Courtesy is the first tenet of Taekwondo. Good etiquette keeps everyone safe, shows respect, and makes the dojang a place where everyone can learn.
Dojang rules
- Bow to the instructor when you enter and leave the dojang (training area), whether you’re in uniform or street clothes.
- Remove your shoes before stepping onto the mat and place them neatly by the wall.
- When class begins, answer “Yes sir / Yes ma’am” and line up in order of rank — highest rank on the right, facing the instructor — in a strong ready position.
- If you’re late, wait quietly at the edge of the mat until the instructor acknowledges you, bow, and join the back row.
- Ask permission before leaving class for any reason.
- To ask a question, wait to be acknowledged and bow before speaking.
- Bow to your partner before and after every drill or sparring match.
- Turn away from your partner or instructor to fix your belt or uniform.
- No gum, food or rough-housing in the dojang. Silence during forms, breaking and sparring.
- Use last names with Mr., Mrs. or Ms. and say “please” and “thank you.” No back-talk.
- If you’re sick (cold, flu, anything contagious), please stay home and rest.
- Keep your uniform clean, nails trimmed and long hair tied back. Remove jewelry.
The formal bow
Moving with the instructor: kneel on the left knee, then the right. Place the left hand, then the right, on your thighs. Place the left bottom-fist, then the right, on the floor knuckle-to-knuckle. Bow your head toward your fists, sit up, return the right hand and then the left to your thighs, and stand — right leg first, then left.
Uniform (dobok) guidelines
| Rank | Uniform |
|---|---|
| White, yellow & yellow-stripe belts | White uniform |
| Green, blue & blue-stripe belts | Solid white, or white top with black pants |
| Red belts (including stripes) | Solid white or black, or white top with black pants |
| Black belt | Any combination |
| Belt tests (all ranks) | White uniform |
New students may wear comfortable workout clothes. You’ll need a uniform before your first belt test (you can wait until the month before).
How to tie your belt
- Find the middle of the belt and place it on your stomach, just below the belly button.
- Wrap both ends around your back and bring them to the front again, keeping the layers flat.
- Cross the right end over the left, then tuck it up under both layers of the belt.
- Tie a square knot: right over left, then left over right, and pull snug.
- Both ends should hang evenly — and stripes should be on your left side.
✏️ To do: Add a photo or short video of your preferred belt-tying method, and note where students should place rank stripes.