The Dojang

The significance of the dojang is that it is a place of learning and self-sacrifice. It is also a temporary refuge from the distractions, pressures and responsibilities of daily life. Viewing it in this way is critical to making our time there more productive and meaningful. By seeing the dojang as a special place, we elevate our training to a higher level to meet that perception. It is not a gym where one goes to socialize, work up a sweat and then leave. It is a place where we transform ourselves into something more substantial.

That is why upon entering or leaving the dojang we always face the flags and salute as a sign of respect, and of course, shoes are never worn when on the dojang floor. While waiting for a class to begin, students should strive to maintain a feeling of calm and tranquility in the room. Loud conversation and horsing around only serves to bring the outside world in with you and should be avoided. It is also disrespectful to others who may want a few moments of silence to mentally prepare for the class.

Students should also show respect for the school by taking responsibility for its care and appearance. A school is a student's second home and should be treated accordingly. Cleaning the mirrors, organizing the training gear, sweeping the floor and so on are other ways of demonstrating the humility that is part our our development as martial artists. The instructor should never have to ask for students' help on this matter, and seniors should lead the way as an example to juniors.

The Beginning of Class

The protocol for the start and end of class may differ slightly among schools, but generally it operates this way.

If there is a Dan member in the room, Gups should bow to them upon entering. The same holds true for Dans entering when senior Dans are present. If there are many Dans of different ranks in the room, there can be an excessive amount of bowing, so a minimum rank rule may be in place to limit this. Ask your instructor if in doubt. 

The instructor is usually the last to enter the room and the first to leave. When he/she enters, the senior student or Dan will call everyone to attention and bow to the instructor. Students should then quickly line up according to rank with your immediate senior to your right. (Never walk slowly as it is disrespectful and shows a lack of discipline.) The senior at the head of the line will give commands, in Korean, to face the flag, salute the flag by placing right hand over heart, return hand to side, close eyes and meditate, open eyes, turn to face the instructor and then bow again. If a student is late getting to class, they should never enter the training floor once the class has begun. Rather, they must wait at the doorway until recognized by the instructor and then quickly go to the end of the line. They may only take their normal place in line when directed to do so by the instructor.

During Class

First and foremost, the instructor is there for you and should be given your undivided attention. Talking in class, especially when the instructor is speaking is not acceptable. If you have a question, raise your hand and be recognized before speaking. Bow first, then ask your question. When the instructor is finished responding, bow again to show thanks.

From time to time, students may be asked to sit while the instructor speaks or other students are demonstrating. The proper seated position is legs crossed in front and hands resting over knees. Never lean against a wall or sit in a lounging position. If a student has knee problems or difficulty holding the position, consult with your instructor as to what is acceptable to overcome the problem.

Other things to remember:

•   Dans are addressed using Sir / Ma'am, Mr./ Ms. followed by last name or by title such as Kyo Sa Nim,
    Sa Bom Nim or Kwan Jang Nim. They should never be addressed by their first name, even if they are friends
    or relatives.
•   When moving around others who are in line or working together, always walk behind them, never in
     front of, or in between them.
•   When moving away from instructors (or test examiners and tournament judges), always do so moving
     backwards (facing them), not by turning your back to them.
•   Unless otherwise directed by the instructor, students should avoid "teaching" or "correcting" others in
     matters of technique. That is the instructor's responsibility, for two reasons - he/she is better equipped to
     assess a student's readiness to learn a new technique, and also to ensure that demonstration and
     application of techniques are consistent.
•   Never argue with instructor or others in class. If there is disagreement, it should be taken up in private with
     the instructor after class.
•   When adjusting your uniform, always turn to do so, then turn back to your original position.

The End of Class

The instructor will signal the end of class at which time all will line up as in the beginning. The procedure with respect to bowing, saluting flags, etc. performed at the beginning of class will be repeated at the end. Students should remain in line until instructor leaves. After the instructor leaves, Junior Dans usually turn to face the Senior Dans (Kodanja) in line and bow to them. After the Kodanja step out of line, Junior Dans will turn to face Gups and all will bow again. The class is officially over. 

The Uniform

How we handle our uniform speaks loudly about how we view our training and ourselves. Like any ceremonial clothing, the uniform is an essential part of the tradition. Try to remember how you felt when you first put on a
Do Bok. It was unlike anything you've ever worn before. It made you feel special wearing it. So it stands to reason that it be given special treatment and respect in return.

Uniforms should always be clean and wrinkle-free, especially for tests and public performances. After class, even though a uniform may be soaked with perspiration, it should still be folded neatly before placing in your bag. (In traditional Aikido schools, students learn and are required to fold the Hakama and Do Bok in a very specific way.) Tang Soo Do also has a method to fold the Do Bok, although it is not taught in very many schools. (See Reference section for "How To Fold Your Do Bok"). Children, especially, should also be taught that uniforms are for training only and not to be worn while playing in the yard, eating dinner or for Halloween. Even other adornments like bandanas, wrist sweat bands and T-shirts would not be allowed in some schools, with the exception of T-shirts for women, and then in white only.

Students must also learn to properly tie their belts well before their first rank test, preferably after the first few classes. The belt is an integral part of the uniform and therefore should always be tied correctly (See Reference section for "How To Tie The Belt")

The Instructor's Office

•   Always knock before entering Instructor's office (even if the door is open).
•   Bow before entering and when leaving.
•   Never sit unless asked to do so.
•   If you are an assistant instructor and have access to the office, never sit behind the instructor's desk unless
    permission is given, as this would be presumptuous of your position.

Outside The Dojang

When at tournaments or tests, all of the above still apply. Should you happen to encounter your instructor in a public place, the courtesy of a bow in greeting as well as use of the title is proper. As a martial artist, correct protocol is not limited to the training hall - it travels with you.

Personal Obligations

Perhaps the least talked about item in your training is the matter of personal discipline with regards to paperwork and fees. A martial arts school, in addition to providing consistent, quality instruction also has its own financial obligations and deadlines that must be met in a timely fashion if the school is to continue to operate. It is a student's responsibility to ensure that paperwork and fees are handled in the same timely manner. An instructor's love is to teach their students. Reminding them of their obligations is a task they generally do not enjoy, and it is a great show of respect on the student's part to free them from this.

Continue to Part 3