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Written by Ma'am Tina
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Monday, 19 January 2009 22:48 |
In our organisation we have written rules - The Student Code of Conduct and The Dojang Rules - which can be found in your Syllabus.
However, there are some unwritten rules to also be mindful of as you embark on your Hapkido journey. These unwritten rules, or traditions, are passed on from senior to junior students, so that after a while you just know what to do and what not to do.
It is important to note that the written and unwritten rules may vary depending on the Dojang, its location, its facilities. These are some of ours:
- Take your shoes off before entering the Dojang and place them in the designated spot just outside the entrance. Everyone from the newest student to the highest ranked Black Belt shows his or her respect for the Dojang by taking off their shoes before entering. This also applies to family members who are coming to watch you train and people off the street who may be interested in watching a class or finding out more information about our classes. As a student, if you see someone enter the Dojang with their shoes on, it is your responsibility to take care of your Dojang and call the person to attention and let them know that they need to take off their shoes before entering.
- If possible (and sometimes it may not be if you rush to class straight from work), wash your feet before you come to class. Black, dirty (and smelly) feet are very noticeable when everyone is training bare-footed.
- Bow to the Dojang any time you enter or exit the Dojang. A simple bow from the waist (not the neck) will do the trick.
- Arrive 15 minutes before class starts.
- If you happen to arrive late for some reason, bow upon entering the Dojang, very quickly get changed if you are not in your Dobok already, bow as you get onto the mats, bow to the flags, and then run to the designated area at the front of class and wait in Jhoon Bee stance for the instructor to acknowledge you and bow you into class. Once bowed in you must line up at the back of the class, regardless of your rank and there you remain until the instructor asks the class to reform lines.
- Never address your instructor by their first name - they must ALWAYS be addressed as Sir or Ma'am. Over years of training you will certainly come to think of your instructor as Sir or Ma'am but at first you may have to make a conscience effort to remember to do this.
- Getting personal with your instructor is considered a major violation of accepted behaviour. Don't get personal. Don't ask your instructor what they did on the weekend, or how work is. Hapkido is not just about punching and kicking. A major part of Hapkido is the discipline and respect which is fundamental to your training. Show your instructor the respect they deserve.
- Do not question authority. Hapkido is an Asian Martial Art, and part and parcel of Asian customs is not to question authority. Whilst this may not be the same in Western culture, we are studying an Asian subject and therefore Asian customs prevail. It's considered disrespectful to question the instructor's instructions in class. In all circumstances class instructions should be answered with an enthusiastic and spirited "Yes Sir!" or "Yes Ma'am!" and any burning questions can be asked in a private conversation with your instructor after class.
- Always ask for permission before leaving the training floor or exiting the Dojang irrespective of the reason. If you're feeling sick or must go to the bathroom, run up to your instructor, wait for permission to speak and politely ask if you may be excused from the training floor. And as you progress, you should always ask your instructor for permission before showing a junior belt anything.
- If you're going away on holidays or know you won't be at training for any length of time more than a week, let your instructor know.
- Make an effort to learn the Korean terms, particularly for bowing to your instructor after class. It's part of your Hapkido training just as your techniques are.
- Show respect when you are dealing with students of higher rank. They are where you want to be, and have worked hard to get there. That deserves respect. Treat your fellow student as you would expect to get treated by them.
- The unwritten rules apply outside the Dojang as well as inside. If you run into your instructor on the street or in the shops, show them the proper respect you would show them inside the Dojang.
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 20 January 2009 13:29 |
Category Blog 
