Tenets
Basic Tenets of Tong-Il Moo-Do
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1. I pledge to be filial and loyal to my Parents.
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2. I pledge to be loyal to my country.
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3. I pledge to take care of and love my brothers and sisters.
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4. I pledge to make sincere efforts to achieve unity between mind and body.
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5. I pledge to overcome every difficulty by endurance.
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6. I pledge to be courageous and bold for the cause of righteousness.
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7. I pledge to fight against injustice with an indomitable spirit.
A. General Conduct
All students must uphold and protect the honor and prestige of Tong-Il Moo-Do. Students are forbidden to use Tong-Il Moo-Do techniques to provoke or challenge innocent persons, and any such act will make the offender subject to disciplinary action. Students should use these techniques only to protect the honor or well-being of the weak or themselves in a righteous cause.
In Tong-Il Moo-Do training, there is a three minute meditation period before and after class. Its purpose is to allow a student to establish inner harmony with the spirit of the dojang. This internal preparation requires bringing one's heart, thought, and action into focus on the Tong-Il Moo-Do practice.
This meditation period is a vital aspect of every training session for it serves as a strong reminder of the spiritual purpose of Tong-Il Moo-Do training. Meditation before and after each practice anchors the motivation of the student in the spirit of truth, beauty, and goodness.
The proper meditation posture is to kneel respectfully, facing the front of the dojang. The back should be straight, the head slightly bowed, the eyes closed, and the hands atop the thighs. Breathing evenly, the student should meditate on the purpose, objectives, or tenets of Tong-Il Moo-Do.
To assist the student in gathering his focus, the instructor may give an inspirational message to encourage spiritual discipline and character development. Such a message should be received attentively, and considered carefully by each student at the opening meditation, as well as at the closing one. In this way, meditation is an important means to affirm the inner nature and purpose of Tong-Il Moo-Do training.
Conduct
B. Conduct in the Dojang
Literally translated, "do" means the "Way," and "jang" means a "room." Thus, Dojang means the room to seek the Way. It is a training hall for the spirit; a house of mental and physical discipline. Students are expected to conduct themselves accordingly, and to strictly observe the Rules of the Dojang:
1. Before entering the Dojang, remove your shoes.
2. Bow upon entering or leaving the Dojang.
3. Obey the instructor and follow his words earnestly and obediently.
4. All joking and horseplay must cease upon entering the Dojang.
5. While seated on the mat or floor, maintain a proper posture. Do not lean against the wall or stick your feet out in front of you.
6. To avoid harming yourself or others, remove all rings or jewelry before engaging in practice.
7. Students are expected to maintain a high standard of personal hygiene.
C. Ethics of Tong-Il Moo-Do (based on the Principle of Harmony)
Ethics in the Dojang should reflect orderly relationship in the family. That is, students must respect all positions. Elders in the Way should care for their juniors, and juniors should cultivate humility. All should strive for loyalty and filial piety. For though the Way of Harmony has a sportive aspect, the Way itself is not sport. Thus, the perfection of defensive skills must be objective to the perfection of ethical virtue.