This is part of a series on the Five Tenets of Taekwondo: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control, and Indomitable Spirit.
Integrity can be defined as doing the right thing even when no one is watching. Being honest. Obeying the rules and the law. Having strong moral principles and sticking to them. Here are some examples:
-You choose to tell the truth even when a little white lie would be easier.
-You own up when you make a mistake even though you get in trouble over it.
-You keep a promise even though it makes your life harder.
In the sports world integrity can take many forms. Good sportsmanship is very important for our athletes - and also their parents. This extends to obeying all the rules, respecting the decisions of officials, and holding ourselves accountable for our own performance.
It is this personal accountability that I believe to be the most important aspect of integrity for us to truly master as we continue on our black belt journey.
I had a student many years ago who constantly made excuses. Whenever I asked her to do something in class that was hard for her, she would have a response ready to go - either she didn't sleep well, or she'd twisted her ankle, or she hadn't eaten anything all day, etc. I helped her and pushed her as much as I could but her biggest limitation was always the excuses. She was very naturally talented, but it came as little surprise to me when her peers surpassed her. If she had just done the work, she would have excelled. But far too often she had a "reason" for why she couldn't.
It can be hard sometimes to be truly honest with ourselves. This can be especially true when we make mistakes. I think it's human nature to compensate for and cover up our errors and shortcomings. But this is where our black belt spirit comes in to play.
When you have integrity, you own up to your mistakes. You admit them, and then you do what you can to fix it.
When you have integrity, you acknowledge your weaknesses. You stare your flaws in the face then do everything in your power to defeat them.
When you have integrity, you don't make excuses. You are honest with yourself as well as with others. You don't cop out. You give 100% of your effort.
When you have integrity, you keep your promises. You show up. You do what you say you're going to, even if it makes things harder on you. That includes promises to yourself!
When you have integrity, you treat others with respect. You don't criticize unnecessarily, you don't talk behind their back, and you don't manipulate. You address interpersonal issues forthrightly. You tell people what you mean. And if your words are not helping to build someone up then you keep them to yourself.
Someone who gets a black belt without cultivating integrity can never be sure that they've truly earned it. I never want any student of mine to second guess themselves for a minute. I call out lapses when I see them, but ultimately the choice to act with integrity is yours and yours alone.
Here are some ways that you can practice Integrity:
Tell the truth. Avoid even "white lies."
Keep your promises.
Own up to your mistakes.
Stand up for what you know is right even if others around you don't.
Give 100% of your effort when you are working on something.
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