General Tae Kwon Do Class Protocol & Conduct

1.      Upon entering the training hall, students shall salute the flags and bow to the Instructor. Do not wait for the Instructor’s acknowledgement if he/she is busy.

2.      Be on the training floor as quickly as possible, at least 10 minutes before class starts. Once on the floor, there should be no unnecessary noise or talking. This includes observers. There will be no observers allowed without the Instructor’s permission.

3.      When class begins, students line up according to rank, with the highest-ranking members to the right side. The highest-ranking member calls the commands: Attention, Turn to the Philippine Flag-Bow, Pledge Of Allegiance; Turn to the Master Instructor/Instructor and Bow; Recite the Oath Of Tae Kwon Do; All will recite the Tenets of Tae Kwon Do.

4.      When the Master Instructor enters the training hall, the Instructor or highest-ranking belt on the floor should call the class to attention and have the class bow. After respect has been paid, the class should return immediately to training.

5.      When a student comes late to class, he/she should wait to be recognized by the Instructor and get permission to join the class.

6.      When a student must leave during training, he/she should first receive permission before class from the Instructor. It is not necessary to receive permission to leave the floor if you are ill or have an injury.

7.      During the class, proper respect and discipline must be maintained at all times, and Tae Kwon Do protocol and procedures must be followed in a uniform manner. When the student is in a Tae Kwon Do position, he/she should not move; wipe perspiration or hair, look about, fix their uniforms etc. Maintain good eye control, ignore discomfort and employ a good effort. When at ease you may straighten your uniform, wipe your brow, rub your muscles, etc. You are not allowed to walk around, talk, or practice technique.

8.      To ask a question, begin with “Sir” or “Mam”. Always respond to the Instructors questions with “Yes Sir/Mam” or “No Sir/Mam” when questioned by Instructor.

9.      Respect is essential to our Tae Kwon Do training and should be shown to everyone at all times.

10.  There should be no unnecessary noise. Students seated on the sidelines should remain still so as not to disturb those on the floor. No smoking or chewing gum. Consider the training hall as a sacred area.

11.  While seated on the floor, students should keep the proper posture conducive to health. Hands should be placed on knees, and the back should be straight.

12.  Students should exercise care to keep their uniforms clean and pressed at all times. It is important to give a good impression of our Art of Tae Kwon Do, and a neat, uniform appearance is important in this respect. Students should take care to pay respect to their bodies and keep themselves clean. Fingernails and toenails should be kept short to prevent injury to oneself and to others while practicing.

13.  Uniforms are to be worn only for training, competitions, or demonstrations. Uniforms must be treated with respect. Clean and neat when warn, hung, or folded properly when not in use. The patches are to be shown in a certain way, and additional changes are not to be made to the uniform unless specified by the Instructor. The jacket is a symbol of Tae Kwon Do and the belt is a symbol of your rank and training. Both should and must be treated with Honor and Respect.

14.  Before and after exercises or contests, the participants should turn around, adjust their uniforms, and make a correct salutation to their Instructor or opponent.

15.  Free sparring is to be with good technique and control. There is no competition within the class; it is a learning experience. Contact is not allowed and consideration should always be given to the junior partner

Insight Into Class Procedures

There are numerous Tae Kwon Do organizations with hundreds of instructors teaching in hundreds of Dojangs. Each organization and instructor teaches his or her own interpretation of Tae Kwon Do and operates his or her Dojang in accordance with his or her own rules and protocol. The protocol presented below may or may not be in accordance with that of other Dojangs, or national or local organizations.

Training in Tae Kwon Do is mental, as well as physical. In addition to self-defense techniques, students learn to build self-control, discipline, and respect for other people. As a part of the training, certain traditions and formal behaviors are observed (protocol). These behaviors do not have any type of religious symbolism; they merely show respect for the oriental cultural roots of Tae Kwon Do.

Etiquette is an integral part of Dojang protocol. Etiquette is your actions that express your respect of another person. Etiquette is a lofty and valued attitude and is a source of harmony and solidarity. To maintain order in a group of students, especially children, there must be strict discipline and enforcement of the rules of etiquette. A moral and modest attitude is important in etiquette. Etiquette “Ye” is an essential part of Tae Kwon Do training. Ye is an abbreviation of “kyongnye,” the bow that signifies respect to another person or thing.

Students must constantly be guided by a deep respect for Tae Kwon Do, the Dojang, and all members of the Dojang. Good manners, politeness, courteous behavior, and maintenance of formal etiquette are part of training. Students must know Dojang protocol and always obey it.

