CLASS RULES

Kristen Miller and Steffani Miller at their 1st Degree Black Belt Test in 2001.

GENERAL RULES FOR CLASS

1. When a student enters the Dojang either in a Do Bok or in street clothes he or she shall salute the flags, and bow to the instructor on the floor as soon as they enter the Do Jang.  This will be done without exception.  A student should remove their shoes before entering the Dojang.  Students do not have to wait for the instructor to acknowledge the bow if the instructor is busy.

 

2. When class begins, students will line up according to rank and seniority. The highest-ranking student member present will be on the left of the Do Jang. The instructor will take a position in the front center of the class. The highest ranking student member in the class will call the commands:

a. Salute the flag

b. Bow to the instructor

 

3. During class proper respect and discipline shall be maintained at all times and ritual should be followed in a uniform manner:

a. When the Master instructor or Senior Black Belt Holder enters the Do Jang the instructor on the floor or the highest-ranking member in the class should call the class to attention and have the class bow. After respect has been paid, the class should return immediately to training.

b. When a student comes to class late he should wait at the door until he is recognized by the instructor, then bow, and get permission to join the class.

c. When a student must leave the Do Jang during training, he should first receive permission from the instructor, unless other instructions were given at the start of the class. 

 

4. When class is finished all students should line up by seniority and ranks the highest ranking student members on the left. The instructor should be centered in front. The highest-ranking student member will call the commands.

a. Salute the flags

b. Bow to the instructor

 

5. There should be an absence of unnecessary noise in the Do Jang. Students should remain silent, especially during forms and free fighting.

a. Students seated on the sidelines should remain still so as not to disturb those on the floor

b. Students and spectators should be prohibited from chewing gum

c. Students and instructors should use Korean terminology of Tae Kwon Do when possible.

 

6. Importance should be attached to proper and formal salutation.  Black Belt and senior students will be addressed as Master, Ma’am or Sir.  Disciplined conduct is an integral part of Tae Kwon Do.  While training one should pay respect to ones instructors, senior members, and opponents as well as parents, teachers etc. outside of class.  One should not lose self-control, patience or composure. 

 

 7. Before and after exercise or contests, the participants should turn around to adjust their Do Bok.  Turning around before straighten your uniform is a sign of respect to your instructors.

 

8. While seated on the floor, members should keep a proper posture contributing to good health. Hands should be placed on the knees, the back should be straight, and legs should be crossed in front with the feet tucked beneath the thighs.

 

9. During practice, members should observe decorum and orderliness.  The Do Jang should always be kept clean and in order.

 

10. Members should exercise care to keep their Do Bok clean at all times.  It is important to give a good impression of our art and a neat appearance is important in this respect.  NEVER wash taekwondo belts.

 

11. A high degree of cleanliness should also be maintained among members. Members should take care to pay respect to their bodies and keep themselves clean. Fingernails and toenails should be clipped to prevent injury while training and/or fighting.

 

12. Warm up exercises should be practiced by members prior to training to prepare the body and mind. When training is terminated, students should cool down with a series of exercises to help them return to a calm and normal state.

 

13. In order to promote improvement in skill one must learn the basic movements and practice them until they are perfected. Concentration and work must also be expended by the students to master the various forms in order to promote improvement.  Through careful practice of forms and basic actions, precise and accurate techniques will result. It should be remembered that all Tae Kwon Do techniques depend on basic actions and forms, therefore, students must first learn them properly and then learn to apply them in free fighting and self defense techniques.

 

14. It should be kept in mind that Tae Kwon Do is a Korean Martial Art. Students should take pride in using the name Tae Kwon Do.