The Trinity of Tae Kwon Do
By Grand Master James S. Benko PH.D.
The Trinity of Tae Kwon Do consists of the three
major aspects of Tae Kwon Do; the Body, the
Mind, and the Spirit. In order for an individual
to develop into a complete and well-rounded
person, he must cultivate each aspect of Tae
Kwon Do. If only one or two of the aspects are
developed, then a person, no matter how hard he
trains, may never become a true Master of Art of
Tae Kwon Do.
The first aspect of Tae Kwon Do is the body.
When a person begins his training, he must first
learn to stretch his muscles and get his body
into physical condition to perform the movements
of Tae Kwon Do. He works on kicks, stances,
blocks, hand strikes, breathing, rhythm,
balance, and much more in order to properly
execute the techniques. The practice of these
exercises and techniques are sharpening the
individual's physical condition and thus
developing a strong body. Every time he comes to
class or trains at home, he is continuing to
strengthen his body. This is the beginning. The
first step toward the development of the total
individual.
The second aspect of Tae Kwon Do is the mind.
While learning the physical techniques of Tae
Kwon Do, the individual is engaged in an intense
edification process. He learns anatomy, how his
body functions, what enables it to generate more
power, and the weak points of the body so he can
both protect his vital areas, and use the
opponent's weak points to defend himself. The
student is learning to focus his concentration
and to set and reach goals which he may have
felt were far beyond his capabilities. He learns
to teach and help others and share his knowledge
with other members of the dojang
(school). He becomes confident, knowing he can
defend himself, his family, and should the need
arise, his country. He has also learned how not
to fight. How to walk away from a confrontation.
That when a person engages in physical conflict,
no one wins. He learns it is better to help
others so they to can learn the "Way" of Tae
Kwon Do and help build a more peaceful world.
The third and final aspect of Tae Kwon Do is the
spirit. The evolution of the spiritual aspect of
Tae Kwon Do is achieved only after the physical
and mental aspects have begun to unfold and take
root. A person may have a strong body and he may
possess a vast amount of knowledge but, in order
to become a complete individual he must have
vision. He must believe in an idea, other
people, himself, and God. This stage of
enlightenment comes when a person is at peace
with himself. He must cultivate the ability to
stand up for his beliefs, to not give in to
others who lack the courage to stand by their
convictions. The person who has developed the
spiritual aspect of Tae Kwon Do has faith in not
only himself, but those around him. He has
become one with the tenets and teachings of Tae
Kwon Do. He lives Tae Kwon Do every day of his
life. He applies the tenets of Tae Kwon Do to
his work, family and friends, and yes, even to
his enemies: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance,
Self-control, and an Indomitable Spirit. He has
reached total development. He has become a true
student of the Art of Tae Kwon Do.