Academy Decorum

  • We use some formal Korean or Japanese whenever the term is an international requirement. We want our students to be able to communicate in a rich international setting, or just in another dojo, with other students. There are certain terms you will need to know.
    • Sensei: One who has come before (or) instructor
    • Osu: pronounced “oos” meaning “I can do”
    • Kiyap: A quick burst yell, performed as instructed
    • Cha Ryuht: attention
    • Choon Bi: ready stance
    • Bah Ro: return to starting position
    • Seijak: Begin
    • Gomahn: stop
    • Makimono: Scroll, detailed record of what you have learned
    • Gi: A martial arts uniform
    • Kanji: The Japanese, Korean, Chinese characters
    • Kyun nyeh: bow
  • The students address the instructors as “Sensei” (since-say) and their name. During class, we behave more formally. This is a measure of respect for the instructors, and creates a culture of respect for one another.
  • We each bow on and off the mats, and to one another during class.
  • We each bow when entering or leaving a formation.
  • When fixing your sash or your gi, turn away from the other students first.
  • If anyone is injured during a sparring session, you must kneel quietly. Do not rush to the injured person. Allow the instructors to assess the injury.
  • During times of instruction you must be respectful to other students and maintain silence. Do not speak unless requested. Save your questions for after class.
  • Clip your nails – toes and fingers. This is a requirement, but is also simply good manners. You will be interacting with people physically. It is important to cut your nails before class to prevent injuring anyone else.
  • Good personal hygiene, please. Be courteous.
  • No jewelry during class, for safety reasons.
  • Turn off your phone or silence it, or “do not disturb” or “airplane mode.” No electronics on the mat without express permission.
  • No recording or photos of class without express permission. This is for your protection, and for others’ protection.
  • No horseplay before, during or after class. The mats are expressly for training.
  • No unsupervised sparring or weapons training or defense scenarios without express permission.
  • No intimidation or cursing or negative speech will be permitted. Continual disruptions of class or persistent negative attitudes will suspend or end your membership without refund.
  • No bullying or negative uses of your training outside, or inside, of class will be tolerated. The quickest way to be kicked out of our academy is to bully another person. The only acceptable uses of these skills outside of the class environment are:
    • Avoiding personal danger
    • Protecting someone who is in danger
    • Any other martial arts training environment