Taekwon-do Etiquette

In Taekwon-do there is a definite Taekwon-do Etiquette by which all members abide.

– As you enter and exit the Training Hall (Dojang) you should bow, with both heels together, feet apart, and hands as fists out to the side of your body.

– At the start and end of a training session the most senior grades will call the class to attention in the following order:

Senior black belt call class to attention to face instructors

Charyot

(attention stance, both heels together, feet apart)

Boo-Sabum Nim Geh

(1st to 3rd degree instructors)

or

Sabum Nim Geh

(4th degree and above international instructors)

Kyong Ye

(bow)

followed by everyone saying ‘Taekwon’

Senior colour belt student call class to attention to face black belts or instructors

Charyot

(attention stance, both heels together, feet apart)

Boo-Sabum Nim Geh

(1st to 3rd degree instructors)

or

Sabum Nim Geh

(4th degree and above international instructors)

Kyong Ye

(bow)

followed by everyone saying ‘Taekwon’

Next ranking student call class to attention

to face senior colour belt student

Charyot

(attention stance, both heels together, feet apart)

Je Ja Nim Geh

(students)

Kyong Ye

(bow)

followed by everyone saying ‘Taekwon’

Note:

Simsa Kwan

Salutation for examiner

Sahyun Nim Geh

is the salutation for 7th or 8th degree Master

Saseong Nim Geh

Salutation for 9th degree Grand Master

 

– When talking to a senior Black Belt at a Taekwon-do event or session, such as a grading or competition you address them as “Sir” for male Black Belts or “Madam” for female Black Belts.

– When shaking hands with a fellow Taekwon-do student/instructor/official you do so by shaking with your right hand as usual, but your left hand is to be palm down under the right forearm, bowing as you do so with your feet together.

– When before you spar it is good sportsmanship to “offer your glove” to your opponent, by this you simply touch fists. (Do so before the fight starts as not all competitors may not recognise your action as friendly.)

– When bowing to an International Black Belt Instructor (4th Degree Black Belt and higher) you show respect by bowing and allowing the instructor to end their bow before you stand and straight again.

– When Wearing your Taekwon-Do belt you should not eat as this is disrespectful to your belt. First take off your belt, then you can eat.

– Always obide by the tenets of Taekwon-do by showing Courtesy, Integrity and Self-Control, and especially when in the company of senior black belts from different clubs. Perseverance and Indomitable Spirit are not so relevent to etiquette but are equally as important in Taekwon-Do.