Taekwon-Do is an oriental art of self-defense which was created in 1955 by a Korean Army General (Gen. Choi Hong Hi). It is a highly effective form of self-defense and some of the techniques can be lethal. Therefore there is a strong emphasis on developing not only the physical but also the moral side of the student. Self discipline, integrity, humility and respect are some of the moral aspects which Taekwon-Do tries to promote in all of its students.

As a result of its oriental and military background certain etiquette has developed in Taekwon-Do, e.g. such as bowing and the way we shake hands with a senior. This allows us to distinguish senior from junior grade and to enable us to show respect to our seniors. It is important that we visibly show our respect and are willing to humble ourselves. This is what makes I.T.F. Taekwon-Do a martial art and it distinguishes us from a group of thugs only interested in fighting.

Some new members find this difficult to understand and may feel that it is just a power trip for the instructor. It is in fact the opposite, it is there to remind us to be humble and to stop us developing an ego or turning into a show off.

Remember we are all students of Taekwon-Do and these forms of etiquette apply to us all, black belts included. Instructors show this etiquette to their seniors.

These are a few of the major forms of etiquette which as students of Taekwon-Do we will encounter:

Bow: We always bow to our partner before and after we practice together. We bow to the instructor at the beginning and end of the class. We should wait until the instructor raises their head before we raise ours. We should always bow when they approach or leave a senior. When leaving a senior grade we should bow, take three steps back and then turn. We bow when entering and leaving the Do jang.

Name: Never call a black belt by their first name. Always Master, Mr., or Miss. This applies both inside and outside of Taekwon-Do. If we meet our instructor in the street we still must call them by their second name otherwise they are just empty words in the Do jang.

Hands on hips: We never stand with our hands on our hips when in the presence of a senior.

Handshake: When shaking hands with a senior we should place the back of the left hand under the right elbow. Always wait until a senior offers to shake our hand.

Seat: We should always offer our seat to a senior if they are without one.

Stand up: We should always stand up when a senior enters the room or approaches us.

Receiving two hands: Always give and receive from a senior with two hands, e.g. when receiving awards, certificates, etc.

It is also expected that students should inform their instructor in advance if they will be absent from class.

The above list is not exhaustive, and if you are in doubt about the etiquette for a particular situation, please ask your instructor.