Tae Kwon Do Etiquette

The practice of Tae Kwon Do is a dangerous art which can lend easily to violence if not balanced by the appropriate mental conditioning. By adhering to the traditional etiquette of Tae Kwon Do, we learn the respect, humility, and self-control needed to utilize our skills for honorable purposes. Just as with our physical skills, these mental skills can only be mastered by practicing them consistently. You should utilize our time of meditation before and after class to focus your mind so that you may better train your body. Remember, the body and mind only function properly when used together.
Do'jang
The do'jang is where we come to train in the art of Tae Kwon Do, and as such it must be respected; by adhering to the following etiquette you help create an environment conducive to the learning of Tae Kwon Do:
  • Bow when entering or leaving the do'jang.
  • Remove shoes and hats while in the do'jang.
  • There is to be no food or drink within the do'jang.
  • Do not chew gum while in the do'jang.
  • Do not swear, or use offensive language while in the do'jang.
  • Never use negative or defiant body language while in the do'jang (i.e. standing with your hands on your hips, or with your arms folded over your chest).
  • Do not argue, or lose self-control while in the do'jang.
  • Do not engage in controversial topics of conversation while in the do'jang (i.e. politics, sports, etc.)
  • Do not throw things, such as kicking paddles, in the do'jang - when passing anything from one student to another, you should do so while bowing.
  • You should always turn to the back of the do'jang to adjust your uniform.
  • It is every students responsibility to help maintain the cleanliness of the do'jang.
Uniform
The Tae Kwon Do uniform is not only practical, but symbolic of purity and a readiness to be taught; a consistency in appearance reminds us that we are all students of the same martial art:
  • All students should wear a club uniform to class, which should be well maintained, clean and unwrinkled.
  • Ladies only may wear shirts under their uniform; it must be solid white (black for black belts), with no writing or artwork.
  • No jewelry is to be worn during training.
  • Long hair must be tied back.
  • Finger/Toe nails must be kept trimmed.
  • If you must adjust your uniform, turn to the back of the do'jang and away from the instructor to do so.
Bowing
Bowing is a means of showing respect; it is never inappropriate to bow, but these are the circumstances when it is prudent to:
  • Bow when entering or leaving the do'jang
  • Bow at the beginning and ending of class.
  • Bow when you first see, and again when you depart from your instructor, your instructor's instructors, and any black belts.
  • Bow to any higher ranking student who has assisted you in your training.
  • Bow to your opponent before and after sparring.
  • Bow when shaking hands with any Tae Kwon Doist.
  • Bow when passing things (such as kicking paddles) to another Tae Kwon Doist.
Respect
Aside from bowing, here are some other ways to demonstrate respect for your instructor, and fellow Tae Kwon Doists:
  • Address all black belts and instructors by their last names or sir/ma'am; students are required to know their instructors titles:
    • Instructor: Kyo Sa Nim (Ms. Spruce, Mr. Park)
    • Master Instructor: Sa Bum Nim (Guest Instructors)
    • Grand Master Instructor: Kwan Jang Nim (Grand Master Park)
  • When being addressed by the instructor: *
    • Stand at attention.
    • Answer with yes sir/ma'am.
    • Speak loudly.
    • When the conversation is complete, bow to the instructor.
  • Higher ranking students should show leadership by assisting lower ranking students whenever necessary - lower ranking students should show their appreciation by demonstrating their respect and following the same etiquette they would for an instructor *
  • Always turn away from a higher ranking student to adjust your uniform.
  • Students should volunteer to assist the instructor whenever possible (i.e. carrying equipment, setting up for events, cleaning the do'jang, etc.).
  • Line up in order (facing the front of the do'jang, highest to lowest goes right to left, front to back).
  • Students should wait to break from line-up until the highest ranking student has done so.
  • Observe the "Code of Honor".
  • Students who are joining our club from another Tae Kwon Do school should introduce themselves to Grand Master Park personally; his number is: 603-433-2099.
Training
Students should always come to class ready to put forth their greatest effort to train; the following etiquette helps demonstrate that the student has the proper mind-set for Tae Kwon Do training:
  • Move quickly to line-up.
  • Ki'hap loudly during training.
  • Do not engage in unnecessary talking or movements which are distracting to other students and disrespectful to the instructor.
  • Students shall not engage in sparring without the express permission of the instructor.
  • You should always ask permission from the instructor before leaving the do'jang during class.
  • If you arrive late to class, you should warm up on your own, and then stand at attention to let the instructor know you are ready to join class (the instructor will incorporate you into the line-up as soon as it is convenient to do so). If you have not received prior permission from the instructor to arrive late, you should do a number of push-ups appropriate to your rank.
  • If you forget your belt, perform the appropriate number of push-ups and take your place in the line-up at the very back of class (no matter what your actually rank is).
  • Sign in every class, and inform the instructor if you will be absent.
  • Never come to a Tae Kwon Do class or event under the influence to alcohol or drugs - you will be permanently dismissed from the club if you do so.