The 5 tenets of Taekwondo: Indomitable spirit

This is the fifth of five installments focusing on the tenets of Taekwondo: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit. A good Taekwondo school will insist that its students exemplify all these traits. Understanding the meaning and purpose of each tenet is key to becoming a martial artist in both mind and body.

Indomitable spirit defined

The word indomitable comes from the Latin verb domitare, or “to tame.” Placing the prefix “in” (meaning not) before the stem, followed by the suffix “able” (capable of, fit for, or worthy of) gives us this strong word that was originally used as a synonym for “wild.” Over time, usage of the word developed into a specific type of “wild” used to describe an “invulnerable strength.”

According to Cambridge dictionary, today the word indomitable is an adjective used to describe someone who is “strong, brave, determined, and difficult to defeat;” and spirit is an essence that is separate from the body. The Webster dictionary defines indomitable as being incapable of being subdued or unconquerable! Someone who exemplifies having an indomitable spirit, then, would have a character that allows them to continue despite adversity… someone who has a mental fortitude that enables them to persevere and never give up. Further, someone who carries an indomitable spirit does not need others to motivate them; they don’t require praise or rewards to continue.

An indomitable spirit is a natural outcome of practicing the first 4 tenets

One who lives life with an indomitable spirit has already incorporated the first 4 tenets into their way of living. Courtesy comes second nature, as rude behavior is unthinkable. Integrity is held with the utmost importance and never compromised. Giving up is not an option, and the choice to persevere is made consciously in all areas of life. Of course, the ability to live out those first three admirable traits is made possible by asserting self-control and holding oneself responsible. Finally, these tenets of Taekwondo, taken together, describe someone who has mastered an indomitable spirit.

Indomitable spirit in children

We don’t normally think about it (at least I don’t), but children are born with an indomitable spirit. We see this from the time they are very small and continually fail to walk, try again, fail, and try again until they are not just walking but running. The same is true of their ability to acquire language skills, learn to read, and almost any other skill they master. Unfortunately, ss with so many things, children pick up learned behaviors that are modeled, and sometimes coached, into them which results in them setting aside this natural inclination to be indomitable.

I find this to be true of myself as an adult as well. I often think about how easily a negative word or attitude from certain people can discourage me from doing something I am excited about or committed to. It should go without saying, then, that modeling, teaching, and encouraging children to maintain that natural indomitable spirit is a gift that will help them succeed throughout life. I can think of no better way to fortify this trait in children than through the practice of martial arts.