Rules of the Dojang

•           Students must have appropriate insurance to train
•           Students must bow when entering or leaving the Do-Jang (training hall).
•           Students must try to be on time and always ask permission before joining the class (if you are late).
•           The instructors should be referred to as “Sabum”, “Sir” or “Mr….”, and your fellow students should be respected at all times.
•           Students must always follow the instructors’ instructions.
•           No running or shouting (unless instructed!)
•           No eating, or smoking
•           No unnecessary talking within the dojang, especially during the lesson
•           Toe and finger nails should always be kept clipped and no jewellery is to be worn so as to avoid injury.
•           Students must own a White Dobok. This must be worn at all Gradings and Tae Kwon-Do competition events
•           Students may only wear a White Dobok with a Black collar when the grading of 1st Dan/Black Belt is attained.
•           Ensure that Doboks (uniforms) are clean and pressed .
•           Students MUST make their Instructor aware of any medical condition that might cause further injury or their well being to deteriorate
            as a result of any of the exercises or techniques. Anything said would be held in the strictest confidence.
•           When speaking to an Instructor students should ALWAYS bow before starting the conversation and bow when the conversation is completed.
•           If you have a problem or want to ask a question, you should remain in your position, raise your hand and wait to be asked.
•           At NO time should you wander off without permission to go to the toilet, have a drink or for any other reason. (Doing this is disrespectful and also dangerous!)
•           NEVER question an Instructors methods or instructions during class or in front of other students.
•           ALWAYS be courteous and respectful to your senior grades (especially to Instructors) regardless of age, sex or the length of time they’ve been practicing Tae Kwon-Do.

The Oaths of the Student (Sonso) and Tenets of Tae-Kwon-do

            •           I shall observe the tenants of Tae Kwon-Do
            •           I shall respect the Instructors and Seniors
            •           I shall never misuse Tae Kwon-Do
            •           I shall be a champion of freedom and justice
            •           I shall build a more peaceful world

           Courtesy (Ye ui)- Being polite and respectful
            Integrity (Yom chi)- act on principles of right and good (doing the right thing)
            Perseverance (In nae)- the ability to keep trying until you master what you set out to do
            Self Control (Kuk gi)- being the master of yourself in all ways, and being able to control anger or aggression within
            Indomitable spirit (Baekjool) – to be able to keep going, no matter how tough things get

Courtesy (Ye ui)- Being polite and respectful

Courtesy promotes mutual understanding, harmony, peacefulness, humbleness, cooperation, respect, and a sense of justice. Courtesy may displayed as:

• Politeness. Say please and thank you, open/hold doors for others, or ask instead of telling.

• Distinction of Roles. The ways we speak or act with respect toward our seniors, elders, or teachers and the care and concern we show toward our juniors.

• Consideration of Others. Be aware of how others think and feel and treat others with kindness and compassion.

• Compliment/Honor Others. Recognize good in others and acknowledge their actions or thoughts.

• Indulgence. Ignoring a slight or meanness, or an unimportant mistake or error

• Deference. Allow another person to go first because it will be helpful, kind, or respectful to that person.

• Generosity. Give or make something available to someone out of kindness.

Integrity (Yom chi)- act on principles of right and good (doing the right thing)
In Taekwondo, we must be able to determine right from wrong and to have a conscience. We must always seek to integrate our thoughts, feelings, and values within ourselves and with the world in which we live through consistent actions. If we demonstrate integrity in our daily interactions with others, people will learn to regard us as dependable, responsible, and honest. Integrity may be displayed as:

• Honesty. Be truthful with yourself and others.

• Consistency. Tour actions match your words and stay the same on a daily basis.

• Loyalty. Be faithful to the people and practices that are important in your life and acknowledge the positive role that people, such as family and friends, and practices, such as Taekwondo, have had in your life.

• Adherence to a standard of values. Be mindful of what is right and what is wrong.

• Learning from mistakes. Use your mistakes as a tool to avoid making the same mistakes again.

Perseverance (In nae)- the ability to keep trying until you master what you set out to do

Perseverance is the quality of being insistent. Success comes to those who do not give up. It takes a lot of work to achieve something truly great. A large amount of personal satisfaction may be gained from the growth, mastery, and self-knowledge that come from practice and commitment to a goal. Perseverance may be displayed as:

• Patience. Ability to calmly proceed when things become slow or difficult.

• Focus on goals. Keep in mind what it is that you are trying to achieve.

• Overcoming obstacles. Find ways to keep working toward your goal when difficult situations arise.

• Following your convictions. Be true to what you think is right and important.

Self Control (Kuk gi)- being the master of yourself in all ways, and being able to control anger or aggression within

A loss of self-control in class may result in injury to yourself and others. Your ability to get along and adapt to your environment and to recognize your capabilities is also a measure of self-control. An inability to live within your capabilities demonstrates a lack of self-control. For example, if during sparring one does not have the control to kick to the face without contact but does so anyway, this reflects a lack of self-control that could have dangerous consequences. Self-control means never having to say you are sorry. Self-control may be displayed as:

• Restraint. Way we control our actions when we are upset or angry.

• Discipline. Ability to stay consistently focused on your goals, and on the actions required to achieve those goals.

• Self-Mastery. Control over and awareness of your actions and words.

• Discretion. Do not violate confidences, or speak or act in ways that will unnecessarily hurt others.

• Will Power. Have the energy, desire, and attitude to continue a course of action even in the presence of obstacles and hardships.

• Dignity:. Keep a calm exterior in the face of adversity.

Indomitable spirit (Baekjool) – to be able to keep going, no matter how tough things get

Indomitable spirit means standing up for what is just, regardless of who tells you that you are wrong. It means having the courage to be yourself at all times, and to do what you think is right regardless of the pressures people put on you. Finally, it means having a strong spirit that is not crushed or swayed by adversity or obstacles.

If we understand Taekwondo according to these principles; when faced with a problem, we find a solution, and by continuously changing our skills, we will avoid ever being faced with the same problem again. By understanding these philosophical principles of Taekwondo, we may find ways to understand and develop our lives.