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joesteph
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Moral Character Principles from Martial Arts on Ancient Tablet

I was reading the September 2010 issue of an online magazine, Totally Tae Kwon Do, even though I actually practice Soo Bahk Do, and came across an article by Master Doug Cook, who referred to moral principles found in Tae Kwon Do. The 10 principles he stated were greatly similar to those of my art's founder, Grandmaster Hwang Kee. I emailed him, and his response included a photo of the ancient tablet that has the 10 principles inscribed on it. They were composed by a Buddhist monk, Wonkwang Popsa, were adopted by his art (Tae Kwon Do), my art (Soo Bahk Do), and another Korean art, Tang Soo Do.

The tablet with its well-preserved markings can be found using this link, whether you belong to Facebook or not:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=252134&l=259e8d6b9d&id=100000928483076

Here are the 10 principles:

BE LOYAL TO YOUR COUNTRY; BE LOVING AND SHOW FIDELITY TO YOUR PARENTS; BE LOVING BETWEEN HUSBAND AND WIFE; BE COOPERATIVE BETWEEN BROTHERS AND SISTERS; BE FAITHFUL TO YOUR FRIENDS; BE RESPECTFUL TO YOUR ELDERS; ESTABLISH TRUST BETWEEN TEACHER AND STUDENT; USE GOOD JUDGMENT BEFORE HARMING ANY LIVING THING; NEVER RETREAT IN BATTLE; ALWAYS FINISH WHAT YOU START

benkendrick
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When I was studying Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do (which later became known as Soo Bahk Do), back in the late '80's to early 90's, these were refereed to as the 10 Articles of Faith and were requried learning for rank advancement.

Phil Miles
Phil Miles's picture

From a Shindenfudo Ryu Densho:

Know the wisdom of being patient during times of inactivity.

Choose the course of justice as the path of your life.

Do not let your heart be controlled by the demands of greed, ease or pain.

Sorrow, pain and resentment should be regarded as natural qualities to be found in life, therefore  work to cultivate an immovable spirit (heart).

Hold in your heart  the importance of family loyalty and aspire greatly for the ways of the pen and the sword with balanced determination.

Toda Shinryuken Masamitsu - 5 Dojo Rules