Dojang Etiquette

In Tae Kwon Do, we call the place in which we train our dojang. The word can be translated as “the place of the Way”. Most practitioners of Tae Kwon Do make a conscious effort to observe special rules of behavior in the dojang, so as to make it an honored place of spiritual growth, as well as the site of physical athletic practice. The respect that we show in the dojang strengthens our own honor. In other words, showing respect is never a debasement or display of subservience, rather it is a conscious application of our will to the Way of training.

The customs that we practice in the dojang have evolved within martial arts for thousands of years. They are deeply rooted in the spiritual underpinnings of the traditional martial arts. Another reason for the evolution of strict rules of etiquette within the training hall is quite practical: Adherence to traditional etiquette helps avoid injuries

What to wear during practice

In general any athletic clothing in which you can move freely is appropriate for practice. Belt tests, demos, and competitions require you to wear a dobok (taekwondo uniform). We do not currently have a team uniform, so you may wear a blank dobok, or you may wear the dobok of the school that you attended prior to UMASS.

Please remove the following items before stepping on to the mat:

• Shoes and socks

• Any jewelry that can possibly be removed (earrings can accidentally get caught on uniforms, and can tear a chunk of your ear off. necklaces can choke you or break. rings will bend or will wind up part of someone else's smile. bracelets will brake, catch fingers, etc. Besides, it is traditional to remove all ornamentation other than the uniform while in the dojang)

• Watches! These things break teeth!

Entering and leaving the dojang

When one enters or leaves the dojang, it is customary to bow to the flags, and the instructor.

Communicating with the instructor and fellow students

Within the dojang we always try to keep our language polite, and to refrain from obscenity. This is a way in which we can show respect to our training. Restraint is one of the primary tenets of Tae Kwon Do.

We address all Black Belts, and any senior students who are serving as instructor, as “Sir” or “Ma'am”. These senior men and women have a grave responsibility in the dojang. They are charged with exemplifying the virtues of Taekwondo at all times and to the best of their abilities. When we bow to our seniors we show respect not just for the people, but more importantly we show respect for the ideals of Taekwondo which they represent.

When a Black Belt, or a senior belt acting as an instructor, gives an instruction, the student should immediately and forcefully reply “Yes Sir!” or “Yes Ma'am!”.

While on the mat, one should at all times seek perseverance and indomitable spirit. This means: NO WHINING! Always put all of yourself into each exercise. If you are physically unable to do something, you should simply do whatever part of the exercise that you are able to perform. Nobody will ever think less of you so long as your spirit and attitude are honorable.

We use a mixture of Korean and English in class. We have a page of Korean words for the Tae Kwon Do Practitioner that may be helpful.

The beginning of class

At the beginning of practice, the instructor will say “Lining Up!”, to which all students will reply “Yes Sir!” or “Yes Ma'am!”.

The students should run to their appropriate positions in line. We line up in rank order, with the highest rank at the upper left, and moving down by rank to the right. We usually use four person rows, so the next lower rank below the rightmost in the first line will go to the leftmost position in the second line. Some schools place the highest ranked student in the upper right, but we observe the upper left rule because it matches the symbolism of the Korean Flag (in which the most honored tri-gram is in the upper left).

Students should always stand straight, with eyes forward or on the instructor, unless they are instructed to stand in some other position.

Once students are lined up, the instructor will begin class with “Char-yot” (Attention) and “Kyong-re” (Bow). Students will come to attention and bow to the flags, then to the instructor.

The end of class

It is traditional to always thank your instructor at the end of class. It is also honorable to thank any training partners that you might have had during the class, especially anyone that you might have sparred with.

Miscellaneous

• Always face away from the flags and from the senior belts when fixing your uniform or belt.

• Show up early enough for class that you will be able to begin practice at the exact minute that class is scheduled to begin. None of us are perfect, and we sometimes show up late, or are not prepared. If you are late, it is traditional to stand on the very edge of the mat with your head bowed until the instructor acknowledges you and invites you to join the class. It is traditional to be assigned pushups or other exercises as a reminder to be on time.

• Never wash your belt. The dirt that accumulates on the white belt over time was the making of the original black belt. Keep the rest of your equipment clean and tidy.

• When at competition, try to maintain dojang etiquette the whole time. Any breach of etiquette by any member of the team is a dishonor to the whole team, and to the schools that we represent.