The final tenet of Tae Kwon Do that we are going to look at is Courtesy (Ye Ui)
This is often the first tenet that the beginning student learns. Hopefully this tenet is practised and understood prior to starting training and can be demonstrated through basic manners in every day life.
Inside the dojang
When we train it is important to have good manners. Courtesy can be demonstrated through the way we conduct ourselves while training; how we speak (no swearing!), how we behave towards others and how we respond to instructions.
Right from the moment they step through the door of the training hall students are expected to demonstrate a courteous and humble attitude towards everyone in the class. On entry to the training hall all pupils are required to bow to their Instructor and to the dojang. This is a mark of humility and respect. We bow when we start and finish each class, work with a new partner or respond to an instruction from our Instructor.
All students are expected to show courtesy not only to their Instructor and more senior grade students, but also to lower grade students as well. This means that when a more senior student works with a lower grade student, they demonstrate patience, helpfulness and encouragement. There is no place for ego in the dojang. All students were once white belts and this should not be forgotten.
“No one is too big to be courteous, but some are too little”
- Author unknown
To the Instructor, students are expected to respond with “Sir” or “Ma’am”. This is not an ego-boost for the Instructor, rather it demonstrates to the Instructor that the students have listened, understood and are ready to act. In addition it shows that the students are respectful of their Instructor’s knowledge and proficiency in Tae Kwon Do.
As well as showing courtesy towards other Tae Kwon Do practitioners it is also important to be respectful towards other martial arts and martial artists.
When asked if there is a superior combative art, Master Willie Lim, an 8th Dan black belt in Tae Kwon Do (as well as holding black belts and having many years’ experience in other martial arts) says, “Baked beans are baked beans, the question is what brand do you prefer? The exponent makes the style effective. No, I do not believe that any one system has a monopoly on effectiveness. The whole individual that understands his system well would be the best advert for his system.”
It is important to recognise the value and effectiveness in all martial arts, not just the one you train in. Therefore, Instructors and students should not show disrespect towards each other, as we have much to learn from each other.
Outside the dojang
In day-to-day life it is equally important to be courteous towards others. Demonstrate courtesy towards others in small ways, such as; holding doors open for others (not just women!), saying please and thank you, being helpful and showing your gratitude when others are helpful towards you, the list is endless…
This Persian proverb describes perfectly how we should treat others:
"Treat your superior as a father, your equal as a brother, and your inferior as a son."
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