We all agree martial arts classes teach much more than physical aspects. To keep the balance between fast-changing modern martial arts and yesteryears training v...

We all agree that martial arts classes teach much more than the physical aspects. To keep the balance between fast-changing modern martial arts and yesteryears training values, I feel that we must visit the roots and core values of martial arts as originated and developed in Korea over the course of two thousand years. Two members of Hwarang, an elite youth military group of the Shila dynasty (6th century) in ancient Korea, came before their teacher, the monk WonGwang (555-638), and asked for a lesson. This was a time when neighboring countries frequently invaded the Shila. The monk instantly wrote five commandments for them. This is how the famous Sesok O Gye was born, which became basic rules of life for the Hwarang and ancient martial artists in Korea: 1) To serve the King with loyalty; 2)To serve ones parents with filial piety; 3) To be faithful to ones friends; 4) Not to retreat in battle; 5) Not to kill indiscriminately. It is obvious that WonGwang had in mind both the Buddhist injunctions against taking life and Confucian virtues of loyalty and filial piety. The Hwarangs, inspired by the Sesok O Gye teachings, eventually led to the ancient Koreas unification. One of the Confucius (551-478 B.C.) teachings of Samgang Oryoon, three bonds and five moral rules in human relations, also greatly influenced the lives of ancient and modern Korean martial artists. The three bonds put special emphasis on each others duties and responsibilities between ruler and subject, father and son, and husband and wife. The five moral rules or cardinal articles of morality in human relations remain a core doctrine of martial artists today: 1) Closeness between father and son; 2) Loyalty between ruler and subject; 3) Respect between husband and wife; 4) Order between older and younger; 5) Faithfulness between friends. Based on the martial art teachings that I highly value, I summarized and modified the philosophies and adopted them as my Tae Kwon-Do Ten Teaching Principles. It is good to find some Dojangs that preserve the ancient fundamentals, even if they are difficult to translate adequately for modern times. 1. I will be loyal to my country 2. I will honor my parents 3. I will love my family and cooperate with them 4. I will be faithful to my friends 5. I will respect my elders and care for my juniors 6. I will establish positive relationships with my teachers 7. I will treat all living things with care 8. I will never seek advantage of those who are weaker 9. I will only use Tae Kwon-Do to benefit myself and others 10. I will always finish what I start My students must recite the principles at the end of every class. I hope what they repeat will echo in them and instill these principles in them for the rest of their lives. I believe that it is the Tree with strong roots that survives against storms.