Training in Taekwondo is mental, as well as physical. In addition to self-defense techniques, students learn to build self-control, discipline, and respect for other people. As a part of the training, certain traditions and formal behaviors are observed (protocol). These behaviors do not have any type of religious symbolism, they merely show respect for the oriental cultural roots of Taekwondo. 

Etiquette is an integral part of dojang protocol. Etiquette is your actions that express your respect of another person. Etiquette is a lofty and valued attitude and is a source of harmony and solidarity. To maintain order in a group of students, especially children, there must be strict discipline and enforcement of the rules of etiquette. A moral and modest attitude is important in etiquette. Etiquette "ye"  is an essential part of Taekwondo training. Ye is an abbreviation of "kyongnye," the bow that signifies respect to another person or thing.

Students must constantly be guided by a deep respect for Taekwondo, the dojang, and all members of the dojang. Good manners, politeness, courteous behavior, and maintenance of formal etiquette are part of training. Students must know dojang protocol and always obey it.

Confucian values form the base for the Taekwondo student-instructor relationship. These values teach that children must remain obedient and loyal to their parents throughout their lives. Likewise, students are to always obey and respect the instructor. In return, the instructor teaches students to perform Taekwondo properly, helps them become physically and morally strong, and helps them build good character. A dedicated and sincere instructor is an absolute necessity for proper Taekwondo training, and the instructor needs equally dedicated and sincere students. The student-instructor relationship is based upon mutual respect. The instructor must always exemplify the highest level of integrity both inside and outside the dojang. Students must never do anything to dishonor the instructor or the dojang. A student’s misuse of Taekwondo or the creation of a bad personal reputation within the community may result in his or her suspension or expulsion from the school.

Student Attitude

• Never tire of learning! Be ready to learn anywhere, any time; this is the secret of knowledge. Be eager to ask questions and listen. Appreciate the thrill of learning. Respect the skills you are learning, and the efforts it took to bring them to you.

• Be willing to sacrifice for Taekwondo and your instructor. Never be disrespectful to the instructor. Follow the instructor's instructions to the best of your ability. Always be loyal to the instructor and his or her teaching methods. If you disagree with any procedure or technique, discuss it privately with the instructor.

• Practice what you learn and try to perfect your techniques to the best of your abilities. This includes spending spare time doing conditioning exercises at home.

• Discard any technique you have learned from another school if your instructor disapproves of it.

• Always set a good example for lower belts. Remember they will try to emulate senior students. Help other students to learn and succeed, remember that you all share common goals and interests.

• Remember your conduct inside and outside the dojang reflects upon Taekwondo and the instructor. With your Taekwondo skills comes great responsibility.

• Behave honorably and always be polite.

• Try to live by the tenets of Taekwondo.

Respect

Taekwondo practitioners always show respect for Taekwondo, the dojang, the instructor, higher-rank belts, fellow students, and themselves. Bowing is the universal sign of respect in the martial arts community.

Students should always bow:

• Entering or leaving the training area.

• First seeing the head instructor or assistants. Bow to them again when leaving the dojang.

• Beginning and ending a class session.

• Beginning and ending practice with a partner.

• Exchanging training equipment with a partner.

• Beginning and ending of a form/pattern/hyung.

Show respect for Taekwondo and the dojang by observing the following:

• Be on time for class.

• Be clean, well groomed, and have a clean uniform at each class.

• Bow when entering and leaving the dojang.

• Everybody is responsible for the appearance and cleanliness of the dojang.

• Never laugh or make fun of a fellow student.

• No food, candies, or gum in the training area.

• No weapons are permitted in the dojang except as specifically authorized by the instructor.

• No profanity, foul language, derogatory remarks are allowed or tolerated.

• Do not lounge in or about the dojang.

• No smoking, alcoholic beverages, or illicit drugs are permitted in the dojang.

• No unnecessary noise. Do not bother others with needless chatter.

• Do not try any techniques until the instructor has shown them to you.

• Do not teach any techniques without the instructor's permission.

• Do not free-spar without permission of a dojang black belt who will directly monitor the sparring.

• Never misuse the techniques that are taught.

• Never practice techniques in schoolyard.

• Taekwondo techniques are not to be used outside the dojang, unless your safety or the safety of others is in jeopardy.

• Always treat other persons and their property with courtesy and respect, inside or outside the dojang.

• No horse-play (running or wrestling). Respect and order will be maintained at all times.

