch MAROH MAHA
Founder and Chief Instructor
Taekwon-Do Ki-Do Kwan
