The Etiquette of Tae Kwon Do

The Do Jang is a place for serious Tae Kwon Do students. It should be treated with respect by all students. Respecting your TKD school means to also help keep it clean and neat.
Students should never leave trash or clothing lying around the Do Jang. Students must have respect for each other, their Do Jang and all styles of Martial Arts.

Promptness
Your Instructors and fellow students take the effort to be on time. There is no reason for them to have to wait for you. Being punctual is an important quality that you should strive for. If class is supposed to begin at 5:30, you should be in the Do Jang ready to practice by 5:20.

Cleanliness
Tae Kwon Do is a contact Martial Art and Sport therefore, you should come to practice with a clean mind and body. In the interest of hygiene and respect for yourself, fellow students and the Art of Tae Kwon Do you should always wear a clean TKD uniform (Do Bok). Fingernails and toenails should be neatly trimmed to prevent injury to your partner. A scratch from a dirty nail can easily become infected.

Conduct
The Do-Jang is a place for serious training, not a social gathering. Foul language and poor sportsmanship or conduct will not be tolerated. The good conduct rule applies to promotional test, competition and during regular practice or sparring in the Do Jang. A student should never criticize, insult or blame their partner for not performing well.

Silence
Try to refrain from idle conversation while practicing Tae Kwon Do. You should come to the Do Jang ready to practice Martial Arts, not to chat with friends. When the Instructor is talking he/she should have your undivided attention. If you have a question, ask one of the Black Belts or the Instructor not the person next to you. It is the responsibility of the Instructors and Black Belts to instruct not the lower Belts.
Instructors and Black Belts are the most qualified to teach. Never contradict your Instructor or Black Belts during class regardless of what you many believe to be a correct technique, because it is considered very disrespectful in Martial Arts. Come to Tae Kwon Do practice with an open mind, ready to be filled with knowledge. Talking during class is prohibited unless a student has a relevant question, needs to exit the Do Jang for a break or to relieve him or herself. Remember a controlled and disciplined mind is essential in order to learn how to control the body.