• Report all injuries and blisters to the instructor.

• Set a good example for the other students, especially for lower belts.

• Visitors

  • Parents and visitors are welcome to watch class.

  • Parents should not talk to their children during class-time. Please leave the discipline and coaching to the instructors.

  • Students are responsible for their guests.

  • During class, visitors may observe quietly from the seats provided and leave during breaks or at the end of class.

Show respect for the instructor or assistants by observing the following:

• Respond quickly to directions or questions from instructors, without question or hesitation.

• Never argue with your instructor.

• Concentrate totally on the instructor's directions.

• Keep quiet while the instructor is speaking or demonstrating techniques.

• Attend classes regularly. Notify the instructor if you are unable to attend for more than one week.

• Bow to instructors before addressing them and bow again when the conversation is finished.

• Address instructor as Mr./Ms. (last name) or sir/ma'am.

• If you are called upon or are told to do something by the instructor, answer with "Yes sir/ma’am!"

• If you need to ask the instructor a question, say "Excuse me sir/ma'am" and wait for a response.

• If you are having trouble learning a technique, first try to figure it out by watching others, then ask the instructor for help.

• If expected in class and you will be absent or tardy, notify the instructor as soon as possible.

• Pay your tuition promptly. It is not polite or respectful to expect a school or instructor to wait for you to pay your tuition.

• Your conduct, in and out of class, reflects upon Taekwondo and the instructor.

Show respect for higher-rank students and fellow students by observing the following:

• Use control in free-sparring and step-sparring.

• Bow to partner when exchanging training equipment.

• Seek assistance from your seniors when the instructor is not present.

• Bow to your seniors before addressing them and bow again when the conversation is finished.

• When addressing higher rank students, use "sir" or "ma'am."

• If you are called upon or are told to do something by a higher-rank belt, answer with "Yes sir/ma’am!"

• Higher belts may instruct you (although they are not black belts). When they are instructing you, give them the respect and attention you would to any instructor.

• Turn away from the instructor, ceremonial wall, higher rank student, or opponent when adjusting your uniform or belt.

• Never display a bad temper toward an instructor or fellow student.

Show respect for lower-rank students by observing the following:

• If a junior displays a lack of knowledge of a rule or technique, it is the responsibility of the senior to inform, clarify, or teach.

Show respect for weapons and equipment by observing the following:

• All teaching aids must be treated with respect, whether they are real weapons, such as a sword or club; simulated weapons, such as wooden dowels or plastic knives; or equipment, such as targets, shields, sparring equipment, or mats.

• When giving any weapon or equipment to another student, hold it palm up in both hands or with the other hand supporting the wrist from below, and bow slightly.

• Always keep weapons or equipment by your right side when on the mat

• Never step over any weapon or equipment lying on the mat.

Personal Grooming

Practice proper dress and grooming by observing the following:

• Keep yourself clean and well groomed.

• Keep fingernails and toe nails clean and closely trimmed.

• Watches, rings, earrings, or jewelry of any kind will not be worn during training, except eyeglasses when necessary. Leave valuables in the secure area provided by the dojang.

• Wear a fresh, clean uniform to each class.

• Wear the proper uniform as specified by the instructor.

• Tie belt properly with ends of equal length.

• Help keep the training area, dressing rooms, and rest rooms clean.

Sparring

Sparring equipment is mandatory for free-sparring. Equipment must include mouthpiece and head, foot, hand, elbow, and shin pads. Bring sparring equipment to every class, promotion, and tournament. Keep equipment clean and sanitary.

• All sparring must be well controlled.

• No sparring before or after class unless supervised by an instructor.

Class Etiquette

• If you arrive late, sit quietly on the floor at the rear edge of the training area until the instructor grants you permission to enter the mat and join the class.

• Request permission from the instructor if you must leave the training area for any reason before class ends.

• Show enthusiasm, spirit, and good sportsmanship at all times.

• Display a respectful, humble, and receptive attitude toward Taekwondo and your instructor.

• When told to sit on mat, sit in the formal kneeling position or, if told, sit cross-legged. Do not lie on mat, lean on walls, or sit with legs out stretched.

• No un-sportsman-like conduct.

• No extraneous conversation once the class begins. NEVER talk in class unless the instructor talks to you and NEVER fool around with others during class.

• A humble student is able to learn quicker. Don't be a show off.

• If you need assistance, seek the help of your seniors.