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Class and Student Courtesy

In order to be comfortable and knowledgeable with the courtesies expected, all students should review the following list:

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  1. 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. (The bow is the Oriental "handshake" used in showing respect and feeling of community toward the flags, fellow students and instructors) Children should clearly state the Monthly Theme upon bowing.
     

  2. If a student is unavoidably tardy for class, he should bow at the edge of the workout floor and wait to be recognized by the instructor; he/she may then ask permission to join the class. (Instructors may choose to assign warm-ups and/or other exercises as appropriate)
     

  3. Students should use the restroom before coming to class. If necessary, it is acceptable during class to ask permission to be excused.
     

  4. Students will respond "Yes/No, Sir" or "Yes/No, Ma'am", as appropriate, in all conversations with instructors; students will stand respectfully and bow whenever greeting an instructor, in or out of the classroom.
     

  5. Students will address instructors by their last name and proper title (Mr., Mrs., Miss, etc.), regardless of any personal or family relationship.
     

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

  7. If a student does not understand a directive, he is allowed to raise his hand and ask that the instruction be repeated. A student is expected, however, to pay careful attention so the class may proceed without interruption.
     

  8. The Senior student among students of the same rank is the one who achieved the rank first. If the rank was earned at the same time, seniority may be determined by length of time in Taekwondo or by chronological age. An instructor may also prefer to "rotate" the senior position.
     

  9. No student, regardless of rank, may instruct or correct another student without the direct and specific permission and supervision of the instructor.
     

  10. A student's personal appearance in the class is a reflection of his pride. Cleanliness of person and uniform is imperative. Please make sure your uniform is washed and free of excessive wrinkles. Students should be sure to carefully manicure fingernails and toe nails for their own safety as well as others.
     

  11. If students are allowed to use the classroom for informal workouts, the should wear the standard uniform or appropriately modest and respectful workout clothing. Black athletic pants and an ATA T-Shirt are preferred.
     

  12. Students in informal workout sessions may not engage in free-sparring without the direct supervision of an instructor.
     

  13. If a student is in the room when the "Songahm Spirit of Taekwondo" pledge is recited, he must stand at attention and recite the pledge with the group, whether or not he is in uniform or a participant in the group session.
     

  14. Hair should be short or pulled back. Avoid headbands or hair clips that can come loose or cause distraction in class.
     

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

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

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

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

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

  20. Students will not wear street shoes on the workout floor. If a student must wear shoes for medical reasons, the footwear must be approved by an Instructor before being worn into class.
     

  21. Females must wear a white T-shirt under the uniform. Males are not required to wear a shirt under their uniform, but should they choose to do so, the shirt should be white.
     

  22. No jewelry shall be worn with the uniform with the exception of a wedding ring. 
     

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

  24. No student may work on forms or techniques of any rank higher than his own.

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