TAEKWONDO ETIQUETTE

In order to be comfortable and knowledgeable with the courtesies expected, students should review the following list:

1. Students, parents, and guests will not converse with any person involved in a class session without the permission of the instructor.
2. Students and instructors will bow to the flags each time they enter and/or leave the classroom area, even if the area is net being used for a workout. (The "bow" is the Oriental "handshake" used in showing respect and a feeling of community towards the flags, fellow students and instructors. )
3. If a student is unavoidably tardy for class, he/she should stared at the edge of the workout floor, raise their right hand high, and wait to be recognized by the instructor; he/she should then bow in to join the class. (The instructor may assign warm-up and/or other exercises, as appropriate.)
4. Students should use the restroom before coming to class. If necessary, it is acceptable during class to ask permission to be excused.
5. Students will respond "Yes/No, Sir," or "Yes/No, Ma'am," as appropriate, in all conversations with instructors; students will stand respectfully and bow whenever greeting an instructor, in OR out of the classroom.
6. Students will address instructors by the last name and the proper title (Mr., Mrs., Miss), regardless of any personal or family relationship.
7. Students are encouraged to participate in class enthusiastically; however, students should avoid unnecessary conversation, and should speak only at the proper times.
8. If a student does not understand a directive, he/she is allowed to raise his/her hand and ask that the instruction be repeated. A student is expected, however, to pay careful attention so that the class may proceed without interruption.
9. The Senior student among students of the same rank is the one who achieved the rank first. If the rank was earned at the same time, seniority may be determined by length of time in Taekwondo, or by chronological age. An instructor may also prefer to "rotate" the senior position. The number of stripes should also be taken into consideration.
10. No student, regardless of rank, may instruct or correct another student without the direct and specific permission and supervision of the instructor.
11. A student's personal appearance in class is a reflection of his/her pride. Cleanliness of person and uniform is imperative.
12. If students are allowed to use the classroom for informal workouts, they should wear the standard uniform or appropriately modest and respectful workout clothing. No shorts.
13. Students in informal workout sessions may not engage in free-sparring without the direct supervision of an instructor.
14. If a student is in the room when the "Songahm Spirit of Taekwondo" pledge is recited, he/she must stand at attention and recite the pledge with the group, whether or not he/she is in uniform or a participant in the group session (if you're late, do not run to the lineup area until the reciting of the Songahm Spirit of Taekwondo is finished).
15. Hair should be short of pulled back; no headbands or sweatbands are to be worn, other than ATA approved headbands.
16. There is to be no smoking, or the use of any tobacco product, in the school at any time; there will be no smoking, use of tobacco products, or consumption of alcohol at any time while in uniform.
17. There will be no use of profanity on the school premises, or at any function, class or activity.
18. Permission of the student's instructor is required before a student may attend another ATA school or other martial arts school.
19. High ranking visitors or instructors to the class should be greeted with appropriate respect; if class is in session, it should be immediately be interrupted for this salutation. If the instructor of the class does not see them enter, it is appropriate for a student or assistant instructor to say in a loud voice, "Everyone stop (keuh-mahn)! Face Mr./Mrs. ________. Charyut Kyung-neh."
20. Students will turn away from the instructor or opponent when adjusting their uniform or belt.
21. Students will not wear shoes on the workout floor (unless given permission by the instructor).
22. Women must wear a white T-shirt under their uniform.
23. No jewelry, wristbands, watches, etc. shall be worn with the uniform. Wedding bands are however acceptable.
24. No student may work on forms or techniques of any rank higher than his/her own.
25. Complaints, infractions, or violations of the moral and/or ethical standards of the ATA should be reported in the proper order:
· Student to Instructor
· To Head Instructor
· To School Owner
· To ATA Regional Officer
· To ATA National Officer
· To ATA President
26. If an instructor approaches you or passes by you, immediately stop what you are doing and stand at attention to greet the instructor.
27. If you are called by an instructor, answer up and run (if you are more than three steps away) to the instructor and stand at attention.
28. Do not roll up your sleeves or pants, unless you are given permission by the instructor.
29. When approaching the instructor line from a line-up position (e.g. when you're lined up with your fellow class mates and the instructor calls you up to the front to receive your new rank), run behind your line and around the perimeter of the rest of the class to approach the instructor line.
30. When lining up in the instructor line, senior ranking instructor is in the middle. The second senior in rank lines up to the right of the senior instructor. The next in rank lines up to the left of the senior instructor, and so on.