Rules & etiquette

Preparing for class

1. Personal grooming. Arrive at class well groomed, with a high standard of personal hygiene. Fingernails and toenails must be kept short and clean.
2. Uniform. The approved dobok (uniform) must be clean and ironed for every class. The ti (belt) must display your correct grade and be tied in the appropriate manner. Treat both your dobok and ti with respect, and fold your dobok properly after class.
3. T-shirts. If a t-shirt is worn under the dobok, it must be white.
4. Getting changed. Change into your dobok promptly on arrival. Students must be in full uniform before the start of any training session.
5. Jewellery. No jewellery, watches or other accessories may be worn during training.
6. Hair. Long hair must be tied up during training. Headbands or soft, non-rigid hair ties may be used.
7. Footwear. Shoes, runners etc. are not to be worn in the dojang unless you have permission from the instructor.

Entering and leaving the dojang

1. Bow to the flags or instructor when entering and leaving the dojang. There is no need to say “Taekwon” when bowing to flags, ITF banners or pictures of General Choi.
2. Always ask the instructor’s permission before entering or leaving a class. Raise your hand to request permission to leave.
3. When (re)entering a class after it has begun, wait in the attention position at the entrance until the instructor indicates you may (re)join by bowing to you. Then bow in response and take your place.

Lining up

1. When instructed, line up sharply in rows according to grade, facing the instructor with your hands behind your back. The most senior member stands to the right, and the remainder line up from right to left in order of seniority.
2. At the beginning and end of class, the most senior member calls the class to attention with the command “Charyot”. The class turns to face the flags and bows on the command “Kyong Ye”. The class then faces the instructor and is again called to attention by “Charyot”, followed by “Bosabum nim” (1st to 3rd degree), “Sabum nim” (4th to 6th degree), “Sahyun nim” (7th to 8th degree Master) or “Saseong” (9th degree Grand Master), and ordered to bow with “Kyong Ye”. The second most senior member then follows the same procedure for the assistant instructor, if present, who at the end of class will dismiss all members.
3. Recite the Taekwon-Do oath before training.

Respect

Showing respect is fundamental to Taekwon-Do. Students show respect to all instructors, Masters and Grand Masters, including those from other schools, mainly through bowing, which recognises the authority, experience and dedication of senior martial artists. This applies not only in the dojang but also at gradings and competitions. Juniors are expected to give precedence to seniors at all times.

1. Always address your instructor as Sir/Madam or Mr/Ms/Master/Grand Master.
2. Juniors bow first when meeting a senior, and the senior returns the bow. If a senior prefers to shake hands, the junior should do so.
3. Bow to the instructor at the correct distance, and bow before addressing any senior.
4. After bowing to an instructor, Master or Grand Master, take three steps back before turning away.
5. Never interrupt a senior while they are speaking.
6. Only sit in the presence of seniors when invited to do so. If a senior is standing, do not remain seated.
7. Say “Taekwon” when bowing to your instructor, seniors and fellow students.

During class

1. Asking questions. Raise your hand and wait for the instructor’s permission. If seated, stand in the attention position, bow and ask your question. After receiving an answer, bow again and give thanks before sitting down.
2. Talking. Do not talk to other students during class. Talking while the instructor is teaching is the height of disrespect.
3. Partner work. Always bow to your partner before starting and after finishing any activity with a partner, such as step sparring or free sparring.
4. Fixing your dobok. Always turn to the left before fixing your dobok.
5. Withdrawing from training. Leave your row by moving behind your line and out to the side of the class. Never pass through the centre of the class.
6. Attendance. Students are encouraged to attend as many classes as possible. Regular attendance is the key to steady progress, especially for students working towards their next grading.
7. Teaching. No one may teach other students without the instructor’s permission.

Conduct

1. Smoking, eating, drinking or chewing gum is not permitted in the dojang. It is also forbidden to smoke while wearing a dobok or any other uniform or clothing associated with Taekwon-Do.
2. The use of profanities inside the dojang, or while wearing a dobok or any other uniform or clothing associated with Taekwon-Do, is strictly prohibited and will be considered gross misconduct.
3. The tenets of Taekwon-Do must be observed at all times.

Bowing and saying “Taekwon”

Bowing in ITF Taekwon-Do is a traditional expression of respect and discipline. It is not a sign of submission, but of mutual respect between individuals. A bow can be a greeting, a sign that a junior wishes to speak to a senior, a way of expressing gratitude, or an indication of understanding.

General Choi explained that “Taekwon” represents the physical aspect of the martial art. Saying “Taekwon” while bowing indicates your physical presence, while the respectful posture of the bow itself demonstrates the “Do”, or the way.