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Training in HapKiDo is mental, as well as, physical in nature.
Besides techniques for self-defense, we are learning an art that builds self-control, discipline and respect for other people. These mental states are attained by following traditions and formal behavior while within the dojang.

ETIQUETTE

Students and instructors bow at the beginning and the end of each class to show respect to civil authority, respect to the dojang and respect for each other. Other times that you as a student are required to bow are listed below:

When a Chief Instructor or ranking Black Belt enters the dojang for the first time, during any given class, the highest rank person in the school will immediately call the room to attention; at which point, the class must bow to the Chief Instructor or Black Belt.
Bow to the flags as you enter and leave the dojang.

Bow to each higher ranked student and instructor, the first time you see him/her each day.

When you have a question, you are to approach the higher ranked student and bow. Ask your question. After obtaining your answer say “Thank you, Sir/Ma’am” and bow.

When you are asked to do something by a higher ranked belt, first you are to bow and then perform the task you are asked to do. When you are finished, again bow to the higher ranked belt.

After you have been dismissed from the class, bow to you instructor before leaving the dojang.

UNIFORM CARE

Wash your uniform (do bok) after each class, but never wash your belt.

Never let your belt lay or drag on the floor.

Do not forget your do bok or belt for class.

Your do bok should be kept in good shape, make sure all patches are sewed on properly and all holes or tears are repaired before each class.

Your do bok should be properly folded or hung when not being worn. If you do not know the proper way to fold your do bok, ask your instructor for assistance.

CLASS ATTENDANCE

Students must bring their cards to each class. This is very important so that your attendance is accurately recorded. There are a mandatory number of classes you must attend in order to be eligible for rank test.

Students should arrive at the dojang ten to fifteen minutes prior to the scheduled class time to allow for changing into your do bok and warming up.

If you are going to be late or cannot attend class, call your dojang to inform your instructor. An answering machine will record your message if no one is available to answer your call.

If you are late for class you must wait for the instructor to give you permission to join class.

CONDUCT

No horse play in the dojang.

No unnecessary talking is allowed during class.

Do not touch any of the weapons or equipment unless you have been given permission by one of your instructors.

Sparring is not allowed without the supervision of a Black Belt.

Listen carefully to your instructor – to repeat something because a student is not listening, is wasting productive class time.

No one is allowed off the mat to get water or to go to the bathroom during training without permission. Students should arrive early enough to take care of these types of interruptions prior to class.

NEVER call a Black Belt or instructor by his/her first name. Students must use Mr.  Ms. and the instructors’ name. It is required to say “yes Sir Ma’am;” and “Thank you Sir  Ma’am” or Sa Bum Nim”.

NEVER correct an instructor. If you have been told more than one way to perform a technique, perform the technique the way the present instructor has told you. You may contact a higher ranked instructor after your class and explain the situation. Corrections and/or explanation will be made.

When students are asked to sit on the mat, backs should be straight with legs crossed in Indian or Lotus position. No one should be leaning on the wall.

No lounging in the dojang. Students should project a positive image of our school whether you are training or waiting for class to begin.

No food, drinks, or chewing gum allowed in the dojang.

Please pay your dues on time. Often we get carried away with the more exotic aspects of martial respect and formalities, and forget that it is not particularly polite or respectful to expect your school or instructor to wait for us to pay our tuition. Your cooperation in this area is one very important way you can contribute to the smooth operation of our school.

APPEARANCE AND PERSONAL HYGIENE

Do boks must be kept neat and clean at all times. Wash your do bok between each class.

All students must keep fingernails and toenails clean, trimmed and filed. Long sharp fingernails and/or toenails can become dangerous weapons.

No hats are to be worn inside to dojang.

No jewelry is allowed on the mat. Remove all rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces prior to getting on the mat. This is for the safety of all students, not just the one wearing the jewelry.

NEVER come into or leave the school without shoes on your feet. Do not get on the mat with shoes on. When removing your shoes, place them neatly along the wall of the dressing room. DO NOT leave shoes in the front of the door or seating area.

Students with long hair must pull their hair back away from their face and eyes.

Students who have open cuts or abrasions must wear protection over the area to prevent infection and the spread of germs.

BELT PROMOTING TESTING

Never ask when you will test. Your instructor will let you know when you are ready.

All class tuition’s, association dues and test fees must be paid up to date before you will be allowed to test.

Always arrive early before you test so you can ask questions or review material.

If you cannot make it to your test, you must let your instructor know ahead of time in order to schedule a make up test.

Please do not let the striving for rank distract you from the essence of your study.

SPECTATOR AND GUEST ETIQUETTE

Spectators, guests and parents of students should also observe all rules of our school. Conversations should be kept at a minimum so not to disturb the students during class. Talking between the students and spectators is not allowed during training.

When entering the dojang for any reason please follow the rules and etiquette of the dojang.

Please remove your shoes when you must enter the dojang.

SPARRING GEAR

Sparring gear is a requirement when the student has obtained Yellow belt level. At this level the student is required to have gear to cover their hands, feet and shins. Head, chest and cup (where applicable) are required once the student reaches Orange belt level. For your convenience, purchasing your gear through Global HapKiDo Academy accomplishes two things:

a. It meets the insurance requirements of Global HapKiDo Academy.

b. You support our school.

MOTIVATIONAL OPTIONAL UNIFORM

Green Belt - Once the student has obtained Green belt, the optional Red top may be worn with black pants giving the student a choice of two uniform combinations.

Brown Belt - Once the student has obtained Brown belt, the optional Blue top may be worn with black pants giving the student a choice of three uniform combinations.

Red Belt - Once the student has obtained Red belt, the optional Red pants may be worn with the black top giving the student a choice of four uniform combinations.

HONOR STAR PROGRAM

The Grade Star Program is in place to reward students for their hard work in school and to motivate students to achieve excellence.

Gold Star - Students with A’s and B’s (or equivalent) are presented a Gold star which is placed on their belt. A student with all A’s is awarded two stars for their belt. The next report card needs to show improvement on an A/B report card to receive a star. Straight A’s have to be maintained to receive two stars again. The stars need to be sewn on the tip of the belt. When the student advances to the next belt level the star(s) is/are not to be transferred to the new belt. Insure that the stars are sewn on properly to insure that they are not lost. Lost grade stars can be replaced for a small fee.

STRIPE TESTING:

All students test for a stripe on their belts once a month in class during the week of Belt Test Graduation (formal testing to the next belt). The testing week is usually the third week of the month, and it is imperative that students attend class as much as possible during this week. If for some reason a student is unable to attend they need to notify the office to schedule stripe testing when they return.

In order to test for each stripe the student must attend a minimum of 8 classes per month. Students need to attend a MINIMUM of 24 lessons in no less than 3 months for each belt from white to brown senior to attend belt test graduation. The minimum for Red to Black is 32 lessons in no less than 4 months for graduation. Since each month of the students’ training constitutes one stripe there are 3 stripes for white belt to brown senior belt and four stripes for red belt to black belt.

Please refer to the testing board on the wall in the dojang (training area) for testing dates and eligible testers. Being on the testing board does not mean a student is definitely testing. It simply means that the student should test if they know the required material for advancement. This is to be determined by the instructors through stripe testing.

If you have any questions concerning the rules and regulations, please do not hesitate to talk to your instructor at any time.

**Always remember that you are an important member of a proud family.
Be cheerful and show a good, positive attitude at all times.**