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Custom Taekwondo Chinese & Korean Calligraphy Wall Scroll

We have many options to create artwork with Taekwondo characters on a wall scroll or portrait...
...We could also help you create a Taekwondo Asian Tattoo.

Quick links to words on this page...

  1. Taekwondo
  2. Spirit of Taekwondo
  3. Taekwondo Tenets / Spirit of Taekwon-do
  4. Courtesy / Etiquette
  5. Indomitable Spirit
  6. Justice / Rectitude / Right Decision
  7. Martial Arts / Wu Shu
  8. Sense of Shame / Sense of Honor...
  9. Patience / Perseverance...
10. Self-Restraint / Self-Control
11. Korean CKD Virtues

Taekwondo

tái quán dào
te kon do
태권도
跆
拳
道

This is one of the most widespread types of martial arts in the world as well as being an Olympic sport. Taekwondo was born in Korea with influences of Chinese and Japanese styles, combined with traditional Korean combat skills. Some will define it as the "Korean art of empty-handed self-defense".

In the simplest translation, the first character means "kick", the second character can mean either "fist" or "punching" the third means "way" or "method". Altogether, you could say this is "Kick Punch Method". When heard or read in various Asian languages, all will automatically think of this famous Korean martial art. It is written the same in Japanese Kanji, Chinese, and Korean Hanja characters - so the appearance of the characters are rather universal. However, you should note that there is another way to write this in modern Korean Hangul characters which looks like the image to the right. Taekwondo Hangul Characters

We suggest the original Korean Hanja (Chinese characters) for a wall scroll, but if you really need the Hangul version, you must use master calligrapher Xing An-Ping: Order Taekwondo in Korean Hangul

Note: Taekwondo is sometimes Romanized as Tae-Kwondo, Tae Kwon Do, Taekwon-do, Taegwondo, Tae Gweon Do, Tai Kwon Do, Taikwondo, Taekwando, Tae Kwan Do and in Chinese Taiquandao, Tai Quan Dao, Taichuando, or Tai Chuan Tao.

Spirit of Taekwondo

tái quán dào jīng shen
te kon do sei shin
태권도정신
跆
拳
道
精
神

This title means, "Taekwondo Spirit" or "The Spirit of Taekwondo". This is the title of General Choi's calligraphy often referred to as "The Tenets of Taekwon-do".

Taekwondo Tenets / Spirit of Taekwon-do

tái quán dào jīng shén lǐ yì lián chǐ rěn nài kè jǐ bǎi zhé bù qū
태권도정신예의염치인내극기백절불굴
跆
拳
道
精
神
禮
義
廉
耻
忍
耐
克
己
百
折
不
屈

Taekwondo TenetsThis is General Choi's writing that is often called "The Tenets of Taekwon-do". The actual title would be translated as, "Taekwondo Spirit" or "The Spirit of Taekwondo". It was originally written in Korean Hanja (Chinese characters used in Korea for about 1600 years).

General Choi's original calligraphy is shown to the right. Your custom calligraphy will be unique, and not an exact match, as each calligrapher has their own style.

In modern times, the common form of written Korean is Hangul (a phonetic character set). The table below shows the text in Hangul and Hanja along with a pronunciation guide and a brief English translation:

Traditional Korean HanjaModern Korean HangulPronunciationEnglish
跆拳道精神태권도정신tae gweon do jeong sinTaekwondo Spirit
禮儀예의 or 례이ye yiCourtesy / Etiquette / Propriety / Decorum / Formality
廉耻렴치 or 염치yeom ciIntegrity / Sense of Honor
忍耐인내in naePatience / Perseverance / Endurance
克己극기geug giSelf-Control / Self-Denial / Self-Abnegation
百折不屈백절불굴baeg jeor bur gurIndomitable Spirit (Undaunted even after repeated attacks from the opponent)
Note that the pronunciation is the official version now used in South Korea. However, it is different than what you may be used to. For instance, "Taekwon-do" is "tae gweon do". This new romanization is supposed to be closer to actual Korean pronunciation.


Courtesy / Etiquette

Chinese / Korean

lǐ yì
예의
禮
儀

In Chinese, old Korean Hanja, and old Japanese Kanji, this word means "etiquette" or "courtesy".

You'll also find a Japanese entry on our website which uses a modern/simplified first Kanji. The characters shown here compose the best choice if your audience is Chinese or Korean - but also acceptable if you want an ancient-style Japanese scroll.

Note: This can also be translated as propriety, decorum, or formality.

Indomitable Spirit (Korean)

bǎi shé bù qū
백절불굴
百
折
不
屈

This Korean word means "indomitable spirit", at least, that is the way it is commonly translated in martial arts circles (Taekwondo, Hapkido, etc).

The literal translation is "[one] hundred [times] broken [still] don't succumb".
Or more naturally translated, "Even if attacked/beaten one hundred times, still be undaunted/indomitable".

This is also a word in Chinese, though rarely used in modern times.

Justice / Rectitude / Right Decision

Also means: honor loyalty morality righteousness


gi
義

This is about doing the right thing or making the right decision, not because it's easy, but because it's ethically and morally correct.
No matter the outcome or result, one does not lose face if tempering proper justice.