Student-Instructor Relationship

Confucian, Christian, Judaism and Islam all form the base for the Tae Kwon Do student-instructor relationship. These values teach that children must remain obedient and loyal to their parents throughout their lives. Likewise, students are to always obey and respect the instructor. In return, the instructor teaches students to perform Tae Kwon Do properly, helps them become physically and morally strong, and helps them build good character. A dedicated and sincere instructor is an absolute necessity for proper Tae Kwon Do training, and the instructor needs equally dedicated and sincere students. The student-instructor relationship is based upon mutual respect. The instructor must always exemplify the highest level of integrity both inside and outside the Dojang. Students must never do anything to dishonor the instructor or the Dojang. A student’s misuse of Tae Kwon Do or the creation of a bad personal reputation within the community may result in his or her suspension or expulsion from the school.

Student Attitude

• Never tire of learning! Be ready to learn anywhere, any time; this is the secret of knowledge. Be eager to ask questions and listen. Appreciate the thrill of learning. Respect the skills you are learning, and the efforts it took to bring them to you.
• Be willing to sacrifice for Tae Kwon Do and your instructor. Never be disrespectful to the instructor. Follow the instructor’s instructions to the best of your ability. Always be loyal to the instructor and his or her teaching methods. If you disagree with any procedure or technique, discuss it privately with the instructor.
• Practice what you learn and try to perfect your techniques to the best of your abilities. This includes spending spare time doing conditioning exercises at home.
• Discard any technique you have learned from another school if your instructor disapproves of it.
• Always set a good example for lower belts. Remember they will try to emulate senior students. Help other students to learn and succeed, remember that you all share common goals and interests.
• Remember your conduct inside and outside the Dojang reflects upon Tae Kwon Do and the instructor. With your Tae Kwon Do skills comes great responsibility.
• Behave honorably and always be polite.
• Try to live by the tenets of Tae Kwon Do.

Respect In Tae Kwon Do

Tae Kwon Do practitioners always show respect for Tae Kwon Do, the Dojang, the instructor, higher-rank belts, fellow students, and themselves. Bowing is the universal sign of respect in the martial arts community. Respect is first and foremost in the Martial Arts. Martial Arts schools without Respect as their number one procedure are no more than a Circus.

Students should always bow:

• Entering or leaving the training area.
• First seeing the Master Instructor, Senior Instructor, head instructor or assistants. Bow to them again when leaving the Dojang.
• Beginning and ending a class session.
• Beginning and ending practice with a partner.
• Exchanging training equipment with a partner.
• Beginning and ending of a form/pattern/hyung.

Note: The above is not optional. It must be followed exactly as presented. No personal interpretations of when to bow are accepted.

Show respect for Tae Kwon Do and the Dojang by observing the following:

• Be on time for class.
• Try to arrive for class at least 15 minutes before class starts
• Be clean, well groomed, and have a clean uniform at each class.
• Keep your hands and feet clean at all times
• Keep your toe nails and finger nails trimmed and clean
• Use deodorant to control unwanted body odors
• Keep your teeth clean and gargle with mouthwash
• Uniform must be wrinkle free and trimmed properly
• Bow when entering and leaving the Dojang.
• Everybody is responsible for the appearance and cleanliness of the Dojang.
• Never laugh or make fun of a fellow student.
• No food, candies, or gum in the training area.
• No weapons are permitted in the Dojang except as specifically authorized by the instructor.
• No profanity, foul language, derogatory remarks are allowed or tolerated.
• Do not lounge in or about the Dojang unless the Instructor approves of such behavior.
• No smoking, alcoholic beverages, or illicit drugs are permitted in the Dojang.
• No unnecessary noise. Do not bother others with needless chatter.
• Do not try any techniques until the instructor has shown them to you.
• Do not teach any techniques without the instructor’s permission.
• Do not free-spar without permission of an Instructor or black belt who will directly monitor the sparring.
• Never misuse the techniques that are taught.
• Never practice techniques in the schoolyard or in public view.
• Tae Kwon Do techniques are not to be used outside the Dojang, unless your safety or the safety of others is in jeopardy.
• Always treat other persons and their property with courtesy and respect, inside or outside the Dojang.
• No horse playing around in or outside of the Dojang.  (Running or wrestling). Respect and order will be maintained at all times.
• Report all injuries – minor or major – to the instructor.
• Set a good example for the other students, especially for lower belts.

Visitors:

• Parents and visitors are welcome to watch class.
• Parents should not talk to their children during class-time. Please leave the discipline and coaching to the instructors.
• Students are responsible for their guests.
• During class, visitors may observe quietly from the seats provided and leave during breaks or at the end of class.

