1. 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
Grandmaster Trân Triêu Quân
President International Taekwon-Do Federation
revised January 2009 1

2. Learning and Teaching the Do
CONTENTS
1. Why practice the Do?
2. The Circle of Taekwon-Do Activities
3. What is the Do?
4. Developing the Program – History & Process
5. Taekwon-Do Values – the Tenets
6. Why Teach the Do? 2

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 3

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 live a healthier, safer, and more principled life. 5

6. 2.
The Circle of Taekwon-Do Activities

7. The Circle of Taekwon-Do Activities7

8. The Circle of Taekwon-Do Activities
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. 8

9. 3.
What is the Do?

10. Origin & Meaning of the Word
What is the Do?
Origin & Meaning of the Word
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".
Chinese character for Dao
Korean character for Do 10

11. How "Tae Kwon Do" evolved into "Taekwon-Do"
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). 11

12. The Philosophy of the Martial Arts
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. 12

13. The Philosophy of Taekwon-Do
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. 13

14. The Philosophy of Taekwon-Do
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. 14

15. The Philosophy of Taekwon-Do
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. 15

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

17. Influences on the Taekwon-Do Philosophy
What is the Do?
Influences on the Taekwon-Do Philosophy
Confucius
A Chinese philosopher, born 551 BC.
TO LEAD
Work with wisdom and devotion to bring peace to the world 4
TO DO
Use your know-how and hard work to bring order to the society you live in 3
TO BEHAVE
Develop a harmonious family life through application of moral culture 2
start here ►
TO BE
Know yourself and improve yourself by self-evaluation and continuous education ( training) 1 17

18. Influences on the Taekwon-Do Philosophy
What is the Do?
Influences on the Taekwon-Do Philosophy
Lao Tzu
A Chinese philosopher, said to be a contemporary of Confucius.
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. 18 18

19. Influences on the Taekwon-Do Philosophy
What is the Do?
Influences on the Taekwon-Do Philosophy
The Buddha
Siddhārtha Gautama, born in 563 BC. founder of Buddhism; revered as the first 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. 19

20. Influences on the Taekwon-Do Philosophy
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. 20

21. Influences on the Taekwon-Do Philosophy
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". 21

22. 4.
Developing the Program

23. History Developing the Program
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. 23

24. History Developing the Program
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. 24

25. History Developing the Program
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. 25

26. The Process Developing the Program
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". 26

27. The Process Developing the Program
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. 27

28. The Process Developing the Program
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. 28

29. The Process Developing the Program
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. 29 29

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

31. Factors that Influence the Way I Act
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. 31

32. Factors that Influence the Way We Act
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. 32

33. 5.
Taekwon-Do Values

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

35. Courtesy – Ye Ui Taekwon-Do Values 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. 35

36. Integrity – Yom Chi Taekwon-Do Values
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. 36

37. Perseverance – In Nae Taekwon-Do Values
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. 37

38. Self-Control – Guk Gi Taekwon-Do Values
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. 38

39. Indomitable Spirit – Baekjul Boolgool
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. 39

40. 6.
Why Teach the Do?

41. The Taekwon-Do Tradition
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. 41

42. Does Protocol = the Do? Why teach 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. 42

43. How to Improve Why teach the Do?
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. 43

44. The Do = Common Sense Why teach the Do?
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. 44

45. 7.
Benefits of Teaching the Do

46. Benefits for Our Students
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. 46

47. Benefits for Our Students
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. 47

48. Benefits for Our Instructors
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. 48

49. Benefits for Our Instructors
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. 49

50. Benefits for the ITF Benefits of teaching the Do
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. 50

51. Benefits for Society Benefits of teaching the Do
There are many serious social problems today. Many people, even those who are very wealthy, are not happy.
By teaching the Do, we help people to have a happier life.
In many countries citizenship is no longer taught in the education system. By teaching the Do, the ITF can fill this need.
We will be producing good productive citizens and future leaders who will have a positive influence on others. 51

52. 8.
Teaching the Do

53. How We Have Been Teaching the Do
We have been using the official ITF Website to introduce and teach the Do because it is accessible and can be updated frequently. The sections of the Website we are using to teach the Do include:
The Way of Life – new quotations, sayings, and proverbs (every two months);
The Do You Know? contests (three times a year);
The President's Messages (every three months in 2009);
Plus the recently-added Kid Kicks (every two months) for our younger students.
Also on the ITF Website: Information about Our Founder, the history of Taekwon- Do, the Taekwon-Do philosophy, and much more. 53

