When I first became a Taekwondo instructor, I claimed that my martial art is a philosophy that can be very instrumental in developing our youth through mental discipline and physical conditioning. However, I had a difficult time justifying to myself how punching and kicking could be a philosophy. In the early 1970’s, I was writing a column for Blackbelt magazine. The editor asked me to write an article to justify Taekwondo as a philosophy. I felt I was in trouble because I did not know what to say. During three months of research, I developed my philosophy, Seven Qualities of a Champion, which is now popular with martial artists of many styles.
Our state of mind is caused not only by our thoughts, but also our spoken words, actions, and chosen body postures. There are seven basic physical qualities developed through martial arts training. These physical qualities can be transformed into human qualities because the body and mind are as inseparable as light and a flame. These seven qualities are power, alertness, timing, endurance, balance, flexibility and posture/integrity.
Power — True happiness comes from being physically free to do the things the mind desires. Mental and physical strength together can provide us with the means to actualize our desires. A person is born with a seemingly limitless capacity to learn only when it is understood how to unlock his or her fullest potential.
We as martial artists unlock our potential as we develop mental and physical powers by strengthening the body, heart and mind. Champion martial artists develop a daily habit of exercising muscles and expanding our minds through knowledge.
Alertness — I coined the term “accu-punch” when I trained Muhammad Ali for a title fight in 1976. I define an accu-punch as a punch executed at exactly the moment I decide. It is the perfect synchronization of body and mind. There is no gap between the decision and the execution.
To be a champion, we must not only be able to physically react quickly we must also develop the ability think quickly. The same principle holds true when meeting the challenges and problems of daily life. We may not have control over our challenges, but what is completely within our control is how we prepare and react.
Timing — To be a martial arts champion, one must develop near perfect timing. Being the strongest and quickest doesn’t always equate to success unless the individual learns to act at the precise right moment. To be a champion in life we must develop the habit of choosing the right moment and acting appropriately for success. Punctuality, honoring appointments and respecting the limitations of time and space all help us to be in the right place at the right time.
Endurance — A martial arts champion must train to develop stamina. At the Jhoon Rhee Institute, we teach the “double counter.” Each attack is met with two or three counters. This develops a student’s determination to win. Martial artists develop endurance when we persist in our determination to win.
Persistence is the ability to meet challenges by establishing and maintaining a consistent level of success. Champions achieve a level of success that becomes the standard they must consistently meet. That consistency develops endurance.
Balance — Champion martial artists never lose their balance in a fight. In daily life, a person with wisdom and character who is without strength cannot endure. A person with strength but no character is dangerous to himself and others. Success comes from finding the balance of strength in the body, honesty in the heart and knowledge in the mind.
Flexibility — Good flexibility helps prevent injury in a martial artist. By the same token, a flexible person with an open mind has the greatest opportunity for success. In the world today, too many conflicts are caused by rigid, close-minded people who do not respect others. Maintaining a flexible attitude coupled with timing, allows us to find unexpected sources of inspiration and learning.
Posture/Integrity – In martial arts, upright posture lends a physical symmetry to the art. In our daily life, our character is reflected in how we present ourselves. An “upstanding citizen” is an honest person of integrity. Developing good posture is critical for maintaining good health and presenting a positive social image.
The Seven Qualities of a Champion are obtained through disciplined living. When we discipline ourselves with these seven qualities, we have a vision for our life and the energy and courage necessary to act wisely.
Grandmaster Rhee has detailed his Taekwondo philosophy and the “Seven Qualities of a Champion” in his book, Trutopia: Hope of Healing the World.
