The Trinity of Tae Kwon Do consists of the three major aspects of Tae Kwon
Do; the Body, the Mind, and the Spirit. In order for an individual to develop
into a complete and well-rounded person, he must cultivate each aspect of Tae
Kwon Do. If only one or two of the aspects are developed, then a person, no
matter how hard he trains, may never become a true Master of Art of Tae Kwon Do.
The first aspect of Tae Kwon Do is the body. When a person begins his
training, he must first learn to stretch his muscles and get his body into
physical condition to perform the movements of Tae Kwon Do. He works on kicks,
stances, blocks, hand strikes, breathing, rhythm, balance, and much more in
order to properly execute the techniques. The practice of these exercises and
techniques are sharpening the individual's physical condition and thus
developing a strong body. Every time he comes to class or trains at home, he is
continuing to strengthen his body. This is the beginning. The first step toward
the development of the total individual.
The second aspect of Tae Kwon Do is the mind. While learning the physical
techniques of Tae Kwon Do, the individual is engaged in an intense edification
process. He learns anatomy, how his body functions, what enables it to generate
more power, and the weak points of the body so he can both protect his vital
areas, and use the opponent's weak points to defend himself. The student is
learning to focus his concentration and to set and reach goals which he may have
felt were far beyond his capabilities. He learns to teach and help others and
share his knowledge with other members of the dojang (school). He becomes
confident, knowing he can defend himself, his family, and should the need arise,
his country. He has also learned how not to fight. How to walk away from a
confrontation. That when a person engages in physical conflict, no one wins. He
learns it is better to help others so they to can learn the "Way" of Tae Kwon Do
and help build a more peaceful world.
The third and final aspect of Tae Kwon Do is the spirit. The evolution of the
spiritual aspect of Tae Kwon Do is achieved only after the physical and mental
aspects have begun to unfold and take root. A person may have a strong body and
he may possess a vast amount of knowledge but, in order to become a complete
individual he must have vision. He must believe in an idea, other people,
himself, and God. This stage of enlightenment comes when a person is at peace
with himself. He must cultivate the ability to stand up for his beliefs, to not
give in to others who lack the courage to stand by their convictions. The person
who has developed the spiritual aspect of Tae Kwon Do has faith in not only
himself, but those around him. He has become one with the tenets and teachings
of Tae Kwon Do. He lives Tae Kwon Do every day of his life. He applies the
tenets of Tae Kwon Do to his work, family and friends, and yes, even to his
enemies: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-control, and an Indomitable
Spirit. He has reached total development. He has become a true student of the
Art of Tae Kwon Do.
The trinity of Tae Kwon Do can be found in the positioning of the hands when
performing Kwang-Gae, the hyung (pattern) required to reach first
degree black belt. This positioning of the hands represents the body, mind and
spirit, the trinity of Tae Kwon Do. The trinity can also be found in the
knot formed in the belt when it is tied properly.
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