Understanding Charyot, Kyongye, and Junbi
The Foundation of Taekwon-Do: Understanding Charyot, Kyongye, and Junbi
In ITF Taekwon-Do, the commands charyot, kyongye, and junbi are part of every training session. However, their deeper meaning and significance are often overlooked. These terms, far from being mere formalities, form the foundation of the art, reflecting its philosophy and purpose. According to the findings of the ITF Radix Project, which explores the historical and philosophical roots of Taekwon-Do, these terms carry profound lessons that extend far beyond the dojang.
Charyot: Giving Attention
Charyot translates to “attention.” Physically, it is a command to stand still, feet together, hands at the sides, and eyes forward. Mentally, however, it signifies discipline and focus. It reminds practitioners to bring their full attention to the present moment, whether preparing to bow, train, or engage in combat.
Giving attention reflects the principle of courtesy, one of the five tenets of Taekwon-Do. It teaches respect for others and for the task at hand. By practicing charyot, practitioners develop the habit of attentiveness, which is crucial for success in both training and life. The ITF Radix Project highlights this concept as essential for cultivating the mental sharpness needed in self-protection and self-defense.
Kyongye: Giving Respect
Kyongye means “bow” or “give respect.” It is performed toward instructors, training partners, or the dojang itself, symbolizing acknowledgment and humility. The act of bowing is not about subservience but about recognizing the value of others and the traditions of Taekwon-Do.
This respect reflects the tenet of integrity, reminding practitioners to act with sincerity and honor. Kyongye is also a gesture of gratitude—toward teachers for their knowledge, partners for their challenges, and the art itself for its guidance. As the ITF Radix Project emphasizes, understanding kyongye enriches a practitioner’s connection to Taekwon-Do, fostering a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation.
Junbi: Ready in Mind, Spirit, and Body
Junbi, meaning “ready,” is more than a physical stance. It embodies a state of holistic preparedness—physically, mentally, and spiritually. This readiness reflects the tenets of perseverance and indomitable spirit, as it prepares practitioners to face challenges with determination and resilience.
Physically, junbi is about balance and poise, ensuring readiness for action. Mentally, it requires focus and clarity, while spiritually, it symbolizes an unwavering commitment to growth and self-improvement. According to the ITF Radix Project, junbi serves as a bridge between the physical and philosophical aspects of Taekwon-Do, encouraging practitioners to be ready not only for combat but for life’s challenges.
The Five Tenets of Taekwon-Do
The importance of charyot, kyongye, and junbi becomes even clearer when connected to the five tenets of Taekwon-Do:
1. Courtesy: Practiced through charyot and kyongye, courtesy teaches respect for others and oneself. It fosters harmony in training and daily life.
2. Integrity: Bowing with sincerity during kyongye reflects the honesty and moral compass integral to Taekwon-Do.
3. Perseverance: The readiness of junbi reinforces the value of persistence in overcoming challenges.
4. Self-Control: Attention (charyot) and respect (kyongye) require discipline, ensuring that actions align with values.
5. Indomitable Spirit: Embodied in junbi, this tenet speaks to the unwavering determination to face adversity with courage.
Self-Protection vs. Self-Defense
The principles of charyot, kyongye, and junbi are equally relevant in the realms of self-protection and self-defense. While these terms are often used interchangeably, the ITF Radix Project highlights their distinct roles in personal safety.
Self-Protection Tactics
Self-protection is proactive, focusing on avoiding danger through awareness, preparation, and decision-making. It aligns closely with the readiness of junbi and the attentiveness of charyot. Examples include:
• Practicing situational awareness, a reflection of charyot, by noticing potential risks in the environment.
• Using assertive communication to de-escalate conflicts, embodying courtesy and self-control.
• Planning safe routes and avoiding dangerous situations, a proactive application of junbi.
Self-Defense Techniques
Self-defense, on the other hand, is reactive, involving physical actions taken during an immediate threat. Here, junbi prepares the body for swift action, while charyot and kyongye instill the discipline to act with control and respect. Key elements include:
• Simple, effective techniques like blocks, strikes, and escapes.
• Emotional control, reflecting the tenet of self-control, to handle stress and adrenaline.
• Adaptability to unpredictable scenarios, a skill rooted in junbi.
Integrating Both for Holistic Safety
By integrating self-protection tactics with self-defense techniques, practitioners develop a comprehensive approach to personal safety. Taekwon-Do’s foundational principles—charyot, kyongye, and junbi—guide this integration:
• Charyot teaches attentiveness, essential for identifying and avoiding threats.
• Kyongye instills respect, fostering non-confrontational behavior that can prevent escalation.
• Junbi ensures preparedness to act decisively, whether to avoid danger or defend against it.
Conclusion
The findings of the ITF Radix Project illuminate the profound significance of charyot, kyongye, and junbi in Taekwon-Do practice. These terms, rooted in the art’s history and philosophy, are more than training rituals—they are principles for living with focus, respect, and readiness.
By understanding and embodying these terms, along with the five tenets of Taekwon-Do, practitioners not only enhance their martial arts skills but also cultivate the mindset needed to navigate life’s challenges with confidence, discipline, and integrity. Through this deeper understanding, Taekwon-Do becomes not just a martial art but a way of life.
-Roy Rolstad
