KUK SUL DO etiquette 

As a new student you will hear the word etiquette repeatedly. You will learn that proper etiquette accounts for a high percentage of your score on promotion tests.

You will hear the Master say that the first thing to be learned as a student of martial arts is etiquette. What exactly does the word etiquette mean? In this school, etiquette means the proper code of behavior for a student of KUK SUL DO. 

So what is the proper code of behavior for a student of KUK SUL DO? The answer is quite simple, any behavior that is motivated by respect. 
If you truly learn KUK SUL DO it is inevitable and natural that you will develop respect for the earth. 

As you begin to appreciate the truth and beauty of KUK SUL DO you will also develop respect for the teachers who provide their knowledge to you. You will also gain respect for your classmates who share your learning adventure and finally for yourself. 

The remainder of this section consists of various rules and regulations. In reading and studying them try not to forget that respect is the basic rationale for their existence. 

TITLES 

Always address the instructors by their correct title. You may also address them as "sir" or "ma'am". Using the instructor's first name or saying "hey you" is not polite or respectful.  

Instructor’s titles are: 

First Degree Black Belt (Jo Kyo Nym) 

Second Degree Black Belt (Kyo Sa Nym) 

Third Degree Black Belt (Bu Sa Bum Nym) 

Fourth Degree Black Belt (Sa Bum Nym) 

Master (Fifth degree black belt & above)   Kwan Jang Nym 

Grand Master (Certified Kuk Sul Do Teacher)  Kuk Sa Nym 

HOW TO BOW 

Bowing is a basic expression of courtesy in martial arts. It is the same as shaking hands in public or a salute in the armed forces.

Bowing is the most obvious way to show respect. As a martial arts student you will bow frequently, so it is important to know when and how to bow. 
There are two types of bows; a standing bow and a kneeling bow. 

The standing bow is executed by bending forward from the waist slightly at about 45 degrees. Your eyes should be lowered but you should be able to see all of the person to whom you are bowing. 
In uniform your hands should be "catching" your belt in the "attention" position. In regular clothes you should keep your arms at your sides. 

The kneeling bow is started in the standing position. First, move your right foot back. Then turn to the right 180 degrees and place your left knee on the floor. Then pivot on your left knee, turn to the left 180 degrees and your right knee joins your left knee on the floor kneeling with both hands on thighs, facing the Master. 
Finally, bow forward and touch your elbows and then your hands to the floor and place your forehead on your hands in the bowing position. 

WHEN TO BOW

Beginning class: 

1.            Students line‑up. 

2.            First, salute the National Flag. The salute is executed by bringing your right fist over your heart (palm side facing down). 

3.           Second, Execute the kneeling bow to the Master or leading instructor. 

During Practice: 

1.   Bow to the instructor when beginning and ending forms (Hyung). 

2.   Bow to opponents before and after sparring. 

3.   Bow to partners before and after practicing techniques. 

Finishing class: 

1.      Same as the beginning class procedure. 

Entering or leaving the Do-Jang (Martial Arts school): 

The "Do-Jang bow” is executed by bring your right fist over your heart (palm side facing down) and return to attention position then bow saying "KUK SUL."  

Greetings: 

         Execute a standing bow when greeting or bidding farewell to your teacher. 

Preparing for Class 

1.       Come to class clean and well groomed.    * Do-Bok ( martial arts uniform) 

2.       Arrive 5-10 minutes prior to your scheduled class 

3.       Keep uniforms neat, clean and odor – free. 

4.       The Korean words for the martial arts uniform are Do-Bok Come to practice with a complete and presentable Do-Bok It should include underwear, jacket and pants and be clean and un‑torn. Always treat the Do-Bok with respect. After class it should be folded neatly. 

5.       Remove all jewelry before class. 

6.       Change into your uniform without delay before practice.

7.   Always wear the full uniform at the beginning and end of class. 
      If the weather is hot, you may ask permission to take your jacket off after the
      class has bowed in. 

DO-JANG Do's and Don'ts 

1.     Do keep the Do-Jang clean, neat and orderly. 

2.  Do not sit on top of the desk or table. 

3.  Do not chew gum, or smoke. 

4.   Do not swear, curse, or use vulgar language. 

5.   Do not wear jewelry during practice. Jewelry can cause injury to you and  
      your partners. 

7.       Do not use drugs (except for medication prescribed by a physician).

      If you are found drunken or drugged, you may be expelled. 

DURING PRACTICE 

1.       Be on time for class and attend class regularly. 

2.       If you arrive late, ask for permission to join class. If you must leave early, ask for permission before leaving. 

3.       Whenever you've been told to sit down during class, sit properly, with feet crossed or tucked under you. Do not slouch or lean against the walls. 

4.       Concentrate on training. Never do anything to obstruct yourself or others from learning. There should be no unnecessary talking or horseplay during practice. 

5.       Practice to your full potential. Push yourself to the limit of your endurance, energy and concentration. However, also be realistic. Do not push yourself beyond safe limits. 

6.       Keep a strong mind. Do not let doubts and/or fears overshadow you. 

7.       If you should feel "strange" or experience a physical problem of any kind (dizziness, pain), please notify your instructor immediately. 

8.       If you are not capable of completing a full workout, please notify your instructor prior to the beginning of class and you will be allowed to practice independently. 

ABOUT WEAPONS 

1.     Always ask for permission from an instructor to use a weapon. 

2.  Always treat weapons with care and respect. Do not lean on, or rest against
     your weapon. 

3.  Never leave a weapon unattended. Put weapons away promptly when finished  
     practicing.