Etiquette and protocol

There are numerous Taekwondo organizations with hundreds of instructors teaching in hundreds of dojangs. Each organization and instructor teaches his or her own interpretation of Taekwondo and operates his or her dojang in accordance with his or her own rules and protocol according to the organization they belong to. The protocol presented below may or may not be in accordance with that of other dojangs or national/local organizations.

Training in Taekwondo 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 base of Taekwondo.

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 Taekwondo 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 Taekwondo, 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 values form the base for the Taekwondo 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 Taekwondo 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 Taekwondo 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 Taekwondo 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, anywhere, any time; this is the secret of knowledge. Be eager to ask questions and learn. Appreciate the thrill of learning. Respect the skills you are learning, and the efforts it took to bring them to you.
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 Taekwondo and the instructor. With your Taekwondo skills comes great responsibility.
Behave honorably and always be polite.
Try to live by the tenets of Taekwondo.

Respect

Taekwondo practitioners always show respect for Taekwondo, the dojang, the instructor, higher-rank belts, fellow students, and themselves. Bowing is the universal sign of respect in the martial arts community.

Students should always bow:

Entering or leaving the training area.
First seeing the 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.

Show respect for Taekwondo and the dojang by observing the following:

Be on time for class.
Be clean, well groomed, and have a clean uniform at each class.
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.
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 a dojang black belt who will directly monitor the sparring.
Never misuse the techniques that are taught.
Never practice techniques in schoolyard.
Taekwondo 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-play (running or wrestling). Respect and order will be maintained at all times.
Report all injuries and blisters 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 instructor or assistants by observing the following:

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 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 Taekwondo 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 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..

Class Protocol

Class protocol is learned gradually. Do not expect to remember it all after the first class. Senior students will assist you and explain the steps as you progress in your training. As you earn higher-rank belts, you must know and practice the protocol and set an example for the lower-rank belts. If you do not understand class protocol or have any questions, ask your instructor. All students will STRICTLY adhere to the following protocol.

Upon entering the dojang:

Bow toward the training area when you first enter the dojang.
Bow to seniors upon meeting them.
Respond with sir or ma’am when addressed by a senior. Remove street shoes before entering the training area. Use the shoe storage area, if provided..

Upon entering the training area:

Be in the training area, at least 15 minutes before class and do personal warm-up stretching. If you are unavoidably detained or late for class, the instructor may assign you warm-up and/or disciplinary exercises, as appropriate.
Bow toward the ceremonial wall of the training area each time you enter or leave the training area.
If the instructor is present in the training area, wait until the instructor acknowledges your presence. When he or she does acknowledge you, bow and say " Good morning/evening Mr./Ms (last name)." The instructor will return your bow and salutation.
When the instructor commands "Line up ," the class will quickly line up facing the front of the training area (usually where the ceremonial wall is located) with the highest rank belt in the front and to the right. Other belts will line up in order of belt rank and seniority to the senior belt's left, in rows of three or four. Everyone will stand in a "chunbi" (ready stance). Students should remember their place in the order so they may line up quickly when ordered to line up again.
The instructor or a designated student will lead the class in warm-up exercises.
The instructor will stand in front of the students facing the ceremonial wall. The instructor may have other black belts or senior students line to his or her left.
When there is absolute silence, the instructor call the class to order . The senior student in the class, the first person in the front row, will give the following commands:
- Charyut: The class will snap to attention.
- Kyungnyet: The class will bow to the instructor. The instructor, and anyone lined up beside the instructor, will simultaneously return the bow.
The instructor will now begin class instruction.
At the end of class, the instructor will command "Line up for dismissal." The class will line up again as it did at the beginning of class.
Students will quickly leave the training area.
If required, proceed directly to the dressing room to remove your uniform.

When leaving the dojang:

Don your street shoes after exiting the training area.
Never wear uniform unless it is very necessary
Bow toward the training area as you leave the dojang.

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.

Class Etiquette

If you arrive late, sit quietly on the floor at the rear edge of the training area until the instructor grants you permission to enter the mat and join the class.
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 Taekwondo and your instructor.
When told to sit on mat, sit in the formal kneeling position or, if told, sit cross-legged. Do not lie on mat, lean on walls, or sit with legs out stretched.
No un-sportsman-like conduct.
No extraneous 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.