54. How We Will Teach the Do in the Future
Teaching the Do
How We Will Teach the Do in the Future
Levels 1 and 2 will be offered to all instructors.
The structure of the program is based on the five tenets.
Students will learn how to have a happier life by following the ITF Taekwon-Do way of life.
The Do is like a roadmap. Someone else can trace the right route on the map for you, but you still have make the efforts necessary to reach your destination.
To teach the Do successfully, Instructors must have a positive attitude, an excellent knowledge of the Do, and be highly motivated to help their students progress.
The goal is to offer Level 1 worldwide by 2012. 54

55. 9.
The Program to Teach the Do

56. Three Levels The Program Level 1 – What is the Do? Level 2 –
Self-improvement: Applying the Do in our lives
Level 3 –
Leadership Development 56

57. Level 1 – What is the Do? The Program
For Level 1, the goal is to help participants to learn how to teach the Do.
This Workshop is for red and black belt holders.
It takes place over two days, for a total of 12 hours:
2 hours about the history of the Do and the benefits of applying its principles in our lives,
7.5 hours about the tenets (1.5 hours for each),
2 hours about the rules of protocol.
All students are encouraged to ask questions and participate in the discussion periods, practical demonstrations, and role-playing situations. 57

58. Level 2 – Self-improvement: Applying the Do
The Program
Level 2 – Self-improvement: Applying the Do
This Workshop is offered to Instructors who have taken Level 1.
The Workshop lasts one week (five full days).
Participants will learn how to cultivate the five Taekwon-Do tenets in their lives and how to teach the Do to their students.
Teaching methods will be explained and teaching tools provided to the participants for use with their students. 58

59. Level 1 – Teaching Program for White & Yellow Belts
The Program
Level 1 – Teaching Program for White & Yellow Belts
COURTESY
INTEGRITY
PERSEVERANCE
SELF- CONTROL
INDOMITABLE SPIRIT
What it is What it is not
Politeness Kindness
Honesty
Positive attitude Commitment
Benefits
Application:
dojang
home
school
others 59

60. Level 1 – Teaching Program for Red & Black Belts
The Program
Level 1 – Teaching Program for Red & Black Belts
COURTESY
INTEGRITY
PERSEVERANCE
SELF- CONTROL
INDOMITABLE SPIRIT
What it is What it is not
Helpfulness
Accuracy
Goal-setting
Emotional control
Benefits
Application:
dojang
home
school
others 60

61. Level 2 – Self-Improvement by Applying the Do
The Program
Level 2 – Self-Improvement by Applying the Do
COURTESY
INTEGRITY
PERSEVERANCE
SELF- CONTROL
INDOMITABLE SPIRIT
What it is What it is not
Gratitude Thankfulness Loyalty
Straightforwardness Openness
Action plans
Cognitive control
Assertiveness
Benefits
Application:
dojang
home
school
others 61

62. Level 2 – Cultivating the Tenets
The Program
Level 2 – Cultivating the Tenets
COURTESY
INTEGRITY
PERSEVERANCE
SELF- CONTROL
INDOMITABLE SPIRIT
Determinants
Strategies to develop courtesy: using empathy, self-observation, etc.
Strategies to develop integrity: considering the consequences, etc.
Strategies to develop perseverance:
positive attitude,
commitments,
goal-setting,
action plans,
etc.
Strategies to develop self-control:
considering the consequences,
focusing attention,
overcoming emotions,
employing critical thinking,
Strategies to develop indomitable spirit:
through exposure to models,
considering the consequences, assertiveness.
resisting peer or social pressure, 62 62

63. Level 3 – Leadership Development
The Program
Level 3 – Leadership Development
Level 3 will consist of Leadership Camps designed to develop future leaders for the ITF and its affiliated organizations. These sessions will be adapted to meet local needs.
Participants must have completed Levels 1 and 2 and be able to show that they are striving to apply the Do in their lives.
The goal of Level 3 is to prepare participants for a management career in ITF Taekwon-Do.
In addition, there will be "How to Teach Leadership" seminars for Instructors who want to teach basic leadership skills to their young students. 63

64. Tools for Teaching the Do
The Program
Tools for Teaching the Do
the Tenets
the Student's Oath
written anecdotes, vignettes
illustrated stories
interactive stories
crossword and other puzzles
sentence completion exercises
problem solving activities
drawings to color or complete
readings
others 64

