How should a student enter the School/Dojang?
All students, upon entering the school, should stow all gear, shoes and personal items in the designated locker room or other location. No shoes should EVER be worn on the mats. All students need to bow properly upon entering the dojang floor. Students are then requested to then greet the Master and all present Black Belt instructors the student needs to wait to be acknowledged then bow and shake hands as a form of respectful greeting. If they so wish, the student can quietly warm-up/stretch in the dojang if a class is not in session. Upon leaving the floor, the students must bow and shake the instructors’ hands as a proper farewell.
Why do students bow?
Bowing is a gesture of respect for your fellow students, the dojang, the instructional staff and Master. Bowing is completely non-religious and is essential for instilling those attributes of honor and respect so fundamental to the study of Martial Arts.
How does a student address instructors and staff members in the school?
Always address instructors and staff members with respect by answering Yes (Sir/Ma’am), No (Sir/Ma’am), Excuse me (Sir/Ma’am). When greeting them in the school, it is always Mr./Ms. and the instructor’s last name, with the exception of our Master Instructors and then the Greeting should be Master and the master’s last name. When in class, it is critical for students to show courtesy and respect for instructors and fellow students.
Should I, as a parent, bow and follow the above rules?
Yes, you are an example for your child. Your child needs reinforcement from many influences.
What happens when a student is late for class?
All students need to arrive approximately 5 minutes prior to their class time. If for some reason, they are unable to be on time for causes out of their control, must wait by the dojang entrance door, raise his/her hand, wait to be acknowledged and then ask the instructor or student leading the stretching segment of class for permission to enter the mat. Once granted permission, the late student may then bow and enter the mat area.
What is the purpose behind the Student Attendance records?
In order to provide the best training possible, we track the attendance and progress of each of our students. Maintaining consistent class attendance is the foundation for success in Martial Arts. By tracking the progress of our students, we can prevent a student from falling behind or not being ready for their upcoming belt exam. Each student is required to scan his/her attendance on the attendance card at the entrance to the dojang.
May parents watch their child’s Taekwondo class?
Yes, parents are encouraged to watch class as often as they wish. The benches beside the training mats provide the best viewing. However, we ask that parents do not speak loudly, interrupt class, coach their children or distract the students during the class. Also, parents with small children will be asked to keep them quiet and still so as to not distract from the class in progress. Anyone disturbing the class will be asked to wait outside the dojang.
What is the purpose for student Tape Testing?
Our curriculum is broken down into segments for each belt rank. The tape testing system allows for every part of the material to be accounted for. As your student’s instructors, we evaluate a student’s performance and take note of what they have learned and what is still on the horizon. Having successfully completed the tape test, the student’s belt tip will be wrapped with a stripe to indicate he/she has knowledge of the required curriculum. We have 8 color tapes (Yellow, White, Red, Blue, Green, Purple, Orange and Black). When all tapes have been earned, the student has successfully demonstrated knowledge and ability of the curriculum and may be asked to participate in the next belt rank exam.
How often are Belt Exams scheduled?
Exams are scheduled typically once a month throughout the year. Students may test for their belt stripes during regular class hours. Check the school calendar for both exam dates and other activities.
Having successfully completed the belt exam, how do students receive their next belt?
Following any given exam, most often the week after, we host a Belt and Award Ceremony at the dojang. Here, students are awarded their new belt and school awards are presented. All family and friends are encouraged to attend.
How long should it take to earn a Black Belt?
It is the journey that is most important, not the destination. We consider ourselves a Black Belt school and every student is on the path to Black Belt from their first day of training. On average, the journey to Black Belt is in the range of 3-5 years of consistent training.
When does a student need to purchase Sparring Equipment?
Sparring equipment is required after first belt test (Yellow stripe). For your convenience, sparring equipment can be purchased at your school location.
What should students wear for class?
All students are expected to wear clean, white, wrinkle free taekwondo uniforms that are in good condition and fit appropriately. Only a white t-shirt can be worn under the uniform for color belts. Red and Black Belts can wear black, red or white t-shirts underneath their uniforms. Students are also expected to wear their last earned belt.
Are additional uniforms available for purchase?
Yes. For your convenience, uniforms can be purchased your school location. Uniforms need to be clean, wrinkle free and in good condition.
Is a student permitted to wear jewelry while taking class?
No, many of the techniques involve physical contact and grabbing. Jewelry (earrings, necklaces, rings, etc.) will interfere with the student’s ability to successfully master the techniques and could cause injury.
