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ABOUT US: Etiquette

The most valuable assets in Taekwondo are the rules of etiquette, the rules which gauge a practitioner’s behaviour and the attitude deep within her/his heart.  The practitioner of Taekwondo should live up to the high standards expected.  Taekwondo organisations around the world practice a high level of order and discipline so that the standards will be maintained.

The standards are practices to develop a sense of values in our youth resulting in a higher level of courtesy and respect.  The Korean Taekwondo Association (KTA) believes that this is the strong basis for morality that is desperately needed in the world today.  Taekwondo develops humility in behaviour, pride in oneself, togetherness and organisation.  The formalities within the Taekwondo system breeds unselfishness, kindness and tolerance.  The rules of etiquette were drawn up by the KTA on the 7th May, 1971 and are as follows:

1 - The greeting:
There are two types of greeting in Taekwondo; the standing greeting (when a superior walks into the room) and the kneeling greeting (after the standing greeting if the superior sits on the floor).  The standing greeting starts with the feet together, arms by the sides of the body and a straight back.  The greeting is rendered by (bowing) bending forward and returning to the standing position.  The kneeling greeting position is knees together, move the arms to the front, bend forward and place the forehead on the hands.  Then return to the kneeling position.

2 - Teacher-student formalities during training:
Prior to each training session, the Korean flag is saluted by placing the right fist over the heart (left breast) and bowing.  After this the lower ranking students must greet their superiors in order of rank, first the schoolmaster, the teacher and then the individuals with a higher rank of proficiency than oneself.  During the training session student behaviour should be very controlled and should show a high level of courtesy.  The students’ uniform is not to be worn in public, except when absolutely necessary.  It is important for the student to use discretion when speaking during the training session.  Students should always use words implying respect and honour when speaking to superiors.  The superiors do not have to be so careful in their selection of words when speaking to students of lesser rank.  While practitioners are wearing the Taekwondo uniform, the symbol of rank within the system takes precedence over respect for elders., however, when the uniform is not used, respect for age takes precedence.

3 - Wearing the uniform:
Neatness and cleanliness of the uniform is of utmost importance.  During the training session, if an individual’s uniform becomes out of place, he/she is to stop momentarily and turn so that others will not be able to see, then, adjust the uniform.  After the adjustments are made, return to practice.

4 - Home and social behaviour:
Whilst in the home, at work or at social functions, it is important for the student to demonstrate high moral standards and to show appropriate respect and consideration for others.

5 - Etiquette in speech:
When speaking, it is required that respect is implied.  The back should be straight and the general attitude should be formal.  The choice of words is important, being words of courtesy and respect.  The voice should not be loud and abusive words should never be used.  The student should be careful not to spit whilst speaking.  The individual should not loose her/his integrity, wit or sense of humour.  The speaker should ensure to use the correct title for the person he/she is speaking to.  Listening is essential and shows respect.  It is not appropriate to stare or interrupt.  It is not appropriate to touch the individual you are speaking to and it is not correct to use hand gestures.

6 - Appearance:
In social situations, it is important to be conscious of appearance.  The type, fitting and style of clothes should be conservative.  During ceremonies and other social occasions, the student of Taekwondo should always wear the appropriate attire.  The shoes should be shined and a well-groomed appearance should be evident.  In keeping with the rules of appearance, good habits result.

7 - Seating arrangement while in cars:
The designated driver for a formal occasion always opens the car door for the superior, however, in the rear seat, the lower ranking individual gets into the car first, so that the superior will be the first to depart the vehicle once they have reached their destination.

8 - Speaking on the phone:
When calling someone, it is appropriate to state your name first, then ask for the person to whom you wish to speak.  When answering the telephone, state your name, then request the nature of the call.  The conversation should be kept brief and to the point.  It is important to have a note pad and pen near the telephone in case there is a need to copy urgent messages.

9 - Table manners:
When at the dinner table, all guests wait until the host gives the signal to begin any course by picking up her/his chop-sticks, fork or spoon.  When in small groups, everyone waits until all are served prior to beginning to eat, however, at very large gatherings or parties, the guests are expect to start eating when their plates are put in front of them, so the food does not get cold.  Keep conversation general at a small table.  At a business lunch or dinner, the guests wait for the host to start the business discussion.  Do not put elbows on the table when eating, but it is appropriate to put elbows on the table when in conversation between courses.  Sit straight in the chair and do not blow on the food to cool it off.

10 - Introductions:
Introductions are governed by three basis rules and can be implemented in most situations.  Introducing a man to a woman, introducing an adult to an older adult of the same sex and introducing the lower rank to the higher rank.  The introduction should be brief and not wordy or awkward.  The host always shakes the hand of the guest upon arrival and departure.  The woman always has the choice to shake hands or not, but the man always shakes hands with other men to whom being introduced, unless it is awkward to do so.  For example, leaning across others while seated at the dinner table.

11 - Visiting:
Prior to visiting someone, an appointment should be made, do not show up unannounced.  Make it a point never to visit on holidays or Sundays, early morning, late at night, at meal times or days or inclement weather, unless specifically invited.  Make the visits short, remember that you are the guest and thank the host and hostess prior to leaving.

12 - Guiding a higher ranking person:
When guiding a higher-ranking person, walk to the front with a slight forward posture.  This shows respect.  At meetings, be attentive to the needs of the superior, for example, if they should need a pen or pad of paper.  If not escorting but with a superior, always walk to the rear, open doors for the superior and be attentive to the needs as previously mentioned.

13 - Seating arrangements at ceremonies:
When at formal ceremonies, the right of honour is to the right of the Chairman, the next highest rank is to the left.  At social gathering, when there is a speaker, the highest-ranking person is given the opportunity to speak after the speaker is through.  The highest-ranking person is allowed to leave a crowded room first when the ceremony is over, followed by the others in order of rank.

14 - Drinking and smoking:
It is the privilege of the individual to drink as much as he/she wants in private, but showing the effects of too much alcohol in public is totally unacceptable, because in one way or another, a drunk is always a problem.  Never smoke in any place of worship or religious ceremony out of doors, while in court, during the playing of the national anthem or during the raising or lowering of the national flag.  When greeting someone, take the cigarette out of your mouth.  No smoking or drinking alcohol in the dojang.

15 - Behaviour of instructors:
The Taekwondo instructor is to set the example for her/his students to follow.  He/she is to help students find solutions to their problems.  He/she does not speak to her/his students as though giving orders, but is to be humble and sincere.  He/she is to avoid violence and the appearance of a pleasure seeker.  He/she should live a clean and productive life, free from alcohol and drugs.  He/she should involve her/himself in community functions, practice justice and unselfishness