WHY OUR TENETS? Why some Martial Arts schools have Tenets?

https://www.first2strike.com/

Many Martial Arts schools and clubs will adhere to a code of conduct and a specific philosophy that they would like to instil in the students and atmosphere of the club. It usually coincides with their vision and mission statements. It’s about the betterment of the individual, the building of character, and the understanding of morals and respectful behaviour in and out of the school. There is no wrong or right, it's something that is based in philosophy and belief. It’s personal to every Club, and if taken further; it’s a personal rendering and understanding of the philosophy by every individual instructor, practitioner and student.

A way of cultivating this is through what we call TENETS.

Tenets are a way of simplifying a philosophy into just a few simple key words, yet very powerful words, that are easy to remember, and allows for the digestion of the philosophy in small pieces at a time. And over time, just like peeling back an onion, the “student” (we are all students), is able to slowly peel back the layers to allow the hidden parts to emerge in their own personal journey of self-discovery.

First 2 Strike Freestyle Martial Arts obtains the basis of its philosophy from the tradition of the the Korean martial art, Tae Kwon Do. Tae Kwon Do has it's 5 tenets; Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-control and Indomitable Spirit. I began my martial arts journey in Maiolo Freestyle Tae Kwon Do, with Dominic Maiolo, where I first encountered these tenets, recited at the beginning of every class, and they have stayed with me ever since, and feel compelled to continue their recitation at First 2 Strike. The “onions” continue to unravel. And so I have adhered to these words and the philosophy they radiate, and made them a major component of the First 2 Strike Freestyle Martial Arts philosophy.

I thank the Koreans for their wisdom.

OUR TENETS.

Below, are our 5 onions;

COURTESY

Civility, consideration, kindness, graciousness, compassion, and empathy are all rolled into one.

It forms the manner and behaviour in which we would like to be treated, and how to treat others.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T; RESPECT.

INTEGRITY

The ability to live each moment in the way as to show our true self.

Turmoil, confusion, indecision, corruptibility, and dishonesty all die in the arms of our conscience.

It’s where ethics, morals, principles and honesty thrive.

It’s the truth and our honesty towards it.

WE CAN'T BE BOUGHT.

PERSEVERANCE

It’s the stubbornness in the human spirit, that regardless, we continue our efforts against all adversity.

It’s the little voice in our “will” that screams “never give up!”

As long as we are able, we will continue the journey.

SELF-CONTROL

It’s the ability to channel our powerful emotions of anger, hatred, love, and disappointment in a way that is directed for our personal good, and that of others.

Breathe before we Act.

WE ARE THE AUTHORITIES OF OUR OWN MINDS.

INDOMITABLE SPIRIT

It lies at the heart of all humanity; it's our last stand.

It's our last line of defence.

The eternal desire to survive at all costs.

Incorruptible, unbeatable, invincible.

We can’t be beaten.

OUR SPIRIT IS OUR UNIVERSE.

The tenets live and breathe in every one of us.

They come in different colours and in different shades.

Our interpretations become our words and our actions, the way we interact with our fellow human beings, and of course, the way we approach our training, our fellow students, our instructors and the club.

Our tenets become a way of being.

Be courteous, have integrity, persevere, practice self-control and embrace your indomitable spirit, and…

See you at training…

KNOWLEDGE, PREPAREDNESS AND CONFIDENCE

Pil Sung (Certain Victory)

Vince Serra (First 2 Strike Freestyle Martial Arts)

11 Princes hwy, Figtree, Wollongong 2525 NSW