Welcome & Etiquette
Welcome to the Family of Martial Arts America. Like the saying goes, what you put into it, is what you will get out! Tae Kwon Do means "art of hand and foot fighting". It is a martial art that has no equal in either power or technique. Tae Kwon Do stresses the importance of harmony and balance between the mental and physical. By doing this, one can have a stable and balanced system. Then one can learn how the mind and body become the weapons of Tae Kwon Do.
Etiquette
Respect - It has been noticed by Master Sledge, that many students are forgetting to address black belts and instructors as "Sir" or "Ma'am". Always refer to black belts by their title and last name (Mr. Smith/Ms. Smith) or with "Yes, Sir." "No, Sir." etc.
Instructing - When you work on forms or one-steps with a black belt/instructor, you should not correct the black belt/instructor if you think they have made a mistake when teaching (i.e. "No, that's a back stance.") The black belt/instructor is there to teach you. If you have questions regarding a form/technique, you may respectfully ask a question, or seek the opinion of a higher black belt. (Black belts - it is your responsibility to know your forms/one-steps and teach them correctly.)
Holding Boards - If you are holding boards for breaking, the only person who should be coaching the student is the instructor or highest ranking black belt in the group. Board holders should not coach, unless the head black belt asks you for it.
Courtesy During Board Breaking - When a student is breaking, do not say things out loud like, "Wow, that's a really hard board!" or "The first time I did that break it really hurt." Comments like these get in the head of the breaker, affecting their confidence. Be respectful.
​
Basic School Rules
Bow to the flags before entering or leaving the locker rooms or training hall.
Upon entering the training hall (dojang), bow to your instructor and all seniors.
If your belt or uniform (dobok) needs adjusting, always turn away from all seniors and the flags.
Bow before and after addressing a senior.
Do not bow to a senior or instructor if they are practicing or instructing others unless you have established definite eye contact.