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도장 예절

Dojang Etiquette

Proper conduct in the Dojang (training hall) is an integral part of Taekwon-Do training. Etiquette reflects the first tenet — Courtesy (Ye Ui) — and distinguishes a true martial artist from someone who has merely learned to fight.

Quick Reference

1
Bow when entering and leaving the Dojang
2
Bow to the instructor when addressed or receiving instruction
3
Remove shoes before entering the training area
4
Wear a clean and tidy Dobok (uniform) at all times
5
Keep fingernails and toenails short
6
No jewelry during training
7
No food or drink (except water) in the Dojang
8
Arrive on time; if late, wait at the edge and bow for permission to join
9
Seniors sit on the right, juniors on the left
10
Address your instructor by proper title: Bo Sabum-nim (1st–3rd Dan), Sabum-nim (4th–6th Dan), Sahyun-nim (7th–8th Dan), Saseong-nim (9th Dan)
11
Never use Taekwon-Do to harm others unnecessarily

Class Structure

Standard sequence of a Taekwon-Do class

1
CharyotAttentionClass comes to attention stance
2
Kyong-yeBowBow to the flags / instructor
3
JunbiReadyAssume parallel ready stance
4
(Training)TrainingWarm-up, patterns, sparring, etc.
5
CharyotAttentionEnd of class — come to attention
6
Kyong-yeBowBow to instructor and each other
7
HaesanDismissClass is formally dismissed

Bowing (Kyong-ye)

  • ›Bow when entering and leaving the Dojang — face the flags or the front of the hall
  • ›Bow to the instructor when first addressed or when receiving instruction
  • ›Bow to senior students (Sonbae) when greeting them
  • ›A 15° bow is used for casual greetings; a 45° bow for formal respect
  • ›During class, bow to your partner before and after each exercise

Uniform (Dobok)

  • ›Wear a clean and neatly pressed Dobok at every training session
  • ›The belt (Dee) must be tied correctly and remain tied throughout training
  • ›Remove shoes before stepping onto the training floor
  • ›No jewelry — rings, necklaces, earrings, or piercings must be removed or taped
  • ›Keep fingernails and toenails short to prevent injury to yourself and partners
  • ›Hair must be tied back if it is long enough to obstruct vision

Conduct in the Dojang

  • ›Arrive on time; if late, wait at the edge of the training area and bow for permission to join
  • ›Do not speak while the instructor is addressing the class
  • ›Raise your hand to ask a question — do not interrupt
  • ›No food, chewing gum, or drink (except water) inside the Dojang
  • ›Seniors sit on the right side; juniors on the left
  • ›Never lean against walls or sit with legs stretched out during class
  • ›Do not use mobile phones during training
  • ›Keep the Dojang clean — it is a place of respect and discipline

Addressing Others

  • ›Address your instructor by proper title: Bo Sabum-nim (1st–3rd Dan), Sabum-nim (4th–6th Dan), Sahyun-nim (7th–8th Dan), or Saseong-nim (9th Dan)
  • ›Never call an instructor or senior by their first name in the Dojang
  • ›Acknowledge commands with "Ne" (Yes) or "Ye" (Yes — more formal)
  • ›Refer to higher-ranked students as Sonbae (senior); they address you as Hubae (junior)
  • ›When receiving or giving anything, use both hands as a sign of respect

Responsibilities

  • ›Never misuse Taekwon-Do — physical techniques are only for authorized training and genuine self-defense
  • ›Senior students are responsible for setting a positive example for juniors
  • ›Report injuries to the instructor immediately — do not train through pain in silence
  • ›Help set up and tidy away equipment before and after class
  • ›Encourage fellow students; never ridicule or belittle a training partner
  • ›Uphold the tenets of Taekwon-Do inside and outside the Dojang
"Without the proper attitude and mental discipline, the physical techniques of Taekwon-Do are meaningless. Etiquette is the visible expression of the student's inner development."
— General Choi Hong Hi