Show respect for the Master Instructor, Instructors or assistants by observing the following:

• Respond quickly to directions or questions from instructors, without question or hesitation.
• Never argue with your instructor.
• Concentrate totally on the instructor’s directions.
• Keep quiet while the instructor is speaking or demonstrating techniques.
• Attend classes regularly. Notify the instructor if you are unable to attend for more than one week.
• Bow to instructors before addressing them and bow again when the conversation is finished.
• Address instructor as Mr./Ms. (last name) or sir/ma’am.
• If you are called upon or are told to do something by the instructor, answer with “Yes sir/ma’am!”
• If you need to ask the instructor a question, say, “Excuse me sir/ma’am” and wait for a response.
• If you are having trouble learning a technique, first try to figure it out by watching others, then ask the instructor for help.
• If expected in class and you will be absent or tardy, notify the instructor as soon as possible.
• Pay your tuition promptly. It is not polite or respectful to expect a school or instructor to wait for you to pay your tuition.
• Your conduct, in and out of class, reflects upon Tae Kwon Do and the instructor.

Show respect for higher-rank students and fellow students by observing the following:

• Use control in free sparring and step sparring.
• Bow to partner when exchanging training equipment.
• Seek assistance from your seniors when the instructor is not present.
• Bow to your seniors before addressing them and bow again when the conversation is finished.
• When addressing higher rank students, use “sir” or “ma’am.”
• If you are called upon or are told to do something by a higher-rank belt, answer with “Yes sir/ma’am!”
• Higher belts may instruct you (although they are not black belts) when directed by the Master Instructor or Instructor. When they are instructing you, give them the respect and attention you would to any instructor.
• Turn away from the instructor, ceremonial wall, higher rank student, or opponent when adjusting your uniform or belt.
• Never display a bad temper toward an instructor or fellow student.

Show respect for lower-rank students by observing the following:

• If a junior displays a lack of knowledge of a rule or technique, it is the responsibility of the senior to inform, clarify, or teach.
• Do not show disgust with lower ranking students who are having difficulties with techniques. Remember: We were all 10^th gups at one time.

Show respect for weapons and equipment by observing the following:

• All teaching aids must be treated with respect, whether they are real weapons, such as a sword or club; simulated weapons, such as wooden dowels or plastic knives; or equipment, such as targets, shields, sparring equipment, or mats.
• When giving any weapon or equipment to another student, hold it palm up in both hands or with the other hand supporting the wrist from below, and bow slightly.
• Always keep weapons or equipment by your right side when on the mat
• Never step over any weapon or equipment lying on the mat or floor.

Personal Grooming

Practice proper dress and grooming by observing the following:

• Keep yourself clean and well groomed.
• Keep fingernails and toe nails clean and closely trimmed.
• Watches, rings, earrings, or jewelry of any kind will not be worn during training, except eyeglasses when necessary. Leave valuables in the secure area provided by the Dojang.
• Wear a fresh, clean uniform to each class.
• Wear the proper uniform as specified by the instructor.
• Tie belt properly with ends of equal length.
• Help keep the training area, dressing rooms, and rest rooms clean.

Sparring

Sparring equipment is mandatory for free sparring. Equipment must include mouthpiece and head, foot, hand, elbow, and shin pads. Bring sparring equipment to every class, promotion, and tournament. Keep equipment clean and sanitary.

• All sparring must be well controlled.
• No sparring before or after class unless supervised by an instructor.
• Senior ranks will not take advantage of lower rank students

Class Etiquette

• If you arrive late, stand by the entrance to the Dojang until directed by the Master Instructor or Instructor to enter.
• Request permission from the instructor if you must leave the training area for any reason before class ends.
• Show enthusiasm, spirit, and good sportsmanship at all times.
• Display a respectful, humble, and receptive attitude toward Tae Kwon Do and your instructor. .
• No un-sportsman-like conduct.
• No conversation once the class begins. NEVER talk in class unless the instructor talks to you and NEVER fool around with others during class.
• A humble student is able to learn quicker. Don’t be a show off.
• If you need assistance, seek the help of your seniors.

Master Instructor

• Is to be treated with the utmost respect that he/she has earned through their journey in Tae Kwon Do.
• Students will Bow at all times and circumstances within the Dojang and area outside.
• It is not proper for a lower ranking student – anyone under the Master’s rank – to correct or attempt to correct him/her. No exceptions.
• Students should never show disgust, contempt, arrogance, impatience, etc. to the Master Instructor.
• The Master Instructor is Not a Perfect Person only a Person with Perfect Intentions.
• Master Instructors have much to do and much on their minds, so it is to be expected that occasionally they may misstate something. This does not constitute a “felony” or a “high crime and misdemeanor” in Tae Kwon Do.
• The ultimate “slap in the face” to a Master is when it is perpetrated by one of his/her Black Belts. This student will be expelled immediately.
• Respect to the Master will be upheld at all times.
• Any student who cannot give “Respect” to his Master Instructor will be asked to leave the school.
• Master Instructors do not need this type of student.