Grandmaster Trân Triêu Quân President International Taekwon-Do Federation

1. Grandmaster Trân Triêu Quân PresidentInternational Taekwon-Do Federation Learning and Teaching the Do • What is the Do in Taekwon-Do? • What are the benefits of teaching the Do? • A program for teaching the Do revised January 2009

2. Learning and Teaching the Do CONTENTS

3. Learning and Teaching the Do CONTENTS (cont'd) 7. Benefits of Teaching the Do 8. Teaching the Do 9. The Program to Teach the Do Concept 1: A Happy Life Concept 2: Using a Project Management Approach: The Tree Conclusion

4. 1. Why practice the Do?

5. Why practice the Do? Three Main Goals The three main goals of practicing Taekwon-Do are to: 1. improve physical fitness and mental health through training = Taekwon-Do as a sport 2. develop self-defense abilities = Taekwon-Do as a martial art 3. live according to basic universal values = Taekwon-Do as a way of life ITF Taekwon-Do can help us to livea healthier, safer, and more principled life.

6. 2. The Circle of Taekwon-Do Activities

7. The Circle of Taekwon-Do Activities The Circle

8. The Circle of Taekwon-Do Activities The Circle The Circle of Taekwon-Do Activities illustrates the full scope of ITF Taekwon-Do teaching. The Do is the heart of the circle because it affects every aspect of ITF Taekwon-Do. Taekwon-Do is a way of life. Therefore, we should apply the Do not only in the dojang but in every aspect of our lives.

9. 3. What is the Do?

10. Origin: The word Do comes from the Chinese word Dao which can be translated literally as "the road" or "the way". Meaning: The word Do has many meanings. In the teaching of the martial arts, we could define the Do as "the way to become a better person and have a happier life". What is the Do? Origin & Meaning of the Word Chinese character for Dao Korean character for Do

11. What is the Do? How "Tae Kwon Do" evolved into "Taekwon-Do" Tae Kwon Do General Choi explained that his newly-designed martial art was not well known at the beginning (1955). To ensure the correct pronunciation of the name, he wrote it as three separate words: "Tae", "Kwon", and "Do". Taekwon-Do With the publication of his first book in English, titled simply "Taekwon-Do", he changed the spelling to "Taekwon-Do." General Choi explained that the change was designed to highlight the need for balance between the physical training (the tae and the kwon) and the mental training (the do).

12. What is the Do? The Philosophy of the Martial Arts The fundamental purpose of the Martial Arts is to produce good citizens who have: • good basic values, • a strong mind and a strong body, and most importantly, • who are productive members of society.

13. What is the Do? The Philosophy of Taekwon-Do In order to become a productive member of society, one must: • be at peace with himself or herself, • feel good in one's own skin. To reach this state one must learn about the Do and apply it in our lives. When we are happy, we are able to reach out and help others.

14. What is the Do? The Philosophy of Taekwon-Do General Choi summed up the Taekwon-Do philosophy in the last sentences of the Student Oath: • I shall be a champion of justice and freedom, • I shall build a better and peaceful world. It is only by cultivating values like peace, freedom, and justice that we can fulfill Our Founder's wish that all his students become productive citizens.

15. What is the Do? The Philosophy of Taekwon-Do For all ITF Taekwon-Do practitioners, the ultimate goal is to contribute actively to building a better world with peace, freedom, and justice.

16. What is the Do? Influences on the Taekwon-Do Philosophy • Confucius • Lao Tzu • The Buddha • The Dalai Lama (modern Buddhism)

17. What is the Do? Influences on the Taekwon-Do Philosophy Confucius A Chinese philosopher, born 551 BC.

18. Influences on the Taekwon-Do Philosophy Lao Tzu emphasized: respect for the natural world, the balance of ying and yang. We need to: work to protect the environment, achieve balance in our lives. What is the Do? Lao Tzu A Chinese philosopher, said to be a contemporary of Confucius.

19. What is the Do? Influences on the Taekwon-Do Philosophy The Buddha The Buddha taught: • We must show respect for all living things. • Problems are often caused by egotism. • Humans are never satisfied. • Unquenchable desire + lack of self-control + ignorance = suffering. Siddhārtha Gautama, born in 563 BC.founder of Buddhism; revered as the first Buddha.

