MuDo
The character called Mu (moo) is composed of an enveloping section and lower section. The lower section means "prevention" or to stop, and the upper rear section represents a warrior with a weapon which is a long spear, or sword. The warrior with the spear depicts aggressive action, which would perpetuate itself if it were not stopped. The lower section symbolizes someone skilled in the martial arts, who has the true virtues of the warrior in having the strength and ability to use his skills, but only puts them towards a true and lawful purpose. In this sense the character means that through a study of martial arts violent action may be stopped.
The Character Do means way or road; in Chinese it is pronounced Tao. This character represents your study of the martial arts; it is the path or road that you have taken to understand the essence of things, to comprehend their true meanings and attain a higher goal. In this sense, it is not the martial arts themselves that are the focus of your achievements, but the road of endeavor that you take through your training that will temper your combative spirit and form your character. If you understand the meaning of Mu Do then the study of Taekwondo will be more rewarding.
The Way of Life
“A man is born gentle and weak.
At his death he is hard and stiff.
Green plants are tender and filled with sap.
At their death they are withered and dry.
Therefore the stiff and unbending is the disciple of death.
The gentle and yielding is the disciple of life.
Thus an army without flexibility never wins a battle.
A tree that is unbending is easily broken.
The hard and the strong will fall.
The soft and weak will overcome.”