This new thread seemed appropriate instead of sidetracking the sport TKD thread. I thought chungdokwan123 made an interesting point and I thought it would be good for further discussion.
Me thinks I've created a philosophical poop storm.
Regardless of whether one "hates" sport TKD or not, let's consider his point that you cannot be a taekwondoist if you hate. Is that necessarily true? We all have negative emotions from time to time: sadness, greed, anger, and yes, hate. Obviously some of us feel these more strongly than others, perhaps even to the point of excess or loss of control.
granfire stated very interestingly that "hate" seldom rises to the level of what that negative characteristic truly embodies......the word is more often than not used as a colloquialism.
We should all strive to be better people, to show kindness and patience to others despite any notion of warrant. But if we don't manage to be perfect paragons of virtue or even if we choose to let a negative emotion win for a time, does that necessarily contradict the tenets of taekwondo?
My point was that I see division.......among "sport" oriented practitioners versus what might be called a more traditional side of what is proclaimed to be the same coin. The division extends to other areas, as in, for example, musical forms.......or camouflage belts. ITF or WTF?
If irreconcilable differences are indeed the order of the day, then perhaps a divorce is in order?
The major reason for my concern is that TKD is becoming ever more popular. The opportunities for misrepresentation of the more important core aspects of the art can only increase. Bedrock principles are important, and when they are neglected.......things such as "hate" and other negative traits can permeate an individual's practice.
I learned the tenets of taekwondo as Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control, Indomitable Spirit.
Where does it say one cannot hate? Self Control, perhaps? Is this debateable?
Taeguek Six - Represents water which is liquid and formless, never loses its nature, and always follows the path of least resistance. We are to be like water in our attempt to overcome difficulties and hardships.
Tenets aside.....is this perhaps an applicable example? Frankly, however, I do believe that the self control tenet makes the point.
As a further discussion point, where is the balance in all of this? Yin and Yang or Um and Yang. One cannot exist without the other and it seems too ascetic to deny oneself everything deemed 'negative'.
It would be impossible to separate one's self from everything negative.....we're human. It's just that I see so much contention in a sphere of life where there should be more attempts at unity.....then again, perhaps my naivete has gotten the better of me?
I'm truly interested in folks' opinions on the matter.
