CULTURE IN THE DOJANG
Training in the martial arts is mental as well as physical in nature. Besides techniques of self-defense, we are learning arts which build self-control, discipline and respect for other people. These mental states are attained by the following of certain traditions and formal behavior while within the training hall.
1. BOWING:To bow is merely a gesture of respect and acknowledgment. When done properly and sharply it reflects an awareness that the school is a special place, and an attitude of seriousness for training. The student should always bow:
UPON ENTERING AND LEAVING THE TRAINING HALL.
WHEN FIRST SEEING THE HEAD INSTRUCTOR OR HIS ASSISTANTS AND BOW TO THEM ONCE AGAIN WHEN LEAVING.
WHEN BEGINNING AND ENDING PRACTICE WITH A PARTNER.
2. SPEECH AND PROPER ADDRESS:
THE MASTER INSTRUCTOR OF THE SCHOOL IS ALWAYS TO BE ADDRESSED BY THE PROPER TITLE, "MASTER" or "SIR" or "TEACHER".
ALL THE INSTRUCTORS AND ASSISTANT INSTRUCTORS WHO WILL BE CONTINUALLY HELPING YOU IN YOUR DEVELOPMENT, ARE TO BE ADDRESSED AS "MR._______" OR "MISS________".
IN REPLY TO QUESTION OR COMMAND REQUIRING AN ANSWER, ALL STUDENTS SHOULD ANSWER "YES SIR" OR "NO SIR".
3. THE INSTRUCTOR IS OBEYED ABSOLUTELY.
4. HIGHER RANKING STUDENTS DESERVE YOUR COURTEOUS RESPECT.
5. CONCENTRATE TOTALLY ON THE INSTRUCTOR'S DIRECTIONS.
6. IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE ABSENT OR TARDY; OUT OF COURTESY NOTIFY THE SCHOOL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
7. NO STREET SHOES ARE TO BE WORN IN THE WORKOUT AREA. YOU MAY WEAR A PAIR OF SNEAKERS THAT ARE ONLY WORN IN THE SCHOOL.
8. PROFANITY IS NOT TO BE USED AND WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
9. ALL UNIFORMS ARE TO BE KEPT CLEAN AT ALL TIMES. ALSO, STUDENTS ARE TO PAY RESPECT TO THEIR OWN BODIES AND KEEP THEMSELVES CLEAN AND WELL GROOMED.
10. FINGERNAILS AND TOENAILS WILL BE KEPT CUT BACK AND CLEAN AT ALL TIMES.
11. NO WATCHES, RINGS, OR JEWELRY OF ANY SORT WILL BE WORN DURING TRAINING, EXCEPT EYEGLASSES WHEN NECESSARY.
12. HORSEPLAY IS NOT ALLOWED, IN OR OUT OF THE TRAINING AREA. RESPECT AND ORDER WILL BE MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES.
13. NO UNNECESSARY NOISE. WHEN NOT WORKING OUT, PLEASE SIT QUIETLY. DO NOT BOTHER OTHERS WITH NEEDLESS CHATTER.
14. PLEASE PAY YOUR DUES PROMPTLY. OFTEN, WE GET CARRIED AWAY WITH THE MORE EXOTIC ASPECTS OF MARTIAL RESPECT AND FORMALITIES, AND FORGET THAT IT IS NOT PARTICULARLY POLITE OR RESPECTFUL TO EXPECT A SCHOOL OR INSTRUCTOR TO WAIT FOR YOU TO PAY YOUR TUITION. YOUR COOPERATION IN THIS AREA IS ONE VERY IMPORTANT WAY YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE SMOOTH OPERATION OF THE SCHOOL. IF YOU DON'T PAY FOR YOUR LESSONS, THERE WILL NOT BE ANY LESSONS FOR YOU.
15. PLEASE HELP KEEP THE TRAINING HALL, CHANGING ROOMS AND REST ROOMS CLEAN.
16. DO NOT ALWAYS DEPEND ON AN INSTRUCTOR, PRACTICE BEFORE AND AFTER THE LESSON. SEEK OUT THE ASSISTANCE OF YOUR SENIORS.
17. NEVER DO ANYTHING TO DISHONOR THE SCHOOL OR YOUR INSTRUCTOR. THE MISUSE OF YOUR MARTIAL ARTS OR THE CREATION OF A BAD PERSONAL REPUTATION WITHIN NEIGHBORHOODS OR COMMUNITIES BY A STUDENT MAY CAUSE THE STUDENT TO BE SUSPENDED OR EXPELLED FROM THE SCHOOL.
18. PARENTS: ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILDREN!!! THEIR EFFORTS NEED TO BE REWARDED. DO NOT COMPARE THEM WITH OTHERS IN THE CLASS. EACH CHILD IS UNIQUE, AND WILL BENEFIT DIFFERENTLY FROM THE NEXT. PARENTS AND VISITORS ARE WELCOME TO WATCH CLASS ANYTIME. HOWEVER, WE ASK THAT YOU DO NOT TALK TO YOUR CHILD DURING CLASS-TIME. PLEASE LEAVE THE DISCIPLINE AND COACHING TO THE INSTRUCTORS.
19.ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE AN IMPORTANT MEMBER OF A PROUD FAMILY. BE CHEERFUL AND SHOW A GOOD POSITIVE ATTITUDE AT ALL TIMES.