Students are required to be aware of the ITF International Student Oath at all times and follow the values it embodies. The oath below is recited at the beginning of all classes.
The International Student Oath
As a student of Taekwon-Do,
I shall observe the tenets of Taekwon-Do,
I shall respect the instructor and seniors,
I shall never misuse Taekwon-Do,
I shall be a champion of freedom and justice,
I shall build a more peaceful world.
The last two lines of the oath describe the effect that following the first three statements will have on a student of Taekwon-Do. It is not expected that a practitioner will change the world single-handed; however, if everyone practising Taekwon-Do behaves in the manner outlined by the five tenets, the Taekwon-Do community will be a role model for the whole of society.
The former Irish oath
In the past, Taekwon-Do practitioners in the Republic of Ireland recited a different oath at the beginning of each class or Taekwon-Do event:
As a member of Taekwon-Do I do solemnly pledge,
To abide by the rules and regulations of the Taekwon-Do Association,
To strive always to be modest, courteous and respectful to all members, in particular to my seniors,
To put the art into use only in self-defence, or in defence of the weak,
And never to abuse my knowledge of the art.