This character can also be defined as righteousness, justice, morality, honor, or "right conduct". In more a more expanded definition, it can mean loyalty to friends, loyalty to the public good, or patriotism. This idea of loyalty and friendship comes from the fact that you will treat those you are loyal to with morality and justice.

This is also one of the five tenets of Confucius doctrine.

儀There's also an alternate version of this character sometimes seen in Bushido or Korean Taekwondo tenets. It's just the addition of a radical on the left side of the character. If you want this version, click on the image to the right instead of the button above.

This is also a virtue of the Samurai Warrior
See our page with just Code of the Samurai / Bushido here

See Also...  Judgement | Impartial | Confucius Tenets

Martial Arts / Wu Shu

Chinese / Korean

wǔ shù
bujutsu
무술
武
術

This is the very Chinese way to express "Martial Arts". Some even use this word to directly describe Kung Fu. But this is a label that fits all disciplines from Karate to Kung Fu to Taekwondo.

Note: This also means Martial Arts with the same appearance in old Korean Hanja characters and is pronounced "musul" or "musur" in Korean.

While this is best if your audience is Chinese or Korean, this also means "martial arts" in Japanese.

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Sense of Shame / Sense of Honor
Integrity / Modesty (Korean)

lián chǐ
염치
廉
恥

This simultaneously means "sense of honor" and "sense of shame" in Korean.

This term is often used as a tenet of Taekwondo where the English terms "integrity" and/or "modesty" are applied.

This is also a Chinese word, though it is usually read with the "sense of shame" meaning, and is a poor choice for a wall scroll if your audience is Chinese.

Patience / Perseverance
To Endure / Tolerant

rěn nài
nintai
인내
忍
耐

Patience is quiet hope and trust that things will turn out right. You wait without complaining. You are tolerant and accepting of difficulties and mistakes. You picture the end in the beginning and persevere to meet your goals.

These characters can also mean "to endure", "restrain oneself" and in some context it can mean "perseverance" or "endurance".

This is also used as a tenet of Taekwondo and other Korean martial arts.

忍Note that when writing this as Kanji, Japanese will tend to write the first character in the form shown to the right. If you select our Japanese master calligrapher, please expect this Kanji form (yes, it's just one stroke that is slightly different in location, crossing another stroke in the Japanese Kanji form).

See Also...  Peace | Inner Peace | Harmony | Perseverance

Self-Restraint / Self-Control

kè jǐ
kokki
극기
克
己

This word can be translated as "self-denial", "self-abnegation", "self-restraint", "self-discipline", "self-mastery" or selflessness.

As a tenet of Korean taekwondo, and other martial arts, this is often used with the title "self-control".

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Korean CKD Virtues

qiān xùn zhèng zhí wēn róu rěn nài kè jǐ bù qū
겸손정직온유인내극기불굴
忍
耐
克
己
不
屈
謙
遜
正
直
溫
柔

Characters shown
above are read
vertically, starting
from the right

These are the virtues used by Choi Kwang Do Martial Arts.

This is a word list, containing these tenets:
1. Humility (Humble / Modesty)
2. Honesty (Integrity)
3. Gentleness
4. Perseverance (To Endure)
5. Self-Control (Self-Restraint)
6. Unbreakable Spirit (Unyielding / Unbending)

The characters shown here are the ancient Korean Hanja form of writing. If you wish for a Korean Hangul form of these tenets, we can arrange that with our Master Calligrapher Xing An-Ping.

Korean Pronunciation:
1. gyeom son
2. jeong jig
3. on yu
4. in nae
5. geug gi
6. bur gur





You should look at these ready-to-ship pieces of artwork:

Taekwondo Korean Hanja Calligraphy Wall Scroll

Taekwondo Korean Hanja Calligraphy Wall Scroll

Taekwondo - Korean Martial Art - Olympic Sport.


Compare: $78.00

Your Price: $42.88


More Info
Taekwondo Korean Hanja Calligraphy Wall Scroll

Taekwondo Korean Hanja Calligraphy Wall Scroll

Taekwondo - Korean Martial Art and Olympic Sport.


Compare: $200.00

Your Price: $78.88


More Info
Taekwondo Korean Hanja Calligraphy Wall Scroll

Taekwondo Korean Hanja Calligraphy Wall Scroll

Taekwondo - Korean Martial Art and Olympic Sport.


Compare: $72.00

Your Price: $39.88


More Info
North Korean Large Taekwondo Calligraphy Painting

North Korean Large Taekwondo Calligraphy Painting

A nice calligraphy portrait in Korean Hangul


Compare: $60.00

Your Price: $32.88


More Info

A nice Chinese calligraphy wall scroll

The scroll that I am holding in this picture is a "medium size"
4-character wall scroll.
As you can see, it is a great size to hang on your wall.
(We also offer custom wall scrolls in larger sizes)

A professional Chinese Calligrapher

Professional calligraphers are getting to be hard to find these days.
Instead of drawing characters by hand, the new generation in China merely type roman letters into their computer keyboards and pick the character that they want from a list that pops up.

