Rules of Etiquette

The most valuable assets in Tae Kwon-Do are the rules of etiquette; the rules that gauge a practitioner’s behaviour, & the attitude deep within his heart. The practitioner’s of Tae Kwon-Do should live up to the high standards expected. The Tae Kwon-Do organizations around the world practice a high level of order and discipline, maintaining standards. Practicing these standards develop a sense of values in our youth, resulting in a higher level of courtesy & respect. Tae Kwon-Do believes that this is a strong basis for morality that today’s world desperately needs. Tae Kwon-Do also develops humility in behaviour, pride in oneself, togetherness, and breeds unselfishness, kindness, and tolerance. These rule's of etiquette were established by the Korean Tae Kwon-Do Association (KTA) on 7 May 1971. The rules of etiquette are as follows:

How to Bow

Bowing in any martial art is a sign of respect and should be a sincere slow bow. It is sometimes more disrespectful to bow incorrectly than to not bow at all as this is a sign that you do not understand the reason behind the gesture. Some martial arts may differ but in Taekwondo you must always be in attention position when you bow. So make sure you have no gaps between your feet and your hands are placed smartly at the sides of your body.

From your waist bend 15 degrees and lower your eyes head 45 degrees to the floor. Hold the position for a split second before coming back to your original standing position.

Things to remember when bowing:

• Bow from attention position with your feet touching.
• Looking at your instructor or partner (in Taekwondo) shows mistrust, so ensure you always lower your eyes.
• Bow 15 degrees from your waist and 45 degrees from your head, slowly.
• Never bow while you are moving. Always stop and stand in attention position.

When you bow to someone you are making a public gesture that you respect them as a person in the martial arts and what they stand for. That is why every time you bow it should mean something both to you and the other person. Half hearted bows or a simple nod of the head don’t symbolically mean anything it is a lack of etiquette if anything.

Bowing, especially for adults, is also a very humbling experience. To acknowledge that someone else, irrespective of age, has more experience and knowledge than you can sometimes be quite difficult to grasp. Also bowing when you enter and leave the Dojang is not for anyone else but you. This simple action reminds you that you are there to listen to the advice of the instructor and approach learning with an empty cup.

Always remember that a bow is a physical gesture of your inner self. If you do not respect someone for a valid reason do not bow. A false bow or incorrect bow in worse than no bow at all and it is important that every time you bow it is genuine and means something to you. Bear in mind that you do not have to like a person to respect them in the martial arts. To like someone is only an added bonus.

The Greeting

There are two types of greetings in Tae Kwon-Do; the standing greeting (bow) & the kneeling greeting. Rendering standing greetings when a superior enters the room. Rendering kneeling greetings when after the standing greeting, if the superior sits on the floor. The standing greeting starts with the feet together. Arms to the side, fingers curled toward the legs so that the index fingers are touching the thumbs. Back straight, head and eyes to the front. To render a greeting with a bow: the back bent forward 15 degrees; head bent forward 45 degrees. After the bow, return to the standing position. To render a sitting greeting: by moving to the kneeling position; knees together, move the arms to the front & bend forward, place head on hands, then returns to the kneeling position.

Teacher, Student formalities during training

Before to each training session, saluting flags with a low respectful bow. After saluting the flag, the lower ranking students must greet their superiors in order of rank, first the school master, the teacher, & then the individuals with a higher level of proficiency than oneself. During the training session, a student's behaviour shall have control and show a high level of courtesy. Student uniforms will at all times be in serviceable condition. Uniforms will not to be worn in public except when absolutely necessary. It is important for the student to use discretion when speaking during the training session. Students should always use words implying respect & honour when speaking too superior. The superiors do not have to be so careful in their selection of words when speaking to students of lesser rank. While practitioner's of Tae Kwon-Do are in uniform, the symbol of rank within the system takes precedence over respect for elders. However, when not in uniform, respect for age takes precedence over rank.

Wearing the Uniform (Dobok)

Uniform neatness and cleanliness are of the utmost importance. During the training session, if an individual's uniform is to become out of place, they are to stop momentarily & turn so that others will not be able to see, then adjust their uniform. After the adjustments made, they return to the practice.

Home and Social behaviour

While in the home, at work, or while at social functions, it is important for the student to demonstrate high morale standards, and to show appropriate respect and consideration to others.

Etiquette in Speech

High levels of speech should always imply while speaking. The back should be straight, & the general attitude should be formal. The choice of words is important, being words of courtesy and respect. The voice should not be loud, & abusive words are not be tolerated. The student should be careful not to spit while speaking. The individual should not lose his integrity, wit, or sense of humour. The speaker should ensure to use the correct title for the person he is speaking too. Listening is essential & shows respect. It is not appropriate to stare or interrupt. It is not appropriate to touch the individual you are speaking to, & it is not correct to use hand gestures.

Appearance

In social situations, it is important to be conscious of appearance. The type, fitting, & style of clothes should be conservative. During ceremonies & other formal occasions, the students of Tae Kwon-Do should always wear the appropriate attire. The shined shoes & a well-groomed appearance should be evident. In keeping with the rules of appearance, good habits result.

Visiting

Prior to visiting someone, an appointment should be made. Do not show up uninvited. Make it a point never to visit on holidays or Sundays, early in the morning, late at night, at meal time or day of inclement weather, unless specifically invited. Make the visits short, remember that you are guest, thank the host (ess) before to departing, it is a Korean custom to bring a gift when visiting someone’s home. The gift may only be: fruit, drink, flowers, etc.., or something to show your gratitude to be an invited guest.

Guiding a Higher Ranking Person

When guiding a higher ranking person, walk to the front with slightly bent forward posture; this shows respect. At meetings be attentive to the needs of the superior, for example if he should need a pen or pad of paper. If not escorting a superior or superior's family, but are with a superior, always walk to the rear, open doors for the superior, and be attentive to the needs as previously mentioned.

Seating arrangements at Ceremonies

While at formal ceremonies: the seat of honour is to the right of the chairperson, then the next highest position is to their left. At social gatherings, with a speaker present, the highest ranking persons have an opportunity to speak after the speaker. The highest ranking person will leave a crowded room first when the ceremony is over, followed by the others in order of rank.