1. Bowing

Bowing is a sign of respect for one’s instructors or superiors, fellow students, the place in which we train, the art of Hapkido, ourselves and for life in general.
We bow before and after every interaction.
Specifically, one should bow:

• when entering or leaving the training hall (dojang)

• upon entering the dojang, to the chief instructor or, in absence, to the next most senior instructor

• upon beginning and ending the class

• to one’s partner before and after each practice session

• to any higher belt before and after receiving instructions or upon addressing any higher belt

• to the class instructor after receiving directions

To perform a standing bow, place both heels together with toes angled outward. Place your open hands at your side, fingers together, shoulders back. Bow from the waist.

2. Uniform

• A proper uniform (dobok) must be worn during practice. Uniforms should be kept clean and washed regularly

• When straightening one’s uniform or belt during class, one should turn towards the outer edge of the training area and kneel on one knee.

• The uniform should not be worn with the sleeves being rolled up.

• By the time of testing for yellow belt, every student must know how to fold the uniform properly.

• Students should never carry their uniform without having properly folded it, unless it is inside a bag.

• No jewellery should be worn during practice (watches, rings, earrings, body rings, chains, necklaces, etc.) to protect oneself and one’s partners from injury.

3. General

• If you have a question, approach an instructor and bow. Never call a higher belt over to you.

• Instructors should be addressed as “Sir”.

• The lower belt students should set up the mats before each class.

• Show your respect to the chief instructor and fellow students by arriving on time for class.

• If arriving late for class, one must stand by the entrance until permission to enter the training floor is given by the instructor.

• If one needs to leave class early, permission must be obtained from the instructor.

• No food, gum or candy is permitted during practice.

• Water bottles and bags should be kept at a designated area.

• Students should ensure fingernails and toenails are clipped.

• Proper body hygiene should be maintained in consideration of one’s partners.

• There is to be no swearing inside the dojang.

• Never sit or lie down unless directed.

• Never speak poorly of another martial art style. Each style has its own distinct characteristics and something to offer. Slandering others only reflects poorly on yourself.

• Always show respect to your seniors and each other and take it upon yourself to help and encourage your juniors.

• Never degrade Hapkido or the reputation of your school.

TRAINING AND SAFETY

1. When practicing Hapkido techniques with a partner, one must never make a needless test of strength. Hapkido techniques are capable of seriously injuring a person and therefore students must always practice with care and consideration for their fellow students.

2. The instructor must be obeyed at all times. Advanced students should set a good
example for the lower belts.

3. Never spar unless directed.

4. Never modify practice unless directed.

5. Keep practicing until told to stop. If overly fatigued or having sharp pain, you may
drop out or stop a specific activity without the instructor’s permission.

6. Never stop practicing for a water break or leave the dojang without permission.

7. Do not demonstrate or teach Hapkido outside the school without the permission of the
chief instructor.

TESTING

1. Candidates will be informed by the chief instructor when they are eligible for testing for advancement to the next rank level.

2. Test fees must be paid by the student at least one week prior to the scheduled test date, else the student will be ineligible to test.

3. Student dues must be current to be eligible for testing.

OTHER

1. There will be a $25 charge for NSF cheques.

2. The school reserves the right to terminate a student’s membership if it deems
necessary.

HAPKIDO CREED

1. I will develop my patience to achieve harmony within myself and with others.

2. I will develop myself in a positive and healthy manner both mentally and physically.

3. I will only use my Hapkido skills to protect the safety of myself and others.

OPENING SALUTATION

Cha riot (cha-ryot), Sa bum neem (Sa-bom-nim), Kyung nae (Kyong-nye)

(Attention) (Instructor, Sir) (Bow)