Ethics in Taekwondo - Guiding Our Practice, Shaping Our Character
Ethics is not a side aspect of Taekwondo - it is foundational. From the first bow in the dojang to the highest levels of international competition, ethical conduct defines how we train, compete, lead, and live.
Swiss Taekwondo is committed to upholding and promoting a strong ethical culture in line with the values of Kukkiwon, World Taekwondo (WT), Swiss Sport Integrity and Swiss Olympic. Our community is guided by principles of respect, fairness, non-discrimination, integrity, and responsibility.
Ethics in Martial Arts Tradition
Taekwondo has always been a discipline rooted in moral education. The five tenets - Courtesy, Courage, Perseverance, Volunteering, and Justice - form the ethical backbone of our martial art. These values are practiced daily by students and teachers and are reinforced through rituals, codes of conduct, and the spirit of mutual respect in training.
As practitioners rise through the ranks, ethical responsibility becomes even more important. Higher Dan holders, instructors, and referees are expected to lead by example and uphold the dignity of the art.
Ethics in Swiss Sport - Swiss Olympic Framework
As a Swiss Olympic member federation, Swiss Taekwondo adheres to the Ethik-Charta and the Swiss Olympic Ethics Statute, which outline standards for fairness, health, anti-doping, inclusion, and the protection of minors.
All licensed coaches, officials, and volunteers are required to commit to these ethical guidelines. The framework includes:
- Clear rules for preventing misconduct and abuse
- Access to ombudspersons and reporting mechanisms
- Training in ethical leadership and safe sport principles
Swiss Taekwondo ensures all affiliated members are aware of and aligned with these standards, contributing to a safe and respectful sports culture across Switzerland.
World Taekwondo and Kukkiwon: Global Ethical Vision
On the international level, World Taekwondo emphasizes ethics through its Code of Ethics, anti-doping policies, and rules of fair play and athlete protection. WT’s competitions are governed by principles of integrity, neutrality, and respect for diversity.
Meanwhile, Kukkiwon integrates ethical development into its global education system. Instructors certified by Kukkiwon are expected to teach not only technique but also character, humility, and moral conduct.
Both institutions recognize that true Taekwondo mastery includes ethical maturity - a quality that must be cultivated alongside physical skill.
