What to expect in taekwondo class
First off, we’re excited that you’ve chosen the taekwondo life and that you’re trusting our team at Power with Purpose to teach you valuable skills.
If you’re new to taekwondo, it’s essential to learn and understand the class procedures before you enter the Dojang. You don’t need any previous experience, nor will we expect you to know anything. In your first class, we will partner you with another student, to help show you the way.
If you’re an online student, you’ll follow a virtual induction procedure, and we expect you to follow class procedures from wherever you are training.
Before you start class
It’s important for the safety of yourself, your fellow students and our entire taekwondo community that everyone respects our class procedures. Before coming to class, please make sure:
- You remove jewellery, watches, rings and necklaces
- You wash your hands before and after class
- Your finger and toenails are short to protect fellow students from cuts and the equipment from damage
- You tie your hair back neatly
- Your Do-bok is clean and tidy
- You bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated.
Class oath
At the end of every class, our class will recite the Power with Purpose class oath. Students will face the front of the hall and stand at attention as they recite the oath:
- Taekwondo training requires high mental and physical standards.
- We must be respectful, courteous and just at all times.
- We must observe class rules and develop strong unity through mutual aid.
Why follow these strict class procedures?
At Power with Purpose, and as taught by our global affiliate, Kukkiwon, we believe that strict class procedures are essential to creating a safe and effective learning environment for all our students. By adhering to established protocols, such as bowing in and out of the classroom, wearing appropriate uniforms and respecting the authority of our instructors, we create a culture of discipline, respect and self-control.
By adhering to guidelines such as proper sparring techniques, maintaining a safe distance from other students and using equipment correctly, we minimise the risk of injury and create a safe and supportive atmosphere for learning and growth.
Furthermore, following strict class procedures helps to reinforce the importance of discipline and respect, both on and off the mat.
How to tie your coloured belt
How to tie your striped belt
How to tie your black belt
How (and why) to bow correctly in taekwondo
Bowing in any martial art is a sign of respect and should be a sincere slow bow. It is sometimes more disrespectful to bow incorrectly than not to bow at all as this is a sign that you do not understand the reason behind the gesture.
Things to remember when bowing:
- Bow from attention position with your feet touching.
- Bow 45 degrees from your waist slowly.
- Never bow while you are moving. Always stop and stand in the attention position.
When you bow to someone you are making a public gesture that you respect them as a person in the martial arts and what they stand for. Half-hearted bows or a simple nod of the head don’t symbolically mean anything and show a lack of etiquette and respect.
Bowing, especially for adults, is also a very humbling experience. To acknowledge that someone else, irrespective of age, has more experience and knowledge than you can sometimes be quite challenging to grasp. Bowing when you enter and leave the Dojang is not for anyone else but you. This simple action reminds you that you are there to listen to the instructor’s advice and approach learning with an empty cup.
Always remember that a bow is a physical gesture of your inner self. If you do not respect someone for a valid reason, do not bow. Bear in mind that you do not have to like a person to respect them in martial arts. To like someone is only a bonus.
When to bow:
- When greeting your instructor, whether inside the Dojang or not.
- When wanting advice or help from your instructor or a higher grade.
- When entering and leaving the Dojang.
- When your instructor has given you advice, whether individually or as a class.
- Before and after working with a training partner.
We’re always here to answer your questions, so contact us.
Ready to try taekwondo? Book a trial class with us.
Also, remember to read through our terms and conditions if you are considering becoming a Power with Purpose member.
