Dear Parents,
Welcome to Tae & Kwon: A Taekwon-Do Tale — a bedtime story created to gently introduce your child to the values that lie at the heart of martial arts.
Through Tae and Kwon’s magical journey, your child will explore the Five Tenets of Taekwon-Do:
Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit.
This book is designed to be read aloud at night, then rediscovered through coloring and play during the day. Each story and activity encourages kindness, courage, and confidence — on the mat and in life.
I hope it becomes a joyful part of your bedtime ritual and a fun way for your child to connect with focus, respect, and strength.
With appreciation,
Sabum Ricardo Scheidegger
The Golden Envelope
One sunny morning, Tae and Kwon received a golden envelope at the dojang.
“You are invited to the Grand Tournament of Values,” it read.
“Only those who truly understand the five tenets of Taekwon-Do may enter.”
Master Tiger smiled. “The journey won’t be easy, but I believe in you.”
With hearts full of courage, Tae and Kwon packed their bags and followed the winding path toward the mountain. Their adventure had begun.
The Gate of Courtesy
The path led to a tall wooden gate guarded by two arguing statues. They bickered and blocked the way.
Kwon stepped forward, bowed politely, and said, “We honor your space. May we please pass?”
Tae helped one statue pick up its fallen scroll, and the other stopped yelling.
The statues smiled and let them through.
The Mirror of Integrity
Deeper in the forest, they came across a glowing mirror with a riddle:
“Who are you when no one sees?”
A box nearby held two belts—one gold, one white.
Tae picked the white one and said, “This one is mine. I haven’t earned the gold yet.”
The mirror shimmered and opened a path.
The Climb of Perseverance
Next came a steep mountain. Cold wind howled. Tae slipped. Kwon’s legs ached.
“I want to stop,” whispered Tae.
Kwon took his hand. “Let’s take one step at a time.”
They climbed slowly, encouraging each other. Finally, at the top, a silver phoenix bowed.
The Test of Self-Control
They entered a stone circle surrounded by spinning fans.
“To break the board,” said a sign, “you must stay still within the wind.”
Tae rushed—and missed the board.
Kwon closed her eyes, breathed deeply, then crack!—a clean strike.
The wind stopped. The fans lowered.
The Shadow of Fear
At the final challenge, a dark dragon emerged.
Tae froze. Kwon trembled.
“I’m scared,” she said.
“But we’ve come this far,” Tae replied. “Together.”
They stood side by side and bowed. “HANA! DUL!”
Their courage lit the sky. The dragon dissolved into stars.
The Real Reward
When they returned, Master Tiger was waiting.
“You didn’t win a medal,” he said with a smile. “You won something even better.” He gave them black belts with shiny golden words:
Courtesy – You were kind.
Integrity – You told the truth.
Perseverance – You didn’t give up.
Self-Control – You stayed calm.
Indomitable Spirit – You were brave.
“These are the real treasures of Taekwon-Do,” said Master Tiger.
Tae and Kwon’s Journey Isn’t Over…
Now they teach others, not just how to kick and punch—but how to live with heart.
The End