There is some fear that true Chinese calligraphy may become a lost art in the coming years. Many art institutes in China are now promoting calligraphy programs in hopes of keeping this unique form of art alive.

Trying to learn Chinese calligrapher - a futile effort

Even with the teachings of a top-ranked calligrapher in China, my calligraphy will never be good enough to sell. I will leave that to the experts.


A high-ranked Chinese master calligrapher that I met in Zhongwei

The same calligrapher who gave me those lessons also attracted a crowd of thousands and a TV crew as he created characters over 6-feet high. He happens to be ranked as one of the top 100 calligraphers in all of China. He is also one of very few that would actually attempt such a feat.



See: Our list of specifically Japanese Kanji Calligraphy Wall Scrolls. And, check out Our list of specifically old Korean Hanja Calligraphy Wall Scrolls.

The following table is only helpful for those studying Chinese (or Japanese), and perhaps helps search engines to find this page when someone enters Romanized Chinese or Japanese

Title
Characters 
Simplified
Traditional
Japanese Romaji
(Romanized Japanese)
Various forms of Romanized Chinese
Taekwondo跆拳道
跆拳道
te kon do
tekondo
tái quán dào
tai quan dao
t`ai ch`üan tao
tai2 quan2 dao4
taiquandao
taichüantao
tai chüan tao
Spirit of Taekwondo跆拳道精神
跆拳道精神
te kon do sei shin
tekondoseishin
tái quán dào jīng shen
tai quan dao jing shen
t`ai ch`üan tao ching shen
tai2 quan2 dao4 jing1 shen2
taiquandaojingshen
taichüantaochingshen
tai chüan tao ching shen
Taekwondo Tenets / Spirit of Taekwon-do跆拳道精神礼义廉耻忍耐克己百折不屈
跆拳道精神禮義廉耻忍耐克己百折不屈
n/atái quán dào jīng shén lǐ yì lián chǐ rěn nài kè jǐ bǎi zhé bù qū
tai quan dao jing shen li yi lian chi ren nai ke ji bai zhe bu qu
t`ai ch`üan tao ching shen li i lien ch`ih jen nai k`o chi pai che pu ch`ü
tai2 quan2 dao4 jing1 shen2 li3 yi4 lian2 chi3 ren3 nai4 ke4 ji3 bai3 zhe2 bu4 qu1
tai chüan tao ching shen li i lien chih jen nai ko chi pai che pu chü
Courtesy / Etiquette礼仪
禮儀
n/alǐ yì
li yi
li i
li3 yi4
liyi
Indomitable Spirit (Korean)百折不屈
百折不屈
n/abǎi shé bù qū
bai she bu qu
pai she pu ch`ü
bai3 she2 bu4 qu1
baishebuqu
paishepuchü
pai she pu chü
Justice / Rectitude / Right Decision
gi
yi
i
yi4
yi
Martial Arts / Wu Shu武术
武術
bujutsuwǔ shù
wu shu
wu3 shu4
wushu
Sense of Shame / Sense of Honor / Integrity / Modesty (Korean)廉耻
廉恥
n/alián chǐ
lian chi
lien ch`ih
lian2 chi3
lianchi
lienchih
lien chih
Patience / Perseverance / To Endure / Tolerant忍耐
忍耐
nintairěn nài
ren nai
jen nai
ren3 nai4
rennai
Self-Restraint / Self-Control克己
克己 / 剋己
kokki
koki
kè jǐ
ke ji
k`o chi
ke4 ji3
keji
kochi
ko chi
Korean CKD Virtues谦逊正直温柔忍耐克己不屈
謙遜正直溫柔忍耐克己不屈
n/aqiān xùn zhèng zhí wēn róu rěn nài kè jǐ bù qū
qian xun zheng zhi wen rou ren nai ke ji bu qu
ch`ien hsün cheng chih wen jou jen nai k`o chi pu ch`ü
qian1 xun4 zheng4 zhi2 wen1 rou2 ren3 nai4 ke4 ji3 bu4 qu1
chien hsün cheng chih wen jou jen nai ko chi pu chü

If you have not set up your computer to display Chinese, the characters in this table probably look like empty boxes or random text garbage.
This is why I spent hundreds of hours making images so that you could view the characters in the "taekwondo" listings above.
If you want your Windows computer to be able to display Chinese characters you can either head to your Regional and Language options in your Win XP control panel, select the [Languages] tab and click on [Install files for East Asian Languages]. This task will ask for your Win XP CD to complete in most cases. If you don't have your Windows XP CD, or are running Windows 98, you can also download/run the simplified Chinese font package installer from Microsoft which works independently with Win 98, ME, 2000, and XP. It's a 2.5MB download, so if you are on dial up, start the download and go make a sandwich.

Some people may refer to this entry as Kanji, Characters, in Mandarin Chinese, Characters, in Chinese Writing, in Japanese Writing, in Asian Writing, Ideograms, Chinese symbols, Hieroglyphics, Glyphs, in Chinese Letters, Hanzi, in Japanese Kanji, Pictograms, in the Chinese Written-Language, or in the Japanese Written-Language.

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