The philosophy of Taekwon-Do can be summed up by the last two phrases in the ITF Student Oath:

I shall be a champion of justice and freedom.
I shall build a better and peaceful world.

By practicing Taekwon-Do and living according to its fundamental values, we will become good citizens and be able to create a better world.

The development of the Taekwon-Do philosophy by our Founder General Choi Hong Hi was influenced by oriental philosophers such as Confucius and Lao Tzu, by Buddhism, and by the philosophy of martial arts. However, the fundamental values as expressed in the tenets of Taekwon-Do, are universal. In the Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do, General Choi showed us how to find a harmonious balance between the physical and the mental.

"Talk if you will, walk away if you can, run if you must,
BUT if all else fails, DEFEND YOUSELF !"

Taekwon-Do is based on the philosophy of the ethical, moral and spiritual standards by which mankind can live together in harmony. Its art patterns stem from the ideals and exploits of great people from Korean history - well known military and civil leaders who have never infringed on their neighbours' rights, yet who fought valiantly and made self-sacrifices to defend their homeland against invading enemies.

Each Tul or pattern of Taekwon-Do depcits the thoughts and actions of these remarkable men, so the students of Taekwon-Do must reflect the true objectives of those whose name each Tul bears.

Thus, an individual of group should never use Taekwon-Do under any circumstances for selfish, aggressive or violent purposes, either. Nor should it be employed for any commercial or political designs.

The following philosophy and guidelines will be the foundation of Taekwon-Do by which all serious students of this art are encouraged to live:

• Be willing to go where the going may be tough and do the things that are worth doing even though they are difficult.
• Be gentle to the weak and tough to the strong.
• Be content with what you have in money and position but never in skills.
• Always finish what you begin, be it large or small.
• Be a willing teacher to anyone regardless of religion, race or ideology.
• Never yield to repression or threat in the pursuit of a noble cause.
• Teach attitude and skill with action rather than words.
• Always be yourself even though your circumstances may change.
• Be the eternal teacher who teaches with the body when young, with words when old, and by moral precept even after death.