The 10 Main Points and 3 Oaths of Taekwondo

  1. KI-AHP – This is done when exerting energy during forceful movement, and unless used correctly, is not effective. Before a movement, air should be drawn in through the nose and imagined to rest itself in the lower stomach area. Upon completing the movement, the air should be released through the mouth. Thus making the noise KI-AHP. This is a very important point in Martial Arts and if used correctly, is very beneficial to technique.
  2. ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD – If you don’t look at where you are aiming, how do you know if you will hit your target?
  3. MAINTAIN BALANCE – This is important for effective technique
  4. KEEP YOUR BODY SUPPLE AND FLEXIBLE – Even a little stretching and practice at home will help your technique
  5. COMBINE FORCE AND POWER WITH SOFT MOVEMENTS – And
  6. FAST AND SLOW MOTION TECHNIQUES REQUIRED – Together these 2 points can simply be explained by the “Yin Yang” symbol found on the Korean Flag. Yin and Yang are opposite forces working together like fast and slow to create Harmony, an important element in Martial Arts.
  7. THE AIM OF ALL TECHNIQUES SHOULD BE EXACTNESS – Try always to put maximum effort and concentration into every movement. This way you will feel that you have achieved something.
  8. CONTROL AND CO-ORDINATE DISTANCE OF TECHNIQUE – Part of mastering this art is to learn to control your body. To come within centimetres or even millimetres of your target. We are not trying to hurt each other
  9. CONTROL YOUR BREATHING – Being a natural part of life, it is important to learn how to control breathing during exercise. Breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth.
  10. STRIVE TO STRENGTHEN YOUR BODY – Don’t put limitations on your abilities. You can be as good as you strive to be.

THREE OATHS

  1. I will always give respect and loyalty to the Association, the Instructors and my Club
  2. I will endeavour to attain a high standard of physical fitness and develop my character and personal integrity
  3. I will approach others with a spirit of friendship and heed social ethics at all times

All of the above points and oaths are to be referred to regularly. Read them carefully as you will be tested on them. These codes of conduct are all part of the discipline involved in learning to appreciate Martial Arts.