Classroom Courtesy                        Promotional Testing Courtesy                    Tournament Courtesy

Classroom Courtesy:

• Students and instructors will bow to the flags each time they enter and/or leave the classroom area, even if the area is not being used for workout.

• If students are late for class, they should ask permission to enter class.  Permission must be obtained to leave the classroom for any reason.

• All students must turn in their tracking card for each class

• Students will respond "Yes/No, Sir", or "Yes/No, Ma'am", as appropriate, in all conversations with instructors.

• Students will turn away from the instructor or opponent when adjusting uniform or belt.

• Students are encouraged to participate in class enthusiastically; however, they should avoid unnecessary conversation and speak only at the proper times.

• A clean uniform is imperative in each class as a reflection of the student's commitment to excellence and tradition.

• All belts are to be tied to hang evenly, as one side represents the mind and the other side represents the body.

• If students are allowed to use the classroom for informal workouts, they should wear the standard uniform or appropriately modest and respectful workout clothing, and follow all directions of the instructor on premises.

• All students in the room when the "Songahm Spirit of Taekwondo" pledge is recited, must stand at attention and recite the pledge with the group.

• There is to be no smoking or use of tobacco products in the school at any time; there will be no smoking, use of tobacco products, or consumption of alcohol at any time while in uniform.

• There will be no use of profanity on the school premises or at any ATA function, class, or activity.

• Permission of the student's instructor is required before a student may attend another ATA school or another martial arts school.

• High-ranking visitors to the class should be greeted with appropriate respect; it class is in session, it should immediately be interrupted for this salutation.

• Students will not wear street shoes on the workout floor.

• Women students must wear a white T-shirt under the uniform.

• No jewelry, other than a wedding ring, will be worn with the uniform.

• Students, parents, and guests will not converse with any person involved in a class session without the permission of the instructor.

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Promotional Testing Courtesy:

• Students should arrive in plenty of time to warm up. Because the workout area is more crowded than usual with students and spectators, group warm up is limited.

• Students must be dressed in a clean, regulation uniform with the correct belt and all patches and letters sewn on.

• Spectators are welcome at testing, but they must be quiet and non-interruptive during the proceedings.  Because the testings are often long, instructors discourage the attendance of babies and small children.

• Enthusiastic, positive encouragement is permitted from spectators and fellow students at appropriate times.

• A student who is scheduled to test, but finds himself unable to attend, should notify the instructor before testing begins.

• Students who are testing remain with the group until the testing is complete.

• All students in attendance will stand at attention and recite the "Songahm Spirit of Taekwondo," whether or not in uniform.

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Tournament Courtesy:

• Regulation uniforms and belts are required. White athletic shoes may be worn when the student is not competing.

• Students and instructors will bow to the flags and judges each time they enter or leave the tournament room.

• Fellow competitors are first fellow ATA students. The competitive spirit must not preclude courtesy and respect. Students are encouraged to support their friends in an enthusiastic, friendly, positive manner. No negative comments are tolerated.

• Students will answer enthusiastically; they will bow before entering the ring and bow and thank the judges upon being dismissed from the ring.

• Students will address their opponents in a courteous manner, wishing them well before the match begins and thanking them when the match is completed.

• Students, whether or not in uniform, will display respect and courtesy to all other students, instructors, guests, staff, security and volunteers. There is often limited seating at tournaments. Guests should be offered available chairs.

• Every ATA student, whether or not in uniform and whether or not a competitor, will stand at attention and recite the "Songahm Spirit of Taekwondo" with the participants.

• Each student will conduct himself in a manner that brings honor to himself, his school, and his organization. Many spectators are new to the martial arts and may form opinions based on the actions and attitudes of students.

• Students are allowed to change into street clothes at the end of their rank's competition. They are then free to leave the premises or enjoy the tournament as a spectator. Students and spectators should stay in spectator areas, leaving ring areas clear for current competitors. Black belts, of course, should wear dress clothing if students, and instructor dress uniform if instructors.

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