Tae Kwon Do & Muay Thai

Traditions
Traditions serve in reminding us of the rich history behind the martial arts and how this protocol might have developed. Tradition shows us where we were yesterday and where we might be tomorrow. Some traditions, such as the bow and Wai (hands together over your heart) performed by martial artists before entering the workout room, have been retained because they show respect and humility. Most Martial artist or competitors before a sparring match bow to one another and perhaps even touch gloves as a sign of respect. An eastern ritual, the bow and Wai have been passed though time and has become a tradition. To maintain martial arts tradition, the followings are rules and etiquettes that all students should follow:

Rules of Etiquette for Our School

1. Students should show respect for instructor(s) by bowing or “Wai” as he enters and leaves the classroom. It is also traditional to show respect and courtesy for your instructors by address “Sir” or “Ma’am”.
   
   
2. Students should address instructor as following:
   • Tae Kwon Do student should address Master instructor as “Sa Bum Nim”.
   • Muay Thai students should address teacher as “Khun Kru”.
   
   
3. One should bow when entering or leaving the classroom. This is also a traditional show of respect for your place of training. We, the students, should also show the same courtesy and respect for each other.
   
   
4. This is our school and we should show our pride in our school by making an effort to keep our uniform neat and clean. Appropriate clean uniforms need to be worn to each formal class.
   Tae Kwon Do students wear clean white Do Bok (uniform).
   Muay Thai students wear Muay Thai Short and School or Muay Thai shirt.
   
   
5. Smoking, drinking, gum and food will not be permitted in the work out area.
   
   
6. After class has begun, students will not enter or leave the classroom without first being recognized and given permission by the person conducting the class. Please also remember to sign in your attendance for each class.
   
   
7. Students arriving early should quietly warm up until time for class to begin. Horseplay and loud talking will not be permitted in the school. Discipline is part of your training and should be adhered to by all students.
   
   
8. These suggestions and rules are for your benefit as well as the schools, and we would appreciate your help and cooperation in maintaining a professional atmosphere for your training.
   
   

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu/Grappling

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school tends to teach in a more relaxed and less rigid atmosphere than traditional martial arts. Nonetheless, in order to maintain a positive environment that is both conducive to learning and welcoming to potential students, we require our students to adhere to the following School Etiquette guidelines.

1. Always show respect to your instructors, training partners, and fellow human beings. Respect in training means: do not seek to harm fellow students physically (e.g., by cranking a submission harder than necessary to make them tap) or emotionally (i.e., by calling them names or making jokes about hurting them). Remember, respect never hurts!
   
   
2. Maintain good hygiene (i.e., shower and brush your teeth regularly). As you can imagine, it is difficult to concentrate on technique when you find your partner’s smells distracting!
   
   
3. Keep finger and toe nails short and clean to prevent injury to yourself and others.
   
   
4. Bring a clean, dry gi to each class. Also, always keep a rash guard or T-shirt in your gym bag for no-gi classes.
   
   
5. Keep shoes off the mat, so that we can keep the mats clean and sanitary.
   
   
6. Do not walk outside with bare feet. If you have to go outside, wear sandals or shoes. Items (5) and (6) are especially important to prevent the spread of skin conditions such as ringworm.
   
   
7. Do not use profanity in the dojo. This should go without saying.
   
   
8. Do not talk while the instructor is talking. It distracts those who are trying to learn and is disrespectful to the teacher, as well as other students.
   
   
9. Stand, sit with your legs crossed, or kneel during class. No lounging. Studies show that people learn more effectively when seated in upright postures.
   
   
10. Please wear your gi, a T-shirt, or a tank top while in public areas of the Dojo.
    
    
11. If the instructor has not changed the task, then continue doing the task he or she has given (i.e., don’t sit around talking because you feel you have done a technique enough times). You can NEVER do a technique too many times.