Self Control (Guk Gi).

The first tenet which we will look at is Self Control (Guk Gi).

This is one of the easier terms to understand, so we will start with this one! It is also especially important both inside and outside the Dojang. Without self control a martial arts class, or in fact any real life situation, could easily get out of hand and have serious repercussions.

Inside the Dojang

From the very first moment a student steps through the door of the training hall we expect them to show some form of self control. The example we usually give to illustrate self control is that of two students sparring. If one student accidentally lands a kick or punch too hard (remember we spar with touch/ light contact), his or her opponent has two choices: they can either respond in an aggressive way themselves, possibly trying to hurt their partner in return, or they can show self control. They might indicate to their partner that they are not happy with the level of contact, but they would show self control through not reacting with anger. By keeping their emotions under control, a situation is avoided in which we might end up with students trying their best to injure one another. Our classes are run in a friendly manner. We do not tolerate angry or impulsive behaviour that could result in injury. We look after each other and that means using self control when needed.

Another example of when students are expected to exercise self control is when listening to or watching the instructors. A student that stands still and concentrates fully on what the instructor is saying will develop faster and pick up new techniques more quickly than a student who does not. If students are distracted, or spend their time fidgeting, they will miss important pieces of advice or information. This could potentially cause problems for their partners or other students in the class.

Outside the Dojang

When applying the 5 tenets of Tae Kwon Do outside the Dojang it is sometimes more difficult to remember how these principles can be of benefit to us and apply them to situations we find ourselves in. Here are just a few ways in which we might benefit from showing more self control…

Our younger students will appreciate that their classroom at school is similar to the training hall in terms of the behaviour expected, but how many will stop to think about the playground? Or how many teenagers will think twice about exercising self control when using social networking sites, such as Facebook, or instant messaging services? It is all too easy to say or do something in haste which we later regret, especially if that person has said something that you have found to be hurtful. Exercising self control might just save a nasty confrontation and a lot of hurt feelings. Have you ever heard the saying “Act in haste, repent at leisure”? No one is suggesting for one moment that you have to take abuse from someone else, or put up with aggression and nastiness, but there is a lot to be said for being the bigger person and diffusing a situation by using self control and refusing to act impulsively. There are ways and means of sorting out a situation that you are uncomfortable with, without losing your self control and potentially making things worse.

I wonder how many of our adult students will recall having been in a driving situation when they, or another driver, has lost their cool and their self control and acted impulsively? Whilst being very difficult to do at times, using self control in trying situations could prevent an accident or an angry confrontation.

We hope that you have gained a better understanding of the idea of self control through these examples. If you think of any others, whether they are inside or outside the training hall, please feel free to comment on this post and share your ideas with others. Who knows, it might just help someone out when they come to their next grading.

I am,
indeed,
a king,
because I know how
to rule myself.
~Pietro Aretino, 10 May 1537