Student Etiquette with Instructor Ma

Hapkido Student Etiquette with Instructor Ma

Today’s Lesson is on the topic of Hapkido student etiquette. Below are the student etiquette rules for the USA Hapkido Union, Inc.

Hapkido Student Etiquette

1. When you enter the dojang bow at the door and to the: Sabumnim, flags, instructor, black belts, and fellow student. When you leave the dojang bow at the door and to the: Sabumnim, instructor, black belts, fellow students, and the flags.
2. Whenever you arrive during a class, enter the dojang and wait until your instructor places you in the class. Do not leave the class without permission from the instructor.
3. Always wear a clean, neat uniform to class, and NO jewelry- It can be dangerous to yourself and others.
4. Personal hygiene is important. Also keep nails on both hands and feet trimmed back to protect both yourself and your partner.
5. Please address all black belts as either” sir” or “ma’am”, and Mr., Mrs., or Ms. where appropriate regardless of age. This is done to show respect for their instructor status while in the dojang
6. Whenever you approach your instructor, bow first and then ask to speak to him politely.
7. Conversation is not permitted during class.
8. Whenever you need assistance simply inform your instructor that you do not know a particular movement and he will take care of you. Never ask him to show you or demonstrate how to do something. Just explain that you do not know something and trust him to take care of it.
9. All students must be courteous and must obey their instructor. Advanced students should set a good example for the lower belts.
10. Do not demonstrate or teach HAPKIDO outside the school without the express permission of the instructor. Never degrade HAPKIDO or the reputation of your school.
11. You must have permission form you instructor to participate in any tournament or martial art activity.
12. Each student is a member of our family; therefore, it would be appreciated if you would let us know if you are ill, are too busy, going on vacation, or will be absent for an extended period. Changes affecting your training are our concern, stop by or call to let us know.
13. All students are responsible to keep the dojang clean.
14. No sparring or contact allowed without black belt supervision.
15. Do not attempt to practice techniques you have not been shown directly by your instructor – there is a reason for this.
16. Do not pursue your training so strongly as to injure yourself or others.
17. You are responsible for your own equipment – take care of it
18. If overly fatigued or having sharp pain, you may drop out or stop a specific activity without the instructor permission. realize that training with an injury can lead to further and more serious injury pay attention to what your body tells you.
19. Always show respect to your seniors and each other and take it upon yourself to help and encourage your juniors.

These rules are for the benefit of all HAPKIDO students. Violation can lead to belt demotion, suspension, or permanent dismissal from the school. Even if you are unable to take part physically in class a student can learn by watching class what is done right by classmates and what is done wrong as well as the why and how of it. It is for your own good that you need to attend class regularly. What you are studying is something special, keep this in mind when you meet and greet one another outside the dojang. Always use your HAPKIDO manners in greeting your classmates/ instructors anywhere. It is through HAPKIDO that you know them so use your HAPKIDO manners.

About the author: Instructor Ma is a 3rd Degree Black Belt in the Korean self-defense art of Hapkido and a 2nd Dan in Traditional Taekwondo. She is a professional sports and fitness model and full time Nursing student. She is the Language, Culture and Leadership Development Teacher for the USA Hapkido Union, Inc and can be reached at www.USAHapkidoUnion.org

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