HapKiDo Creed

The meaning of Hapkido is to conform to the way of Heaven and Earth. The basic objective of the training should be to conform yourself to nature with whole mind and body. Instruct everybody with enthusiasm and sincerity, just as Nature accepts and fosters all creation without partiality. Conflict exists only in the relative world and not in the world of absoluteness. Winning a fight is only a temporary victory and sooner or later you will be defeated. True victory is to win without a fight. Do not slander others' arts. Mountains do not laugh at the lowliness of rivers, and rivers do not ridicule the mountains immobility. Every art is unique. If you slander others, it will return to you Courtesy and manners are the beginning and end of the art. Not observing the formalities, but also true politeness from the heart is to be stressed Even a worm of an inch possesses a soul. Each individual has self-respect. Do not despise a person and hurt his or her pride. Honour others and they will honour you. If you have contempt for others, the contempt will be returned to you. If you regard another's personality and listen to them, they will follow you with loyalty and respect. Try to attain real broad-mindedness. Concentrate your mind on your tanjon and meditate as if you want to inhale and store all the good spitits of nature in yourself. Do not spare effort inguiding followers. Their progress is yours. Since nobobdy can learn overnight, practice with patience and not with hastiness. Instructors - be humble. As an apprentice grows following the examples of his Master, so a Master progresses through his instruction. Remember, this is the characteristic of "KI", the Spirit. Respect each other's opinions and personalities in every day training. Those who boast are the frivoulous ones. Act with confidence. As you explore the principles of Heavena and Earth and apply them, Nature will protec you. There is nothing to fear. True confidencen is acquired when you realize that you ar one with Heaven and Earth. Attacking comes last; defense is our objective. Be a Hapkido person, capable of leading others with love, no matter how fierce they may be.