65. Teaching Methods & Strategies
The Program
Teaching Methods & Strategies
Use a wide variety of methods,
Learn as much as possible about the tools listed on the previous slide,
Work to apply the tenets in your own life,
Work hard to become good models for your students,
Praise your students when they make wise decisions and whenever you see they are making progress in applying the Do. 65

66. The Program Method of Evaluation
The method of evaluation for this program is still being developed. It will be based on specific criteria. The student's knowledge of the Do will be tested. The student will be expected to explain how the Do should apply in a specific situation. The student will have to give practical examples of how he applies the Taekwon-Do philosophy in his life. This evaluation will be an important factor for promotion to higher rank.
Research will be done to assess the effects of teaching the Do on our members and the communities in which they live. 66

67. Three Recommended Books
Character Strengths and Virtues published by Oxford University Press and the American Psychological Association
Why Good Things Happen to Good People by Stephen Post, Ph.D. and Jill Neimark "Doing good is good for you."
True North: Discover Your Authentic Leadership by Bill George and Peter Sims "There is no single right way to become an ideal leader, but you need a leadership plan."

68. The Program Moving Forward
In our research we identified many interesting books about various philosophies and how to become authentic leaders. Not surprisingly, there are many similarities between the characteristics they describe as essential for a leader and the values we teach based on the Taekwon-Do tenets. The working group has received numerous positive reactions to this initiative, particularly from our Instructors. We are gratified by the interest and support expressed. The pertinence and value of a program to teach the Do have been established, and we are now moving forward with the implementation of the program. 68 68

69. Concept 1:
How to define a happy life
How to achieve a happy life

70. Defining & Achieving a Happy Life
Concept 1:
Defining & Achieving a Happy Life
One definition of happiness is: a long-term state of mind based upon an accurate perception of reality.
Does your definition of a happy life include:
a balanced life = work & study + family & friends + leisure & rest;
a healthy mind in a healthy body: good nutrition, physical activity, having fun;
meaningful work;
a healthy environment;
living in harmony and enjoying time with family and friends?
Remember: Your definition of a happy life depends on your individual circumstances. It will evolve as you grow older. 70 70

71. Defining & Achieving a Happy Life
Concept 1:
Defining & Achieving a Happy Life
Understand the difference between pleasure and happiness.
Pleasure is instant gratification.
Pleasure is caused by certain sensations and a specific situation.
Pleasure is generally short-lived.
Pleasure can be deceptive.
Example: Taking certain drugs may deliver a powerful sensation of pleasure for a short time, but this is deceptive. The reality is that taking drugs will never make you truly happy. 71 71

72. Concept 1: Achieving a Happy Life To achieve happiness, we need to:
Respect the fundamental human values of peace, freedom, and justice,
Develop a strong, authentic personality,
Adopt a positive attitude,
Develop competency in many areas,
Find a good balance between work, family, leisure, and rest. 72 72

73. Concept 2:
How to use a Project Management approach to become a successful and happy person

74. Using a Project Management Approach
Concept 2:
Using a Project Management Approach 74 74

75. Concept 2
The Tree
The Tree illustrates how to apply a Project Management approach to develop your life project. By adopting a healthy lifestyle and working on each of the elements, you will increase the likelihood of finding success and happiness. The roots and trunk represent who you are. The leaves represent the actions you take to achieve your life project. The star represents success and happiness. 75 75

76. The Roots = Your Way of Life
Concept 2 – The Tree
The Roots = Your Way of Life
your physical and mental health,
your philosophy,
the environment you live in,
your competencies and experience,
a balanced life. 76 76

77. Concept 2 – The Tree The Trunk = Your Spirit your goals,
the ethical rules you follow (human values),
team spirit,
your vision,
wisdom. 77 77

78. The Branches = Working for Success
Concept 2 – The Tree
The Branches = Working for Success
your attitude,
your strategy,
your life development project,
your personal and financial resources,
the timing. 78 78

79. The Star = A Successful & Happy Person
Concept 2 – The Tree
The Star = A Successful & Happy Person
YOU 79 79

80. Conclusion
ITF students are interested in learning about the Do. We have developed the concept and the program for teaching the Do. We are very pleased with the progress so far. The teaching of Level 1 will continue to spread. Our teachers will be consulted for their comments and suggestions about the program, which will be adapted as necessary. Teaching the Do will continue to be a priority for the ITF.
We have a responsibility to ensure that the teaching of the Do takes its rightful place alongside the physical training of Taekwon-Do. 80 80

81. Thank you for your interest and attention.
Grandmaster Trân Triêu Quân President of the ITF