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Mountain Academy of Martial Arts

Guidelines for Class Behavior

Tae Kwon Do....A Martial Arts system of order and simplicity.....

Class Procedures

1. Upon entering the dojang (studio), students, whether in street clothes or dobalk (uniform), bow to the flag, then bow to the presiding instructor. The instructor will acknowledge the bow if not occupied. Otherwise, the student need not wait for such acknowledgment.

2. Shoes should be removed before entering the mat (work-out) area and neatly placed at the wall.

3. Bows of respect should be performed before entering and leaving the mat area.

4. When class is officially to begin, warm-ups cease, all students respond to the beginning command and line up in order of rank and seniority, with the highest ranking member on the right and facing the instructor. Students should line up in neat rows, directly behind the person in front on them. Students should be in a strong joon bi (ready) position with no further talking, awaiting commands to begin class:

a. Turn to salute the Korean flag -- cha ryut, kook ki, kyung rae ( attention, flag, bow)

b. Turn to bow to instructor -- cha ryut, sa bae nim, kyung rae (attention, instructor or teacher, bow)

c. Kneel -- formal bow, fists to floor, forehead on fists, down and up on command.

d. Warm up exercises are part of a Tae Kwon Do routine.

5. During class, proper respect, manners and discipline will always be maintained, both among students and toward instructors and senior members. In response to instructor commands, a loud Yes Sir or Yes Ma'am should be responded.

6. Should the Kwan Jang Nim (Master Instructor) enter the dojang, the presiding instructor or highest ranking member will call the class to attention and together bow to the Kwan Jang Nim . Immediately after, the class resumes training.

7. Should a student be unavoidably late for class, he or she enters quietly, remaining at the mat entrance and waits until the instructor gives a sign of recognition. The student then approaches, bows to the instructor and joins the class.

8. Should it be necessary for a student to leave while class is in session, either to use the rest room or leave the dojang, he or she first receives permission from the presiding instructor.

9. Should a student wish to direct a question to the instructor, he or she will not interrupt, but wait to be acknowledged by the instructor, bowing first before making his or her statement.

10. At the end of instruction, students again line up as in the beginning of class. All belts should be on and tied properly. Commands to end class will be issued by the senior member to the right.

11. All unnecessary noise or rowdy behavior is alien to the dojang. Silence is the rule, especially during the execution of forms, breaking and during free sparring.

a. Students seated on the sidelines maintain absolute silence.

b. No smoking, gum chewing or eating are permitted in the dojang.

c. No cursing or street language is permitted. Last names with the proper Mr., Mrs. or Miss are to be used. It is Yes Sir or Yes Ma'am, please and thank you during instruction. No defensive back talk is permitted.

12. Proper salutation (bowing) is integral to Tae Kwon Do. Proper deportment includes prudence, self-control and patience with self and others, even under the excitement of free sparring. Before and after sparring or an exercise, participants make the correct salutation to each other.

13. Belt tying or dobalk adjustment is made by turning away from the opponent or instructor or flag.

14. When seated on the floor, students keep a posture fitting with good health and alertness. Legs are crossed in front with feet tucked beneath the thighs, hands are placed on the knees, the back is held straight. Benches are for guests.

15. Personal cleanliness is reflected in the cleanliness of the dojang. Equipment and weapons should be returned to their proper area.

16. Dobalks must be regularly laundered and pressed. It is a form of proper respect for ones body to be neatly dressed. Fingernails and toenails are trimmed not only for grooming but for safety. No jewelry is worn and long hair must be tied back. Cups must be worn to every class.

17. The Master or instructor expects the student to behave in a disciplined and respectful manner and to try his best in every class. The student's responsibility is to live up to the instructor's belief in him or her.