"An inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior … The handing down of information, beliefs, and customs …" (lbid). This is the process by which the purity and essence of Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan is maintained.

There are traditional means of conduct and beliefs that were handed down since the inception of the Moo Duk Kwan. Some originated even before the Moo Duk Kwan.

These Traditions were started from some point in history.

The Tradition of conducting a bow is showing respect and/or appreciation. Once upon a time, students were receiving instruction from a teacher. Students were enlightened from the instruction of their teacher. Their overwhelming happiness may have motivated them to lower their body in order to look up to him in respect for and appreciation of their teacher. This might have been the birth of the bow Tradition.

Since that time, the students' showed their desire to celebrate and remember the spirit of leaning, respect, and appreciation by bowing to the teacher.

The bow becomes a Tradition to show the spirit of joy for the respect and appreciation.

Tradition carries the spirit.

Can you imagine if they did not share the bow after that? There would be no spirit of respect and appreciation. There is no life of learning if there is no spirit.

You had a particular moment (playing cards or sharing a particular brand of drink, etc.) when you established a friendship with someone. That special moment at the birth of your friendship may become your Tradition whenever you meet to celebrate that spirit of friendship. Your friendship will be healthy and full of spirit when you keep the Tradition in your meetings. However, your friendship will be in question when you lose the Tradition.

I believe that Tradition will strengthen spirits and, furthermore, it will create a positive influence on the other four Moo Do values.

We celebrated Halloween last fall. The Smith family decorated their house and selected costumes and candy to prepare for Halloween weeks beforehand in the spirit of the holiday.

During the process, the children were having a joyful experience and hopeful and excited expectations of the trick or treat tradition. The Smith family and their neighbors became strengthened by their demonstration of this example of Human Relations.

The Tom family was too tired to prepare for Halloween and would rather watch television. There was no holiday spirit around the house, children were depressed.

These are some of the visible behavioral measurements of Tradition in Action:

• The hardworking person.
• The person who is carrying high spirits.
• The person who leads the way (initiative)
• Honoring and performing techniques that embrace habits from past generations.

Do I have tradition in my behavior?