Basic Tang Soo Do Etiquette
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The following information should be studied carefully to allow each Tang Soo Do practitioner to show proper respect and discipline.
1. Students should make an effort to arrive on-time for class. Furthermore, consistent tardiness shows a lack of attention and discipline.
2. On arrival at the studio the students must acknowledge and bow to the Senior Instructor in charge.
3. Proper respect should be displayed by the mutual bowing between students as they arrive for training. The "greeting" should be started by the junior member and acknowledged by the senior member.
4. To bow properly, come to a complete stop and face the person. Stand erect, shoulders back, with arms at your sides. Slowly bow from the waist to about a 45 degree angle, return to an erect posture, and continue through the studio.
5. Practitioners must remove their shoes before entering the studio or any office area of the instructor.
6. Entrance in to an instructor's office should only be done on permission of the instructor. The student should remain standing at attention, unless the instructor gives permission to be seated.
7. All students entering the studio must come to attention, and bow. On exiting the studio, the student should bow. This shows proper respect and loyalty.
8. The first student to notice the arrival of the Head Instructor or of a Sa Bom Nim in to the studio must immediately call the class to attention. The senior student must then issue the commands to the class to bow to the Instructor or Sa Bom Nim.
9. When a student is in a class line, they must ask permission before leaving the line for any reason. To leave the line, the student must first bow, then step back out of their position - never step forward, and never walk through a formed line of other students. The student must also ask permission to rejoin class before stepping back in to line.
10. If a student arrives late after class has begun, they must first stretch out. They are then required to ask the Head Instructor's permission before formally joining class.
11. Grand Master T. M. Kim should be addressed as Kwan Jang Nim. All Dan members (black belts) should be addressed as "sir" or "ma'am". Also, Mr. or Mrs. Or Miss should be used in reference to any Dan member's name.
12. It is proper respect to address a master instructor as "Sa Bom Nim".
13. Students with questions should first ask their senior to obtain answers. If they need further assistance, they should gain permission before approaching the Senior Instructor. The chain of command in training is important, and must be recognized.
14. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to train and students must show respect and appreciation for the studio. Students should work together and share the responsibility of cleaning the carpet, mirrors, and training equipment. Students should never eat or drink on the studio floor.
15. Students should always attempt to maintain good discipline in posture. When speaking with a senior or instructor, students should stand at attention, back straight, hands at your sides, and feet together. Always, an attention stance should be held while in class - whether you are standing or sitting. When sitting in class, students must sit with their back straight, legs crossed, and hands resting on their knees - NEVER LOUNGE!!
16. Students must show respect for their do bok. Your uniform should be clean and neat always. Before and after training, uniforms should be folded properly and neatly. If a student is unsure of the correct method of folding their uniform, they should seek instruction from a senior belt.
17. Appreciate your opportunity to train, show respect, pay attention, and answer properly with spirit always!!!
