If you’ve trained in TaeKwonDo long enough, you’ve probably heard the word Jidokwon. But what does it mean, and why does it matter to your training? Jidokwon is one of the original nine martial arts schools (kwans) that shaped modern TaeKwonDo — and its philosophy is woven into the fabric of how we train at Global Martial Arts USA.
Jidokwon translates directly from Korean: Ji (지) means Wisdom, Do (도) means Way, and Kwan (관) means School. Together, Jidokwon is “The School of Wisdom” — sometimes called the Wisdom School of TaeKwonDo.
The Origins of Jidokwon
Jidokwon is one of the nine original kwans established in Korea in the years following World War II and the end of Japanese occupation. These kwans were the founding schools that would eventually unify under the banner of TaeKwonDo as we know it today. Each kwan brought its own philosophy, training methods, and lineage to the art.
The Jidokwon school distinguished itself through its emphasis on wisdom, perseverance, and the integration of mind and body. While other kwans focused primarily on physical technique or combat application, Jidokwon placed equal weight on the philosophical and spiritual development of the practitioner.
The Jidokwon Symbol Explained
The Jidokwon emblem is rich with meaning. Every element — from the circles to the colors to the central figure — carries symbolic significance rooted in Eastern philosophy.
The symbol is made up of three main circles, each whole with no beginning or end. The large outer circle represents the universe, holding all we know within its boundaries. The larger inner circle represents Earth. The smaller inner circle represents life on Earth. When placed together, these three circles show the interconnection between the cosmos, our planet, and all living beings.
The colors of the emblem are significant: Red represents energy, power, courage, and attention. Gold stands for God, spirituality, and freedom. Blue symbolizes peace, calm, and friendship.
At the center sits a representation of Bodhidharma, also known as Daruma or Tamo. The traditional Daruma figure is designed to be balanced — if knocked down, it rights itself automatically. This represents the core Jidokwon philosophy: “Seven times down, eight times up.” Get knocked down nine times, get up ten. Never give up. Never quit.
The Palsungdo: Eight Solemn Ways
The eight outer petals of the Jidokwon symbol are the Buddhist lotus flower, representing the Palsungdo — the Eight Solemn Ways (also known as the Eight-Fold Path). These petals trace back thousands of years to early symbols found in Northern India, later adapted by Buddhist artisans to represent the unfolding of the enlightened mind.
The Eight Solemn Ways fall into three categories of discipline that guide every aspect of a Jidokwon practitioner’s life — not just their time on the mat.
Ethical Discipline (Sila)
Right Speech (Samma Vaca) — Practice being true and courteous in all communication. Aim to promote peace, harmony, and unity. If you have nothing of value to say, maintain a dignified silence.
Right Action (Samma Kammo) — Act from a clear mind with wholesome conduct that helps others live a peaceful and prosperous life. The motive behind the action is more important than the deed itself.
Right Livelihood (Samma Ajivo) — Participate in work, organizations, and communities that are compatible with Right Action, so that your efforts contribute to the greater good.
Mental Discipline (Samadhi)
Right Effort (Samma Vayamo) — The continuous will to achieve self-reliance. Prevent unwholesome states of mind from arising, remove those that already exist, develop good states of mind, and pursue even more of them.
Right Awareness (Samma Sati) — The path of mental liberation. Don’t dwell in the past — study the world and aim to live in the present with full attention. The present moment offers the greatest opportunities. All that we are is the result of all that we have thought, been, and done.
Right Concentration (Samma Samadhi) — Take charge of your thoughts. Focus the mind like a laser on the subject at hand, to the exclusion of all else, until you gain full comprehension. A complete unification where subject and object become one.
Intellectual Discipline (Panna)
Right Thought (Samma Sankappo) — We become what we think. Fill your thoughts with subject matter that enhances the lives of all beings. Work to uncover and resolve emotional obstructions that prevent clear reasoning.
Right Understanding (Samma Ditthi) — Strive for an intellectual grasp of truth. Observe the true nature of yourself and all things, without labels and preconceptions. Only when the mind is free from selfishness and self-destruction is this deep, penetrating insight possible.
Jidokwon at Global Martial Arts USA
At GMA, the Jidokwon philosophy isn’t just historical context — it’s a living part of how we train. Our founder, Grandmaster Spillmann, carries over 50 years of martial arts experience rooted in these traditions. The principles of perseverance, wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline are woven into every class, from kids martial arts to advanced black belt training.
When we teach students Korean terminology, when we explain the meaning behind the belt ranking system, when we emphasize respect and discipline in the dojang — we’re carrying forward the Jidokwon tradition of developing the whole person, not just the fighter.
The Daruma figure at the center of the Jidokwon emblem captures it perfectly: no matter how many times you fall, you get back up. That’s the spirit we cultivate at GMA — in TaeKwonDo, in HapKiDo, in self defense, and in life.
Ready to Get Started?
Your first class is free. Whether you’re drawn to the physical discipline or the philosophical depth of the martial arts, we’d love to welcome you to the GMA family. Our instructors will guide you through every aspect of the art — technique, tradition, and the wisdom that makes it meaningful.
Call us at (731) 324-3847 or book your free trial online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Jidokwon mean?
Jidokwon translates from Korean as “The School of Wisdom.” Ji means wisdom, Do means way, and Kwan means school. It’s one of the nine original martial arts schools that helped create modern TaeKwonDo.
What is the Jidokwon symbol?
The Jidokwon emblem features three concentric circles (representing the universe, Earth, and life), surrounded by eight lotus petals (the Palsungdo or Eight Solemn Ways), with a Daruma (Bodhidharma) figure at the center symbolizing perseverance — the principle that no matter how many times you fall, you always get back up.
How does Jidokwon philosophy apply to training?
Jidokwon philosophy teaches that martial arts training develops the whole person — not just physical technique, but wisdom, ethical conduct, mental focus, and perseverance. At GMA, these principles are integrated into every class, from how students address their instructors to how they approach challenges both on and off the mat.
