SELF CONTROL: BEYOND COMMITMENT

Of the five tenets of Taekwondo; Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverence, Self Control, and Indomitable Spirit, it is self control that governs them all. It is extremely important, inside and outside the dojang, in order to deal with the many choices that are put before us every day.

By first defining "self" we can attempt to understand it, and perhaps, control it. Here is a relevant quote by Sir William R. Hamilton, Professor of Astronomy in the University of Dublin, Astronomer Royal for Ireland, President of the Royal Irish Academy: "The self, the I, is recognized in every act of intelligence as the subject to which that act belongs. It is I that perceive, I that imagine, I that remember, I that attend, I that compare, I that feel, I that will, I that am conscious.

The Greek word for self control is EGKRATEIA. It comes from the word "kratos" (strength) and means "one holding himself/herself in". The Greek word goes beyond actions to attitude.

The Bible defines self control as "The fruit of the spirit" Not lacking zeal, being joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer, blessing rather than cursing those who persecute, being careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone, not taking revenge, overcoming evil with good. The Ten Commandments are a delineation for self control. Each commandment requiring self control in order to be maintained. Self control is to be sought after and desired, it is to be added to knowledge. But self control is not always easy to maintain. The wisdom of Solomon declared it is easier to capture a city than to be in control of ones spirit.

The indisputable motivation for applying self control while learning Taekwondo is to not hurt oneself or other students. A loss of self control in free sparring can prove disastrous. An inability to live and work within one’s capability is lack of self control. Knowing the appropriate situation requiring justifiable action that will inflict injury to a person is self control as is knowing when the situation has passed and stopping the action.

Self control starts with commitment but must progress beyond to actions.