20. What is the Do? Influences on the Taekwon-Do Philosophy The Buddha To stop the suffering, we must learn to: • abandon the ego, • practise self-control, • recognize universal values, • develop our knowledge and judgement.

21. What is the Do? Influences on the Taekwon-Do Philosophy The Dalai Lama – Modern Buddhism His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatzo, born in 1935, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. Teachings: • The key to creating a better and more peaceful world is to develop love and compassion for others. • Individuals can make a difference in society, and we have a responsibility to do so. ►Note the similarities to the Taekwon-Do philosophy. The Dalai Lama's best known books: "The Art of Happiness" and "Ancient Wisdom, Modern World".

22. 4. Developing the Program

23. Developing the Program History • General Choi spent a lot of time and effort developing the techniques and teaching them around the world. While he felt there were many Masters who were qualified to teach these techniques, he regretted that none were qualified to teach the Do. • From General Choi's last book "Moral Guide Book", a collection of maxims and teachings of ancient wise men: ...the only way one can truly achieve the status as a man of Taekwon-Do is to go beyond the technical aspect and establish a lifestyle based on a solid code of morality. Our Founder left us a valuable resource:The Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do.

24. Developing the Program History • When the members of the current ITF team were first elected in 2003, one of the top priorities was to teach the whole Taekwon-Do, the Do as well as the techniques. • We wanted to test the IIC participants' interest in learning and teaching the Do,so that same year a session about the Do was offered at the IIC in Cologne (Germany). • Since that time, sessions about the Do have been integrated into each IIC.

25. Developing the Program History In 2003, Dr. Janel Gauthier (4th degree; a professor of psychology) and Joliette Trân (5th degree; an occupational therapist) accepted to work with me on this file. The goal of this working group was to assess the state of the teaching the Do in the ITF. Our analysis showed that: • A few instructors were teaching the Do on their own initiative, but in many parts of the world it was not taught at all. • Many International Instructors did not have a thorough knowledge of the Do. The good news: Our research confirmed that many ITF members were interested in learning about the Do.

26. Developing the Program The Process Recognizing that Our Founder had left us a valuable philosophy, we needed to emphasize the importance of the Do and develop a program to teach it. • In 2004 a feasibility study was conducted. • In 2005 a working group was formed with the mandate to develop the concept of the program. • The program is based on the Taekwon-Do philosophy developed by Our Founder and is structured around the five tenets, which he described as "a guide for all serious students of the art".

27. Developing the Program The Process • A single module workshop on Self-Control was prepared and presented in Benidorm (Spain) in 2006. • After that experience, the module was reviewed and improved. We decided to offer a three-level program. • Now, at the beginning of 2009, the basic program for teaching the Do – Level 1 – is ready; Levels 2 and 3 are under development.

28. Developing the Program The Process The Future:The goal is to have Level 1 of the Teaching the Do program fully integrated into the teaching of ITF Taekwon-Do worldwide by 2012.

29. The Process The members of the working group discussed whether it is really possible to change the factors that influence the way we act and, as a result, learn to make better decisions. We found scientific studies showing that it is possible. This scientific support encouraged us to continue our efforts. Developing the Program

30. My Values My Conscience My Thoughts My Experiences My Decisions & My Actions Developing the Program Factors that Influence the Way I Act

31. Developing the Program Factors that Influence the Way I Act Can I control the factors that influence the way I act? Can I control the effects of: - my values? - my conscience? - my thoughts? - my experiences? Yes. Research has proven that it is possible. We can learn to develop and use personal "thought filters" that will help guide our decisions and our actions.

32. Developing the Program Factors that Influence the Way We Act Scientists have identified the parts of the human brain that control our thoughts. With discipline and enough practice we can learn to control our thoughts sufficiently to make better decisions.

33. 5. Taekwon-Do Values

34. Taekwon-Do Values The Tenets • Courtesy • Integrity • Perseverance • Self-Control • Indomitable Spirit

35. Taekwon-Do Values Courtesy – Ye Ui We express Courtesy by showing: • Respect • Good manners • Protocol • Kindness • Helpfulness • Loyalty • Empathy • Tolerance • Compassion • Concern about our environment Examples: - When attending Taekwon-Do classes, we follow the dress code and the rules about behavior. - We do not litter.

