What is Jung Shin?

In my last post I talked about some of the general values of instructors. Essentially, I explained what I believe a good instructor should practice. I realize, however, that I failed to mention an exact ethics code, instead choosing to focus on more broad topics, such as respect and conflict resolution. I also mention how the moral lessons taught by jnfivifual schools come from a number of different sources including community values (the US is very respect heavy), ethics philosophy, and Jung Shin.

Wait, what is Jung Shin? Well, that’s what this post is about.

Jung Shin is essentially the philosophy behind taekwondo. If you ever read books on taekwondo history, philosophy, or even forms you will find it mentioned. Some schools (such as mine) regularly recite it as part of class or as a part of a testing. The idea behind it is to teach students (particularly younger kids) the importance of respect, self-control, and honesty early and consistently. I've found over the years that it, combined with a healthy community, is very helpful in creating an environment for learning. Here is the list that I was taught and teach my students.

Yae E - Courtesy

Courtesy is one of the first things you learn in taekwondo training. Most schools introduce this by teaching students to bow to other people. Particularly their instructors and their fellow students. Some schools prefer that people address others as "sir," "ma'am," or their titles like "Master Smith" or "Ms. Jackson." Then there is also showing courtesy and respect by respecting others requests, and generally treating others well. I've often found Courtesy to be one of the more practical parts of Jung Shin that I use every day.

Yom Chi - Integrity

Who doesn't appreciate an honest person? Living in the modern world, it can sometimes be hard to determine when you are getting the full truth or when someone might fulfill their promise. It's not necessarily the individuals fault, or anyone's fault really, but it can be a bit disappointing when you feel lied to. That's why students are taught integrity. It's part of being a light in their community. Now, Integrity doesn't necessarily mean being brutally honest all the time. I find it applies more frequently to owning up to your faults, admitting your mistakes, and treating others kindly. Integrity isn't just about honesty. It's about self-respect, respect for others, and humility.

In Nae - Perseverance

Taekwondo training is hard! I've found that at good taekwondo schools the best students aren't perfect. In fact, the best students fail more frequently then most of their colleagues. The difference is that those students will pick themselves up and keep going. They won't do this once either. They will do this infinitely. They will persevere.

Some people enter taekwondo to become black belts. That is not Perseverance. That is ambition. Those who persevere are the ones who are often in it to learn. See, with ambition one can give up if they decide that it is not worth the struggle or feel they are done. Those who want to learn, however, will try again and again and again until they are ready for the next step. Those students who express Perseverance are more often then not the ones who become black belts. Those who don't express perseverance might become black belts, sure. But I've found they never quite learn.

Geuk Gi - Self Control

If you've read my other articles, you know. Self-control is important to me. This is for many reasons, but not the least of which is because a trained martial artist can hurt someone. The truth is though, that fighting is not the right choice. I've also learned, both from personal experience and watching others, that self-control is healthy outside of fighting too.

As an example, I like donuts. In American culture we are surrounded by an excess of food, Some of which are unhealthy, such as donuts. I could eat a whole box of glazed donuts (or chocolate, I don't mind!), Yum. However, I also know that it is unhealthy to do so. So what do I do? I eat one donut and then stop myself. I want to eat more donuts, but I know it's not good for me. So, I express the self-control to resist what I want, to instead choose what I need (which is good health). It's not necessarily easy, but that's the point. As the saying goes, if it were easy, it wouldn't be worth doing.

Baek Chul Bul Gool - Indomitable Spirit

This one is a much less obvious and much more philosophical idea. I could go on forwever talking about what "an Indomitable Spirit" means in taekwondo. In fact I've both written and memorize essays on the idea. However, there is simply not enough time. So instead I will keep it simple. Indomitable Spirit is all of these things brought together with the intent of having a positive impact on the world around you. More frequent readers know that this is an important part of being a black belt. A person with indomitable spirit can take criticism and learn from it. They can take a struggle and grow from it. In essence, a person with Indomitable Spirit can keep going, growing, and does not give up.

How about you? Do you think you have what it take to be a black belt? What does Jung Shin mean to you?

Have a great day!