As much as the physical training is important, Taekwon-Do should be taught in a disciplined environment with development of etiquette and respect. Students participating in Thoroughbred Taekwon-Do classes do so, with a culture of mutual respect and observance of rank.
Dojang rules
- Students must bow upon entering and leaving the dojang, whilst an instructor is present or flags are displayed.
All instructions issued by an instructor or senior student should be carried out, ithout dispute, and to the best of your ability always.
3. Courtesy and respect should be shown towards all instructors and students at all times, both in and out of the dojang. Disrespect shown towards the instructor at any time will result in expulsion from the academy.
4. Students must answer clearly “yes sir” or “yes maam” to instructor at all times, or alternately “Boo-sabum” (1st – 3rd Degree), “Sabum” (4th – 6th Degree), “Sahyun” (7-8th Degree), “Sa-Sung” (9th Degree)
5. If you are late for class you must proceed directly to the front of the dojang and wait for the instructor to bow and signal for you to join the class.
6. Permission to leave the class must be obtained from the instructor at all times, and the same procedure, as 5 should be followed. Student should avoid leaving class where possible.
7. Swearing and abusive language is not permitted in class at any time.
8. During training, the approved Thoroughbred Taekwon-Do uniform must be worn, including the appropriate belt and badges.
9. Spectators are not permitted in class at any time unless given specific permission by the instructor, or on special occasions such as gradings, or where a separate area for spectators is not available.
10. Students must not communicate with, nor allow spectators/parents to distract them at any time during class.
11. All senior ranked students are responsible in ensuring that lower ranked and new students follow the Thoroughbred Taekwon-Do Code of Conduct.
12. Students must never call the instructor by their first name whilst in dobok or in the dojang. - Always obey and respect your Masters, Instructors, Parents and senior/higher belt students. Always bow and greet the Masters and Instructors whenever and wherever you meet them.
- Address your Masters and Instructors by their last name (e.g. Master Han, Mr. Levin…etc.).
- Keep your dobok (uniform) clean and presentable. You cannot enter the dojang without proper uniform or a belt. Respect your uniform and belt by not throwing them on the ground.
- Students with long hair should tie up their hair
- Always place your outdoor shoes on the shoe rack in the designated areas.
- No shoes except the Taekwondo training shoes are allowed in the dojang.
- Line up according the ranking from the right to the left and the front row to the back.
- Late arrival should line up to the back regardless of their ranking.
- Students should not enter or leave the class without obtaining permission from your Master or Instructor.
- To prevent injuries, jewelleries and watches are not to be worn during training. Finger and toe nails should be kept short.
- If you have any injury, tell your Master or Instructor before class begins. If you are injured during class, report it to your Master or Instructor right away.
- Food, alcohol, tobacco, chewing gum, loud conversation, negative behaviour and foul language are strictly prohibited in the dojang.
- During sparring classes, you must wear a full sparring gear (including mouth guard and groin guard however uncomfortable they may be) as they are for your safety and the safety of your sparring partner.
- Seniors must behave and set a good example for the juniors. Juniors must respect senior belts and elders.
- Students are expected to be polite, honest, and humble and always follow the rules of Taekwondo.
- Never forget that you learn Taekwondo for defensive purposes and neverto offend or bully anyone.
- Never use Taekwondo outside the dojang, unless in self-defence or in defence of someone weaker – and then only use the least force necessary.
- Do not brag or boast of your Taekwondo abilities inside or outside the dojang.
- Remember the first rule of self-defence is to avoid conflict wherever possible.
- Before you enter the Dojang, stand at attention and bow to the flags. Enter the Dojang, stand at attention, follow this with a full bow to your Master.
- If Instructors or any Black Belts are present, address them with a full bow, then kneel into meditation to clear your mind and prepare you for class.
- 3. Always address your Master with the title Sa Bum Nim and your Instructors with the title Kyo Sa Nim at all times. Both inside and outside the Dojang.
- 4. Always show proper respect to your Master and Instructors with a full traditional bow, both inside and outside the Dojang. Bowing is an international sign of respect. It shows respect for you and others.
- 5. When speaking to a Master or an Instructor, please show respect by addressing them as sir or ma’am.
- 6. Whenever you approach your Instructors, address him/her first with a bow, then speak to them politely, thank them and finish with a bow.
- 7. Whenever you need assistance, simply inform your Instructor that you do not know a particular movement and he/she will help you.
- 8. Never ask your Master or Instructor to demonstrate or show you how to do something.
- 9. Do not ask when students are to be promoted to next rank. Your Master will invite the student to the test when he/she is deemed ready.
- 10. Higher-ranking students shall set a good example by showing respect to the lower ranking students and helping them when necessary. Higher-ranking students should never take advantage of their rank and authority. This is the way we respect each other in the Dojang.
- 11. All lower ranking students shall obey and respect higher-ranking students.
- 12. Pre-class time should be spent be stretching, warming up, meditating or practicing your techniques. Any talking should be kept to a minimum.
- 13. Whenever you arrive during a class, enter the Dojang and wait on your knees until your Instructor places you in the class. Do not leave class without your Instructor’s permission.
- 14. Always wear a clean uniform to class. Fingernails and toenails are to be kept short and neatly trimmed; also no repugnant hairstyles.
- 15. The following are prohibited in the Dojang; shoes, socks, smoking, intoxication, food/beverage, chewing gum, bad language, or arguing.
- 16. Do not demonstrate or teach Taekwondo (martial arts) outside of the school without the express permission of your Master.
- 17. Never degrade Taekwondo or the reputation of your school.
- 18. You must have permission from your instructor to participate in any tournament or martial art activity. All awards, including trophies, medals, etc., shall be displayed at the school first and then taken home.
Fee Payment
1. All training, grading and membership fees must be paid promptly at the start of each year/term/month.
2. There are no casual training fees, or fees paid in arrears. (May vary from school to school – check with instructor)
3. Grading fees and forms must be submitted in full at least 1 week prior to testing.
4. Camps, seminars, tournaments etc. must be paid by dates specified on application forms. Students must ensure all details on forms are correct.
Tournaments
1. Students cannot participate in any tournaments without the prior knowledge of their instructor. This includes both Taekwon-Do (ITF or otherwise) and Non-Taekwon-Do tournaments.
2. Students / parents must always display good sportsmanship and behaviour at all tournaments, competing in the true spirit of Taekwon-Do, regardless of the outcome of a particular contest. Any conduct, which reflects poorly on the reputation of the school, may result in expulsion from the academy.
3. All complaints, and inquiries, must be handled by the instructor/ coach only
4. All senior students are expected to assist in an official capacity at all I.T.F. tournaments, particularly those hosted by Thoroughbred Taekwon-Do schools.
5. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they have their own appropriate protective equipment.
6. Full uniform, including club badges, must be worn whilst competing, and during presentation ceremony.
8. Students must ensure they have a clear knowledge of tournament rules and follow them as closely as possible.
Additional training
- Whilst additional training is generally encouraged, students must inform the instructor if they are training at another club. The instructor reserves the right to request the student select where they wish to train, if it is seen to have a detrimental effect on their performance and/or attitude, or to be a negative influence on other students.
- Students are not to recruit for others schools from within the club
- Training at other schools cannot clash with your training at this school.
- Instructor reserves the right to cancel membership if this request is not followed.
- Students cannot seek promotion from other schools without the prior knowledge and blessing of their primary instructor.
- Injuries incurred whilst training at other schools, or participating in non-endorsed events, will not be covered under the school’s insurance policy.