• Courtesy
  • Integrity
  • Perseverance
  • Self Control
  • Indomitable Spirit


These are called the five tenets of Taekwon Do and they are practiced all over the world in any Do-jang true to the art.

Understanding the meaning of these tenets and trying to follow them every day is part of being a good martial artist and a respectful person. Here is a simple set of rules that all clubs in the GTUK try to observe:
 

  1. Please bow on entering and leaving the Do-jang, even for a short while...it shows respect to the art.
  2. Please address all senior grades as Sir, Ma’am or use Mr, Mrs or Miss (surname). The use of Christian names for senior grades is frowned upon.
  3. Eating is not allowed at all in the Do-jang.Your instructor will know what is planned for the lesson and will know when NOT to take on fluids.
    So please ask before having a drink.
  4. It is correct to bow to the Do-jang then turn away to drink, having first removed your belt.
  5. When finished, re-tie your belt, bow to the Do-jang and return to the lesson.
  6. In a similar way, please ask for permission to leave the Do-jang for a toilet break.
  7. Please do not arrive late for your lesson. If it cannot be avoided you should wait at the side of the Do-jang until your instructor is happy for you to join the lesson. This is indicated with a bow and it is courteous to offer a short apology for the lateness.
  8. Swearing inside or even near the Do-jang is forbidden at all times.
  9. You will regularly need to adjust your training suit in the Do-jang. You don’t need permission for this but it is customary to bow first to your instructor, turn away to make the adjustment and bow again when finished.
  10. It is disrespectful to talk when instructors are addressing the class.
  11. Your instructor may ask the class to sit on the floor to watch. The correct way of sitting is with legs crossed and not sprawled across the floor.
  12. Jewellery can injure you or other students whilst training. If it is not possible to remove it, your instructor will advise on how to proceed.
  13. Please make sure your dobok is kept clean and pressed for each lesson. Equally, hands and feet should be clean too.
  14. If your club is without changing facilities and you travel to and from lessons in your training suit, please be sure to remove your belt outside the Do-jang.
  15. If you cannot find something good to say about another student, don’t say anything.
  16. To talk negatively about any instructors is seen as extremely disrespectful.
  17. Any contentious matters relating to Taekwon-Do should only be discussed with the instructor and not with, or in front of other students.
  18. If your instructor is also your friend or relative outside the Do-jang, then the relationship should remain outside.
  19. Your instructor cannot promote you, but can demote or dismiss you at any time.



Club rules and Social Networking websites

Students should observe the above rules when discussing training, the club and the association in public on networking sites like Facebook, Twitter etc etc.