TANG SOO DO ETIQUETTE & DOJANG RULES
For Beginning Students
Martial arts training begins with learning how to respect the tradition of the art and the school. With membership in any organization there are rules that must be followed and adhered to. Oakstrong Martial Arts is no exception.
– Kyo Sa Neville Loberg
UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT
The uniform (dobok) is an integral part of each student’s beginning training. Wearing a uniform is required when promoting rank, attending seminars, or at a promotions test. Students can purchase uniforms from recommended vendors, light or heavy weight (recommended for advanced students). More information is available on the student website “Resources” page.
Never wash your belt – Tradition says that the color and wear that will naturally occurs on your belt as a result of training, and is a sign of your progress.
It is each student’s responsibility to keep their uniforms and body clean, and keep nails trimmed for safety. For safety, no jewelry/heavy watches are permitted while training. If sharp rings or bracelets do not come off, you may put tape over it as protection. Ask your instructor if in doubt.
A mouthpiece and groin cup (for males) is required equipment. At orange belt level, it will be necessary to purchase protective “foam” equipment for light contact drills/sparring.
ENTERING THE DOJANG
Class and instruction begins promptly at the indicated class start time. Arrive prior to class with enough time to prepare.
When entering the dojang, personal preparation is an essential. You are encouraged to arrive at least 15 minutes early. Cease talking, quiet oneself physically, mentally, and spiritually, and focus on your training. This creates “quiet internal peace” (jong sook).
When entering the dojang, pause at the entrance, face the flags and apply proper protocol of placing your right hand over the heart and bow in the direction of the flags. This demonstrates respect and appreciation for our country, the art of Tang Soo Do, the art of Tang Soo Do, and an acknowledgement of the privilege of training in the Moo Do way. Then bow to the instructor and all senior members present. This discipline should be performed upon entering and leaving the dojang.
If instructors are training or teaching, do not interrupt. Maintain Jong Sook. The “clock” end of the dojang is reserved for instructors to use at all times – respect their space.
When a Sa Bom Nim or Kyo Sa Nim enters class, the most senior member will call the class to attention (cha ryut), and then bow (kyung ret). The class will then recognize the instructor with a bow.
IN THE DOJANG
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.
In the dojang, keep conversations to a minimum and/or VERY low volume – particularly if there is a class being conducted or if your instructors are training/teaching. Loud conversations are also disrespectful to others who may want a few moments of silence to mentally prepare for the class. Comradery is encouraged – but take it outside.
Place all shoes, bags, water bottles, etc. in the corner of the studio – not in the area where anyone will be training. Silence your phone to keep it from interrupting class.
Regarding parents, family, and friends – they are welcome to occasionally observe class in order to not be a distraction. This is to insure that we have 100% of the students’ energy, attention, and independence to grow. Visitors may not interfere or instruct students at any time for any reason.
Storage of equipment and dismantling the dojang at the end of class are other ways of demonstrating the humility that is part 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.
LATE ENTRANCE TO CLASS
When a student arrives late, they should quietly enter the dojang, stand at the door and bow in the direction of the flags. Remain at attention, at the entrance, until recognized by the instructor. After being recognized by the instructor, bow to the instructor, walk behind the other students, and assume your proper position in class.
LEADERSHIP & ASSISTING
As you advance to an intermediate level (green and red belts) you are becoming leaders of the class and role models – and by extension all of Oakstrong Martial Arts. As leaders, it is your responsibility to set the best example you can. As you advance, your instructors will expect you to be leaders and act accordingly.
Our fondest hope is for each and every student who begins training at the studio to reach their goal of earning a black belt. By definition, all black belts are instructors. All successful instructors began as assistants. Along the journey to martial arts success, it is ultimately very fulfilling to pass the art down to new students by teaching/assisting classes.
Any student with a color belt may begin assisting by instructing lower rank students – ask!
Avoid too much talking during partner drills. Work specifically on what your instructor has indicated. While encouragement is appreciated, one of the most important aspects of your training is that junior students should never – under any circumstance – correct/instruct a senior student or instructor out of respect for their position and rank.
AFTER CLASS / OUTSIDE THE DOJANG
Time with your instructor is precious. Use class time to receive your instructor’s refinements and to learn new material. No amount of instruction will be of much use without practice. Take responsibility for your training.
Outside of class – practice. Students should practice outside of the dojang in order to assure that they have learned the techniques fully and progress in rank to the best of their abilities. Practice should include basic techniques, hyung, and combinations.
In order to avoid injury, use EXTREME care if practicing with non-martial artists. This is not recommended. They just don’t “get it” most of the time and accidents will occur. Never show off or teach what you learn in class. If a potential student wants to know what you are learning – briefly show them something cool, and then invite them to attend a class with you.
COMMUNICATIONS
A group text message may occasionally be used by your instructor to inform students of time-sensitive matters of concern to all. Examples: announcements, schedule changes, class confirmations, and reminders. While replies are welcome, do not use this group text for off-line conversations. For specific communications or questions, text or email your
instructor at the appropriate number/address.
PAYMENTS / PUNCH CARD PROCEEDURE
Perhaps the least talked about item in your training is the matter of personal discipline with regards to paperwork, payments, and fees. 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.
Our payment system is easy. Simply buy a “punch” card from your chief instructor using cash, check, or Venmo. Your instructor will “hit it” once for each class you attend or for a new color belt when you promote in rank. Ten and 20-class cards are available for purchase. There are no contracts or auto-withdrawals – pay only for the classes you attend.
Students/parents will be informed when your card is at or near used up. If you are “in the hole” (taken more classes than you have bought) kindly buy a new card as soon as possible.
Please take care of any business transactions immediately after class.
A martial arts school, in addition to providing consistent, quality instruction also has financial obligations and deadlines that must be met if the school is to continue to operate. It is a student’s responsibility to ensure that such is handled in the same timely manner. Your support is appreciated. To encourage and allow family members to train, we offer discounts to immediate family members on classes. Additional immediate family members who are training regularly will receive a 20% discount off regular tuition.
We reserve the right to deny training/dismiss from classes (without refund) any student at any time if they are deemed to be lacking discipline, displaying misconduct, acting inappropriately, or in any way endangering themselves or others.
Pricing is subject to change without notice. Payment cards are non-refundable, non-transferable, and expire in 60 days from time of purchase. Classes are subject to change and availability – options are non-refundable because of such changes. Some exceptions apply per the discretion of the instructor.
TANG SOO!
Oakstrong TSD Etiquette & Dojang Rules v04.0