Dojang Page

Everyone knows that the Dojang (training hall) is not quite like any other place that you study in. The standard of behaviour is unusually high. Not only is the standard high but the form of behaviour differs as well. In the Dojang we bow to our Instructors, colleaugues, and friends, rather than merely wave or shake hands. If we shake hands we do it with the left hand supporting the right arm, treating the offering hand as one would the offering of something very precious. Respect for each other is not only valued, but its demonstration is insisted upon. From a western perspective, the rules somehow seem different but the majority of students come to value the difference as much as the general Taekwondo practice. Generally without the substantial differences in teaching method, clothing, and behaviour towards one another learning Taekwondo would be much like learning any other sport.
Apart from bowing, the special handshake and the training uniform, one huge difference between training in a dojang and training in a gym becomes immediately obvious to all beginners.

That difference is the relationship between respect and the concept of obedience. Once class begins a student is expected to stay in it and do everything asked. There is no other option, except in case of illness or injury. It doesn’t matter whether what the instructor asks is possible, or whether a student feels like doing that particular drill or not. In response to a command, the only proper response is “Yes Sir” or “Yes Mam” Students do not have the option of deciding that they do not want to practice that particular exercise that day. In Joining class, a student agrees to be taught and that means that the student agrees to respect and abide by kyobunim’s judgement and kyobunims decisions. To do otherwise would clearly represent a disrespectful attitude toward the Instructor.

An observer might find this element surprising. Obedience as it applies in the Dojang should not be confused with the ideas of obedience that normally spring to mind, which for many people, include slavelike submission of the will, childlike acquiescence, or maybe the tricks of a well trained pet. The common understanding of obedience frequently includes humiliation and surrender, a loss of the self. Obedience in the dojang does require the student to give something up, but it isn’t the self. Rather it is the ego, the idea of the self. This concept is not as abstract as it sounds. Students often find that training brings to them great peace of mind, and practice has a way of washing away negative thoughts, fatigue, stress, and depression. We are busier than ever these days and by the end of the day the mind has become cluttered with scattered thoughts and worries, all of which clamour for attention. Rarely can we go to a place where these things can be forgotten or easily put aside. Such a place is the Dojang.

(recommended reading:- The state of the art Taekwondo)

Rules of the Dojang

When entering or leaving bow towards the Instructor/Flags
Proper respect shall be shown to and by seniors
Dobok shall be clean and pressed for all lessons
Dont be late unless by prior arrangement
Finger and toenails to be kept short
Tempers will not be tolerated, no swearing
No Jewellery to be worn
No eating or drinking in the training hall
Do not leave the class without permission
Turn away from Instructor/seniors or flags when adjusting dobok
Instructor shall be referred to as Sabeon Nim or Sir, Black Belts as Sir or Ma'm
Students and Instructors should act courteously at all times
When seated legs should be crossed
Lazy, sloppy and poor attitudes have no place in Taekwondo
The Tenets of Taekwondo must be adhered to at all times