Martial Arts Code of behaviour
You have been given this paper because you are beginning Martial Arts training at Kuk Sool Won™. Read it now as a beginning student, and refer to it later as memory fails or questions arise.
As a new student you will hear the word "etiquette" repeatedly. You will learn that proper etiquette accounts for a high percentage of you score on belt tests. You will hear the Instructors say that the first thing to be learned as a student of the Martial Arts is etiquette. What do they mean by etiquette? They mean the proper code of behavior for a Martial Artist.
What is the proper code of behaviour for a Martial Artist? The deceptively simple answer: Any behaviour that is motivated by RESPECT / GOOD MANNERS. If you truly learn this Martial Art, it is inevitable and natural that you will develop respect for the Art. In appreciating the truth and beauty of the Art, you will also automatically develop respect for the Instructors who impart their knowledge to you. Likewise, you will have respect for your classmates who share your learning adventure. Also, there will be respect for you, as a Martial Arts student.
The remainder of this paper consists of various rules and regulations. In reading through them and learning them, don't forget that RESPECT and manners are the rationale for their existence. As Martial Artists in the modern world, we must always remember the five Principles of the Ancients:
1. Virtue
2. Trust
3. Intelligence
4. Bravery
5. Discipline
Always address the Instructors by their correct title. You may also say "SIR" or "Ma'am". Using the Instructor's first name or saying "Hey you" is not polite or respectful. Instructor titles are as follows:
Jyo Kyo Nym............................1st Degree Black Belt
Kyo Sa Nym.............................2nd Degree Black Belt
Pu Sa Bum Nym.......................3rd Degree Black Belt
Sa Bum Nym.............................4th Degree Black Belt
Kwan Jang Nym.........................5th Degree Black Belt
Chong Kwan Jan Nym.................Chief Master
Kuk Sa Nym...........................…Grandmaster
BOWING
Bowing is the most obvious way to show respect. As a Martial Arts student, you will bow frequently. It is important to know when and how to bow.
Bow whenever you enter or leave the practice area of the Do-jang, (school). The bow is executed by bringing the right fist over the heart, (palm side facing the heart), and saying "Kuk Sool" while bending forward from the waist.
When you first see an Instructor, bow to him/her as you greet them. When you leave the school, bow to the Instructors as you bid them farewell.
Bow "in" before practice and bow "out" after practice. These six bows are done from a kneeling position at the beginning and ending of each class. The first bow is to the American Flag; the second bow is to the World Kuk Sool Won™ Association Flag; the third bow is to the Grandmaster; the fourth bow is to the Chief or Head Instructor; the fifth is to the Instructor of the class; and the sixth bow is to begin/end the class. If you are in the Do-jang when a class bows in/out always bow with the class, even if you are not ready for class or are not staying for the class. In such a situation that you are in street clothes, you may bow from a standing position.
The most important thing to remember is to bow anytime the Instructor tells you to. Usually, this is before forms, (hyung), techniques, and sparring practice. Also, anytime you are practicing hyung without supervision bow to the Association flag.
The bow is executed by bending forward from the waist slightly, about 45 degrees. Your eyes should be lowered, but you should still be able to see all of the people to whom you are bowing. If you are in uniform, your hands should be holding your belt in the attention position; if you are in street clothes, keep your arms at your sides.