Dojang etiquette

Dojang etiquette

The dojang (the Korean word for a martial arts school) is a special place where your martial arts training begins. That training starts the moment you enter the building. Many dojang rules come from decades of martial arts tradition. They exist to cultivate an atmosphere of respect and consideration for others, and many of them were created for the safety and comfort of the students. We ask students and assistant instructors to observe these rules.

Bowing

A correct bow is made with the back straight, the feet slightly apart, the toes turned slightly outwards and the hands at the sides. Bend from the waist with the head down, and hold the bow for about three seconds.

• Bow when you enter and when you leave the dojang.
• Bow when you step onto and when you step off the training floor.
• Bow to and greet the black belts.

• Bow to your training partners.

Class rules

• During training — no shoes (only clean martial arts shoes), no watches and no jewellery that can catch on clothing or hair. It is best to leave valuable jewellery at home.
• No chewing gum, food or sweets.
• No rough shouting. Speak quietly or in a whisper.
• Always respect the other students and their personal property. If something is not yours, do not touch it. Please report anything you find to the master or to one of the black belt assistant instructors.
• Help keep the class clean — do not leave your belongings lying around, and put litter in the bin.
• Make sure you are properly dressed in a clean uniform with your belt tied before stepping onto the floor.
• If you are late for a class, bow to the instructor and say: “I am sorry, I am late, may I join the class?” Wait for instructions and take a place at the back of the class.
• Enter and leave the training floor only at the indicated place.
• Stay attentive at all times: stand with your hands at your sides or clasped behind or in front of you, listen when the instructor speaks, and follow the instructions as well as you can.
• When speaking to the instructor, answer “Yes” or “No”.

• Belts must never be washed!