The 4 elements of Ho-Am TaeKwonDo

The 4 Elements of Ho-Am TaeKwonDo

By Dale Page (One of Johnson's TaeKwonDo & Jiu-Jitsu Blackbelts)  

HoAm TaeKwonDo is built upon 4 basic elements; Essence, Philosophy, Mission and Journey.  These 4 elements work together to define HoAm TaekwonDo and contribute to its uniqueness and successfulness.

Essence is defined as the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something which determines its character.  The essence of HoAm TaeKwonDo is based upon four principles which when practiced by the student result in its uniqueness.  These principles define how the student practices and performs the movements in TaeKwonDo.  The first principle is “Balanced Posture Alignment” and it defines the relationship, position and alignment of body parts at a specific period in time.  The proper practice of this principle reduces the possibility of injury and helps in effective delivery of techniques.  The second principle is “Extended Plane Dynamic Force” which defines the line of movement in HoAm TaeKwonDo.  This principle works with the nature movement of the student’s limbs to safely create power.  The third principle is “CAT or Controlled Acceleration and Timing” which defines the timing and tempo of HoAm TaeKwonDo movements.  CAT creates rhythmic movements which contribute to the effectiveness, safety and artistic beauty of the form.  The forth principle is “Mindfulness Living and Training” which defines the students attention to the balance of mind and body and to the concept of Presence, the awareness of the moment.  The practice of this principle enhances the students perception of the moment during experiences at TaeKwonDo or during normal everyday activates.

Philosophy is defined as a theory or attitude that guides one behavior.  The philosophy of HoAm TaeKwonDo is based upon the universal principle of the “Law of Harvest” and its 7 Tenets; Honor, Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, Courage and Community.  The “Law of Harvest” is basically you reap what you sow, in TaeKwonDo you get out what you put in.  The seven tenets are our basic guiding principles and along with the Siberian Tiger, the symbol of HoAm TaeKwonDo, endangered in modern times.  HoAm TaeKwonDo strives to create a balance between mind and body and to respect the students’ personal beliefs.

Mission is defined as a strongly felt aim or calling.  The mission of HoAm TaeKwonDo is to guide the organizations’ continued growth and development along with the empowerment of instructors and students to enrich their personal, professional and artistic growth, which leads to the protection of the tenets.  The growth and development of the organization is based on the tenet of community and not business and strives to combine modern research with the ancient traditions to develop the artistic principles.  HoAm TaeKwonDo encourages students to improve their body, mind and spirit, to create a better world and to do what is right.

Journey is defined as an act of travelling from one place to another.  The journey of HoAm TaeKwonDo is an individual journey and is defined by the individual and influenced by instructors and mentors.  The journey is one of physical and mental development and improvement, learning physical techniques to develop the artistic mind.

Dale A. Page

January 21, 2009