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The Five Codes of Tang Soo Do
 
The Five Codes are an indispensable part of Tang Soo Do. Drafted by the Monk Won Kwang approximately 1800 years ago, the codes served as a written model of conduct for the warriors of the time. Though the original Five Codes have been adapted to meet modern demands, the deeper meanings of the original five codes still provide a clear path to follow.

Five Codes of Tang Soo Do:
  1. Loyalty to country
  2. Obedience to parents
  3. Honor friendship
  4. No retreat in battle
  5. In fighting choose with sense and honor
To the modern day Tang Soo Do practitioner, the Five Codes are best understood when the literal meaning is applied to living in today's world. In this context, the Five Codes not only represent a model of conduct, but also represent a set of ideals that embody the ultimate goal of the Tang Soo Do practitioner.

Below the Five Codes are broken into their literal meaning and their practical application. They are as follows:

ORIGINAL CODES LITERAL MEANING PRACTICAL APPLICATION
"Nara E Chung Sung"
Loyalty to country
Country implies community, neighbor, society, country
faithfulness, devotion, sincerity, patriotism, contribution
"Boo Moo E Hyo Do"
Obedience to parents
Parents implies father, mother, teacher, elders, and instructors
respect for others, esteem, honor, appreciation
"Boung Woo Yoo Shin"
Honor friendship
Friends implies associates, colleagues, brothers, sisters
brotherhood, sisterhood, trust, unity, responsibility, credibility, humility
"Im Jun Moo Toi"
No retreat in battle
Battle signifies job, duty, responsibility, goal, ideal
determination, perseverance, duty, courage
"Sal Sang Yoo Taek"
In fighting, choose with sense and honor
Fighting means use of Tang Soo Do to defend against injustice
humanity, mercy, wisdom
 
 
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