School Rules & Guidelines

Glossary of Frequently Used Korean Terms and Counting

Discipline and Formalities

Training in Hapkido is mental as well as physical in nature. Besides techniques of self-defense we are learning an art that builds self-control, discipline, and respect for other people. These mental states are attained by following certain traditions and formal behavior while within the dojang (school).

1. Bowing - To bow is merely a gesture of respect and acknowledgement when done properly and sharply. It reflects an awareness the dojang is a special place, and an attitude of seriousness for training. All students should bow:
   1. * To the flags when entering and leaving the Hapkido dojang.
   2. * When first seeing the head instructors, and bow to them once again when leaving for the day.
   3. * When beginning a workout with another student.

1. Speech and addresses - Within the confines of the dojang certain formalities are expected.
   1. * The head instructor of our school, Master Tae M. Kwon is always to be addressed as "Master Kwon".
   2. * All senior instructors, fifth degree and above, are also to be addressed as "Master ...".
   3. * Other black belt Instructors, who will be continually helping you during your development, are to be addressed as "Mister ..." or "Miss ...".
   4. * In reply to a question or command requiring an answer, all students should answer "yes, sir ..." Or "no, sir ..."

1. Courtesy - treat all with dignity
2. * Higher ranking students deserve your respect.
3. * Profanity is not to be used.
4. * Smoking and gum chewing are prohibited in this dojang (school).
5. * Shoes are not to be worn on the mat.
6. * No talking is allowed in class unless you have a question to ask.
7. * Fingernails and toenails are to be kept trim.
8. * No horseplay of any kind, on or off the mat.
9. * Keep your dobok (uniform) clean and presentable at all times.
10. * Never do anything to dishonor the school or your instructor.
11. * Do not criticize any of the other martial arts.

Please uphold these daily practices which serve to uphold the fine standards in our school. In case of errors, you will be reminded by your upperclassmen.

Sparring Rules & Required Equipment

1. Mandatory equipment: Gloves, Boots, Head gear, Shin pads, Groin cups, and Mouth guards
2. Sparring will be light touch contact or no contact. Light touch contact means that no discomfort or injury will result from the contact.
3. No head or face contact for students below black belt.
4. Legal targets: chest, abdomen, side of torso and thighs.
5. Illegal targets: head, face, groin and knee.
6. Any individual who violates these rules will be suspended from sparring and counseled according to the severity of the violation. Gross violation or negligence will result in a permanent suspension from sparring.
7. White belts will only spar with no contact. Contact with white belts is not allowed by higher ranks either.

Testing Requirements

Students are required to be able to properly demonstrate all belt techniques to their instructor prior to the test. They are also required to know all skills associated with belts preceding the one being tested for. Students must sign up two weeks prior to the test.

During the test students will be asked to demonstrate a selected subset of the required techniques and to be able to answer to the satisfaction of the judges questions relating to the art of Hapkido as they have been taught. They may also be asked to demonstrate their sparring skills or special weapons techniques.

If a mistake is made during the test, the student can ask for another chance to correctly perform the technique. If the student is unable to remember or properly demonstrate the techniques during the test, the student will have to return for another test after additional practice and instruction.