UWEC - Hwa Rang Do / Tae Soo Do

Training in a martial art is a serious endeavor. While personal goals of students are focused on increasing knowledge and skill level proficiency, as one progresses in rank a newfound responsibility must also be incorporated. The skills that one learns are potentially dangerous to oneself and others, hence there are rules which provide a framework for training.

A sense of respect is a must for the understanding of this kind of knowledge, working with your fellow students and teachers, and of course the tradition of your martial art. The proper attitude inside and outside of class is important, which is why we focus on the mental aspects of training as well as the physical.

The "culture" of a Korean martial art may be a little different from your average daily life experiences here in the Midwest, but with common sense and respect you will understand and appreciate the value of this perspective.

Dojang Rules

1. The dojang should be regarded as a temple of serenity. When you enter the Dojang you must have proper attire and spirit. Silence and stillness are necessary for the right frame of mind. It is imperative to have peace of mind when beginning class, meditating to improve concentration and to enable the student to learn faster and remember more.

2. Students should observe proper etiquette. You must bow to masters, instructors, and other black belts. When bowing, both hands are held in front of the center of the chest, both feet together, then bow from the waist, repeating the words: "Hwa Rang".

3. Tae Soo Do (TSD) students must always reply with a "Yes Sir/Ma'am" or "No Sir/Ma'am" when you are addressing TSD or Hwa Rang Do (HRD) Black Belts. HRD Students only reply to HRD Black Sashes in this manner.

4. Before entering the Dojang for class, students must retrieve their Attendance Card and line up in preparation for class.

5. Before entering the Dojang floor, the student must take off their shoes and place their shoes and equipment bag in the locker room. NO BAGS OR SHOES SHOULD BE LEFT OUT IN FRONT. You are responsible for your own dobok, clothing, equipment bag, and weapons. If you leave any of them at the Dojang, they no longer become your property, but the property of the Dojang. It may be dispensed of and if it is still available, the student must do fifty knuckle pushups in order to get it back. For Pee-wees and juniors, twenty knuckle pushups. The pushups must be performed off of the mat.

6. Upon entering and leaving the Dojang floor, the student must bow to the flags on the wall. When Bowing to the flags, your right hand must be held over your heart, to show respect to your country, to the republic of South Korea and to the training area itself.

7. Any time it is necessary to adjust your dobok while on the training area, you must face the back kneel on the right knee, then fix your dobok.

8. During weapons practice, if you drop your weapon, then the student must perform knuckle pushups off of the mat: TSD student 10, HRD students 20. Your weapon is not a toy. If you are found playing with it, your weapons may be taken away and your weapon practice privileges suspended.

9. Wash your dobok frequently for good hygiene. A dirty dobok is offensive and distracting to other students.

10. You may not put any other patches, embroidery, or marks on the dobok without first receiving permission from the teacher.

11. Before leaving the Dojang, fold your dobok properly. If you do not know how to fold your dobok, ask a higher belt student to help you.

12. Before entering the Dojang, students should take care of all personal hygiene duties. Instructors should not be interrupted to use the restroom or to get a drink of water. Long fingernails and toenails are a danger to you and other students; keep them neatly trimmed. No jewelry such as earrings, large rings, necklaces or watches can be worn during class.

13. No alcohol, smoking, or gum chewing in the Dojang. No hats shall be worn in the Dojang by students or guests.

14. No free sparring without supervision by the instructor.

15. Always bow to the Supreme Grandmaster "Do Joo Nim", the Grandmaster "Kuk Sun Nim", Master "Kwan Jang Nim", instructors "Sa Bum Nim", teachers "Kyo Sa Nim". Assistant instructors "Jo Kyo Nim".

16. During class it is absolutely necessary to obey and respect instructors, show respect for higher ranking students and maintain mental and spiritual concentration.

17. Once a student has entered the Dojang he/she should not leave during class instruction. In case of an emergency always ask your instructor for permission to leave.

18. Keep the training area and entire school clean at all times. Regular school cleaning schedules are posted and should be done daily. This is part of your training.

19. Never do anything to dishonor the Dojang or your instructors.

20. If you have any questions during class, raise your hand and wait for the instructor to acknowledge you.

21. If you are tardy, you must show respect to the class in session by going quietly to the dressing room and changing. Then walk over quietly to the entrance of the Dojang floor and perform your knuckle pushups off of the mat: for TSD adults 30, for TSD Juniors 20, for TSD Pee Wee 10, for HRD Juniors 30, for HRD adults 50. Then Kneel and wait for the instructor to signal you to enter. Even if you are a Pee Wee or Junior student who must rely on your parents for transportation, you are still responsible to perform your knuckle push ups on the wooden floor.

22. The serious student must practice once a day to progress satisfactorily and must attend classes consistently.

Children Home Rules

1. Children shall greet their parents with "Hi Mom! Hi Dad!" when they enter
the home and tell their parents "Good-bye" when they leave.

2. Children will be kind to their Brothers and Sisters.

3. Children will not use any Martial Arts on family members or friends.

4. Children will keep their room and the house neat and clean.

5. Children will keep their hair, body and teeth clean daily

6. Children will not interrupt Adult Conversations.

7. Children will always obey and respect their parent's and elders.

8. Children will always maintain strong loyalty to their parents.

9. Children shall fix the recipe for Straight A's and B's daily!

When you come home from school, open the refrigerator and have a glass of milk or juice.
Open your book to review what you studied today.
Do all of your homework.
Preview what you will study tomorrow.

Children who do not obey their parents CHEERFULLY may be reduced in rank!