The Five Codes are an indispensable part of Tang Soo Do. Drafted by the Monk Won Kwang approximately 1800 years ago, the codes served as a written model of conduct for the warriors of the time. Though the original Five Codes have been adapted to meet modern demands, the deeper meanings of the original five codes still provide a clear path to follow.

Five Codes of Tang Soo Do:                              

1. Loyalty to country
2. Obedience to parents
3. Honor friendship
4. No retreat in battle
5. In fighting choose with sense and honor

To the modern day Tang Soo Do practitioner, the Five Codes are best understood when the literal meaning is applied to living in today's world. In this context, the Five Codes not only represent a model of conduct, but also represent a set of ideals that embody the ultimate goal of the Tang Soo Do practitioner.

Below the Five Codes are broken into their literal meaning and their practical application. They are as follows:

"Nara E Chung Sung"

 1. Loyalty to country:

• Country implies community, neighbor, society, country.

( faithfulness, devotion, sincerity, patriotism, contribution )

"Boo Moo E Hyo Do"

 2. Obedience to parents:

• Parents implies father, mother, teacher, elders, and instructors.

 ( respect for others, esteem, honor, appreciation. )

"Boung Woo Yoo Shin"

  3. Honor friendship:

• Friends implies associates, colleagues, brothers, sisters.

 ( brotherhood, sisterhood, trust, unity, responsibility, credibility, humility. )

 "Im Jun Moo Toi"

  4. No retreat in battle:

• Battle signifies job, duty, responsibility, goal, ideal.

 ( determination, perseverance, duty, courage. )

 "Sal Sang Yoo Taek"

  5. In fighting, choose with sense and honor:

• Fighting means use of Tang Soo Do to defend against injustice.

 ( humanity, mercy, wisdom.  )