Our Traditions

The Oath of Song Moo Kwan

The Oath and Principles of Song Moo Kwan were written by Song Moo Kwan founder Byung Jick Ro for the development of Song Moo Kwan martial arts students. In them, he emphasizes mind and body integration, the development of character, far beyond that the physical and technical aspects of martial arts. These traditions reflect Song Moo Kwan’s lineage, and differentiate it from martial sports and many contemporary interpretations of martial arts. Attitude is emphasized over stance, character over form, with the goal not being perfection of technique, but perfection of one’s self.

I pledge to uphold the principles of Song Moo Kwan and discipline my mind and body

I pledge to execute the truth of Song Moo Kwan and respect all ethics

I pledge to adhere to all rules and regulations and unite through cooperation

 


The Principles of Song Moo Kwan

1) Everything begins and ends with Courtesy and Respect

1) Your pursuit of the Way must be with humility, and indifference to pain or pleasure

1) Realizing the Truth of Song Moo Kwan is a lifelong pursuit

1) Your Indomitable Spirit should reflect the power of a million men

1) Unite the wisdom of the Scholar with strength of a Warrior, integrating your mind and body into one

* note that all the Principles are numbered 1, emphasizing that all are equally important


The Definition of Song Moo Kwan

“Ever Youthful House of Martial Arts Training”

Song has three meanings. First it means evergreen tree, which depicts youth or health everlasting. Second, Supreme Grandmaster Ro’s hometown of Kaesong, Korea was called Song Do during the Koryo Dynasty, so it represents his home and finally, he studied under Gichin Funakoshi, whose pen name was Shoto, meaning wavering pines, and who founded the first Karate dojo, called Shotokan, or “House of Wavering Pines.”

Moo means martial. Song Moo Kwan training includes Moo Ye, which translates as martial art, with an emphasis on the artistic aspect, Moo Sool, which translates as martial techniques, and finally Moo Do, means the martial way, a way of living one’s life that is much greater than a set of techniques, with the goal of cultivating the mind and body into harmony.

Kwan means school or house, where one studies and cultivates the mind and body.

Dojang Rules and Regulations 

All World Martial Arts Center students are expected to follow the Rules and Regulations, without exception.  

  1. Bow to the flags and instructor when entering or leaving the Dojang    
  2. Do not enter class late or leave early without the instructor’s permission.
  3. Loud conversation, laughing, chewing gum, wearing watches or jewelry have no place in training. 
  4. Wear a clean uniform and trim your nails. Clean hands and feet are important. 
  5. Do not engage in any activity that might violate the code of ethics or degrade the reputation of the center. 
  6. Assume the position of attention when speaking to an instructor. Also use words of consideration, such as "Yes, Sir", "No, Sir", etc. 
  7. Be courteous and respectful of your fellow students. Do not teach other students unless asked to by your instructor. 
  8. Do not teach martial arts, hold a demonstration or enter a tournament competition without your instructor’s approval. 
  9. Any substitute instructor shall be treated as the Master Instructor

 


Our School Motto

Jung Sin Il Do Ha Sa Bul Song

When your mind and body are together, nothing is impossible 


The Tenets of Tae Kwon Do

Courtesy

Integrity

Perseverance

Self-Control

Indomitable Spirit