Dojang Rules and Etiquette
As a community, Taekwondo practitioners have a code of rules which govern interaction among its members. These rules help maintain the 5 central tenets of Taekwondo: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control, and Indomitable Spirit.
The following is a list of these rules and etiquette.
Rules:
1. Students are only allowed to attend classes appropriate to his or her belt level.
2. Students who attend sparring classes must have a minimum of the following equipment: chest, arm, leg, and groin protection. For competitions students must have full equipment including: mouth, head, groin, chest, arm, and leg protection. NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
3. No T-shirts or uniforms from other schools are allowed.
4. Feet must be clean, and toenails / finger nails must be clipped short for hygiene and safety purposes.
5. No outdoor shoes are permitted in the dojang.
6. Sufficient deodorant / antiperspirant must be worn.
7. All jewellery and loose articles must be removed. Long hair needs to be tied back.
8. No food, candy, or open drinks are allowed in the dojang. Only bottled water is permitted.
9. Students are not allowed to use the techniques they learn in class anywhere else (such as on the playground) besides in the dojang. We do not teach students how to fight- we teach students how to avoid fights, as well as learn a sport and valuable life skills.
Etiquette:
1. When students enter a dojang (Taekwondo gym), they must bow to the flags, to the instructors, and all black belts. When a Master or Senior black belt member enters the dojang, students must get up from their seats or stop what they are doing and greet him or her and bow.
2. Students must address instructors according to their title i.e. “Master ____ or Instructor _____” and responding to questions with “Yes Sir!” or “Yes Ma’am!”
3. Students must be on time for class. Students who arrive late must do 50 push-ups and 50 jumping jacks and then wait at the side for an instructor to give permission to join the class.
4. Students must always come in a clean dobuk. During summer, club t-shirts will be permitted. In winter, students may wear a t-shirt under the dobuk, but it can only be plain white or black. Remember, a student’s personal appearance in the class is a reflection of his or her pride.
5. Should your belt or uniform come nearly undone, etiquette requires you to turn away from flags and class, repair the damage. Always handle your uniform and belt with proper respect for it is a symbol of hard effort.
6. No talking when instructor is teaching or unnecessary discussion during exercises. Any unnecessary talking will result in push-ups, or plank.
7. No horseplay or inappropriate language is allowed before, during, or after class.
8. Respect must be shown to instructors, parents, and other students at all times.
9. If you do not feel well during training, raise your hand and get the masters and instructors attention to be excused. You may not sit or leave the dojang without permission.
