This dojang follows the traditional
rules of proper conduct. Its spirit
comes directly from the Founder of
hapkido and it is the place of the
succession of his teachings. It is the
responsibility of each student to act
appropriately and to honor those
teachings.
It is the responsibility of each
student to cooperate in creating a
positive atmosphere of harmony and
respect.
Cleaning is an act of thanksgiving. It
is each student's responsibility to
assist in cleaning the dojang and to
cleanse his or her own mind and heart.
The dojang is not to be used for any
purpose other than regularly scheduled
classes without the direct permission of
the head instructor.
You cannot buy technique. The monthly
membership dues provide a place for
training and a way in which to show
gratitude for the teaching received. It
is each student's responsibility to pay
dues on time.
Respect the Founder and his teachings
as succeeded and handed down by
instructors. Respect the dojang, respect
your training tools and respect each
other.
Rules of Training:
It is necessary to respect the way in
which the instructor of the class
directs the training. Receive
instruction and carry out suggestions
for training sincerely and to the best
of your ability. There is no room for
argument on the mat.
It is the moral responsibility of each
student never to use hapkido technique
to harm another person or as a way to
display his or her ego. It is a tool to
develop a better society through the
character development of the individual.
There will be no conflicts of ego on
the mat. hapkido is not street fighting.
You are on the mat to train and purify
your aggressive reactions and embody the
spirit of the samurai by discovering
your social responsibility.
There will be no competition on the
mat. The purpose of hapkido is not to
fight and defeat an enemy, but to fight
and defeat your own aggressive
instincts.
The strength of hapkido is not in
muscular force, but in flexibility,
timing, control and modesty. Be aware of
your limitations.
Everyone has different physical
abilities and reasons for study. These
must be respected. True hapkido is the
proper and flexible application of
technique appropriate to any changing
situation. It is your responsibility to
cause no injury to your training partner
or yourself.
There will be no power struggles
within the dojang. The dojang membership
is one family and the secret of hapkido
is harmony.
Proper Dojang Etiquette:
Hapkido is not a religion, but the
education and refinement of the spirit.
You will not be asked to adhere to any
religious doctrine, but only to remain
spiritually open. When we bow it is not
a religious performance, but a sign of
respect for another person.
The opening and closing ceremony of
each hapkido practice is a formal bow
directed to the instructor and other
students. The bows directed to the
instructor symbolize respect for the
principles of hapkido, and gratitude to
the Founder for developing this system
of study.
The words spoken by the student to the
instructor at the end of practice are,
"Kam Sa Ham Ni Da." "You
have my respect and gratitude for what
you have just done." This is the
most respectful way of saying thank you.
Upon entering and leaving the practice
area of the dojang make a standing bow.
Always bow when stepping on or off the
mat in the direction of the mat.
Respect your training tools. Your
do-bok should be clean and mended.
Weapons should be in good condition and
in their proper place when not in use.
Never use someone else's practice
Do-Bok or weapons (unless offered).
A few minutes before class time you
should be warmed up and formally seated
in quiet meditation practicing breathing
to rid your mind of the day's problems
and prepare for study.
It is important to be on time for
practice and participate in the opening
ceremony. If you are unavoidably late
you should wait, formally seated beside
the mat until the instructor signals his
or her permission for you to join the
class. Quietly perform a simple seated
bow as you get on the mat.
The only proper way to sit on the mat
is in seiza (formal sitting position).
If you have a knee injury or if the
instructor directs, you may sit
cross-legged, but never with legs
outstretched, never reclining, and never
leaning against anything or anyone.
Do not leave the mat without
permission during class except in the
case of injury or illness.
During class when the instructor
demonstrates a technique for practice,
sit quietly and attentively in seiza.
After the demonstration bow to the
instructor, then to a partner and
immediately begin to practice.
When the end of a class is signaled,
stop immediately, bow to your partner
and quickly line up with the other
students.
Never stand around idly on the mat.
You should be practicing or, if
necessary, seated in seiza awaiting your
turn.
If it is necessary to ask a question
of the instructor you should go to him
or her and bow respectfully (standing
bow). Never call the instructor over to
you.
When receiving personal instruction,
sit in seiza and watch intently. Bow
formally when the instructor has
finished. When another near by is being
instructed you may stop your practice to
watch. Sit formally and bow as before.
Respect those more experienced. Never
argue about technique.
Respect those less experienced. Do not
pressure your ideas on others.
If you understand the movement and are
working with someone who does not, you
may lead that person through it. Do not
attempt to correct or instruct your
training partner unless you are
authorized to do so.
Keep talking on the mat to an absolute
minimum. Hapkido is experience.
Fingernails and toenails must be
short. Feet must be clean. Shoes or
sandals are never allowed on the mat.
No eating, drinking, smoking or gum
chewing in the dojang.
No jewelry should be worn during
practice, including rings and pierced
earrings.
Never drink alcoholic beverages while
still wearing practice do-bok.