36. Taekwon-Do Values Integrity – Yom Chi We express Integrity by demonstrating: • Honesty • Accuracy • Transparency • Straightforwardness • Openness and by: • being unbiased, and • recognizing potential conflicts of interest. It is essential that we avoid even the appearance of impropriety. Examples: - We tell the truth. - We would never use tricked boards for a breaking demonstration.

37. Taekwon-Do Values Perseverance – In Nae Perseverance is a process that requires: • A positive attitude • Commitment • Staying focused on a goal • Overcoming difficulties • "Bouncing back" after a failure Examples: - After failing a test or grading, we continue to work hard to prepare for the next try. - We set reasonable goals, prepare action plans, adjust them when necessary, and continue to work until we are successful.

38. Taekwon-Do Values Self-Control – Guk Gi We demonstrate Self-Control by: We demonstrate Self-Control by: • not being a slave to our emotions, desires, and impulses, • analysing our thoughts, • acting according to our principles. Without Self-Control, it would be impossible to demonstrate the other four tenets. Examples: - We always think about the consequences before acting. - In a conflict situation, we remain calm.

39. Taekwon-Do Values Indomitable Spirit – Baekjul Boolgool We demonstrate Indomitable Spirit by: • refusing to compromise our principles, • standing up for justice, • overcoming our fears, • being courageous, • taking reasonable risks. Examples: - We make the right decision, even if it is unpopular. - We meditate on the lives of those who have shown indomitable spirit and try to imitate them.

40. 6. Why Teach the Do?

41. Why teach the Do? The Taekwon-Do Tradition The Korean military heritage is still strong in Taekwon-Do: • the respect for authority, • the emphasis on loyalty to the masters, • the importance given to rules of protocol.

42. Why teach the Do? Does Protocol = the Do? Some instructors believe that teaching the Do means simply teaching the rules of protocol. But ITF students need to be taught more than the actions and the words required by the protocol. They need to learn the meaning of protocol and why we follow protocol. Taekwon-Do protocol is thoroughly explained in Level 1. It is essential that all ITF students everywhere understand the relationship between the Do and protocol.

43. Why teach the Do? How to Improve With a better comprehension of the Do and how it should be applied, both instructors and students will become more aware and vigilant. As all our members become better educated about the Do, the ITF will continue to evolve as a democratic organization.

44. Why teach the Do? The Do = Common Sense The Do is not just an Oriental concept. It teaches universal values. The Do is the law of common sense. Our goals for teaching the Do and for introducing democracy in the ITF are the same: • Everyone will show respect for one another; • Everyone will be treated fairly and with justice.

45. 7. Benefits of Teaching the Do

46. Benefits of teaching the Do Benefits for Our Students Our students will become strong both physically and mentally. They will develop good basic values and those values will guide them to make wise decisions. Applying the Do will help students to be successful and have a happy life. Learning about the Do will prepare them to become good leaders.

47. Benefits of teaching the Do Benefits for Our Students For example: Without an understanding of the Do, a student who reaches a high-level black belt degree or who wins frequently in competitions could develop a big ego, becoming arrogant or disrespectful to others. By applying the Do, the student will understand the importance of remaining modest and humble. The student will start to develop wisdom and become a good role model for his or her fellow students.

48. Benefits of teaching the Do Benefits for Our Instructors By learning and teaching the Do, Instructors will better understand the complete Taekwon-Do, not just the "Taekwon". They will set a better example for their students. Instructors will be justly proud of being able to guide their students on the right way to a happier life. Other martial arts organizations may not teach the Do in a structured way, so teaching all facets of Taekwon-Do can give ITF Instructors a marketing advantage.

49. Benefits of teaching the Do Benefits for Our Instructors For example: If they do not apply the Do, some high-ranking Instructors and Masters could become overconfident and misuse their position. The principles of the Do require showing respect for everyone, regardless of age or rank. Instructors who apply the Do are more likely to use their position to have a positive influence on their juniors who will become better Taekwon-Do students, better citizens, and be able to reach their goal of having a happier life.

50. Benefits of teaching the Do Benefits for the ITF By teaching the Do, the ITF sets itself apart from the martial arts that teach only techniques. Members who apply the Do will become loyal to the ITF. In the long term, teaching the Do will help to develop potential leaders at the various levels within the ITF and of its affiliated organizations.