Metro TaeKwonDo

160 Westwood Village Drive Clemmons, NC 27012 Telephone (336) 778-1260
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Dojang Etiquette
 
Etiquette plays a significant role in Martial Arts training regardless of style. All martial arts students will encounter and adhere to some form of etiquette whether they practice Tae Kwon Do, Karate,Chinese Kung Fu, Aikido, Judo, or one of the many other styles of martial arts. In its most basic form martial arts etiquette is a prescribed set of standards for a person's conduct and attitude toward themselves and others. Etiquette in the Dojang ensures a positive and safe environment that is necessary to accompany the physical aspects of Tae Kwon Do training.
 
Bowing
Bowing is a strong tradition in the martial arts. It is a sign of respect and humility. The martial artist bows towards the flags before entering and leaving the training area as well as before and after practice with a partner. The Asian custom of bowing is comparable to the western handshake.
 
How to bow properly:
1. Stand with your feet together and hands at your the sides of your legs.
2. Bend over at the waist 30-45 degrees while keeping your back straight.
3. It is Korean tradition not to look up at the person to whom you are bowing - this implies a lack of trust.
4. A lower belt should wait for the senior belt to straighten first.
 
Uniform
Shoes should always be removed before entering the training area. All students should help keep the dojang neat and orderly. Always observe the highest standard of personal cleanliness in class. Personal hygiene is important. Keep nails on both hands and feet trimmed back to protect both yourself and your partner. Uniforms should be kept clean and neat, do not leave them lying around. Traditionally, a student's belt should never touch the ground. And it should never be worn outside of the dojang.
 
Behavior in the Dojang
For safety, students should not wear rings, watches, bracelets, chains or earrings while in class.

Students should arrive 5 minutes prior to the beginning of class. Students who are late need to ask permission to join class before participating in the class in session.

During class students should maintain a level of respect and seriousness. Unnecessary noise or talking from students practicing on their own is unfair to the students in class and the instructor. Never disturb a class in progress.
 
Never tie your belt or straighten your uniform while facing the flags or other students, especially higher-ranking belts. In some dojangs it is considered disrespectful to stand with your hands on your hips or with your arms crossed while in class.
 
All Instructors and other Black Belts should be addressed by their respective titles. Use "sir" or "ma'am" or the title "Mr." Or "Ms." with the last name.
 
Cursing or bad language will not be tolerated from anyone.
 
Please use the provided locker room for changing of clothes.
 
Horseplay is not permitted in the training area.
 
Open drinks are not allowed on the training mat.
Always show respect for others and take it upon yourself to help and encourage others. Be courteous to other people's time and space.

Cell phones. Use common sense. Please take conversations outside the dojang.
 
Sparring (Kyorugi)
Sparring is allowed with supervision of the instructor only.
 
No sparring is allowed without wearing the proper protectiveequipment.  Mouth guard, hand & feet sparring gear and hogoo are mandatory for sparring class. Groin protector is also required for male students.
 
Never strike with the intent to do serious bodily injury to your partner; good control should be exercised.
 
Hapkido
Competitive matwork before and after class is not allowed without the supervision of a qualified instructor. (Unless special
permission has been granted)
 
Finger and toe nails should be trimmed before engaging in grappling techniques. Please inspect yourself before class begins.
 
Always “tap” and/or announce “kalyeo” at least twice during your submission to alert your partner of possible injury.
 
These rules and regulations are designed to provide a safe and positive learning environment during your study at Metro Martial Arts.