Etiquette
Wol Ge Kwan Hapkido
Wol Ge Kwan means “The Victor’s Laurels”. Wol Ge Kwon refers to the type of Hapkido Grandmaster Chang teaches and the name of the school.
Hapkido is literally translated:
Hap: mind and body coordination
Ki: inner energy created and manifested through mind and body coordination.
Do: the self-controlled and disciplined life necessary to create Hap and Ki.
Therefore, Hapkido is a Korean martial art which emphasizes the coordination of internal and external energies through a disciplined life. The motto of Chang's Hapkido Academy is Truth, Love, and Persistence.
Etiquette
whenever possible. The lower belts should seek out the higher belts for advice and assistance. Misuse of Hapkido or the development of a bad reputation within the community may result in the student being suspended or expelled from Chang's Hapkido Academy.
Addressing Grandmaster Chang, Masters, Instructors, and Assistant Instructors
- Grandmaster Chang should be called Kwanjangnim (pronounced Kwan-Jahng-nim), or Grandmaster Chang
- 5th degree instructors should be called Master. For example: Master Austria
- 4th degree instructors should be called Saboumnim (pronounced sob-bum-nim.) To differentiate between one instructor or another, use the last name, for example: Fassbender Saboumnim.
- 3rd degree assistant instructors should be addressed as Bew Saboumnim, or as Mr. or Ms. and their last name.
- 2nd degree assistant instructors should be addressed Jo Saboumnim, or as Mr. or Ms. and their last name.
- 1st degree black belt should be referred to as Mr. or Ms. and their last name.
Conduct in the Dojang
- Attendance - Arrive at least 10 minutes before class. Notify Grandmaster Chang or your Instructor if you will be late or absent.
- Bowing - When entering the Dojang, Bow to the flags, then to Grandmaster Chang, and to instructors and black belts. When you leave the practice area (such as when you go to the dressing room), always bow to the flags. Similarly, when you leave the school, bow to the flags, Grandmaster Chang, Instructors, and to the black belts. To bow properly, put your hands at your sides and bend at the waist. A good bow is like a firm hand shake; it says a lot about the quality and the character of the person. Never rush.
- Respecting the Dojang - Treat the dojang with respect. There is no smoking, eating, drinking, or gum chewing allowed. Return all equipment to its proper place. It is traditional in the martial arts for the lowest ranking students to sweep the mat after class. After class, students should sweep the mat, vacuum the carpeting, and clean the school as directed by the instructor.
- Clothing and Shoes - No shoes are allowed inside the Dojang, place your shoes on the shoe stand whenever entering the dojang. Street clothes are not allowed to be worn on the mat. Always wear your uniform, unless instructed to do otherwise.
The Dressing Room
The dressing room is for your convenience. Please keep it clean and orderly at all times. Additionally:
- Always keep your voice down so you do not disturb others.
- Hang street clothes on hooks, hangers, or leave them neatly folded on the bench.
- Do not leave clothes, bags, personal belongings in the dressing room overnight.
- Leave all jewelry at home, in your car, or in the dressing room - No jewelry can be worn on the mat.
- When dressing for class, after you put your uniform on, tie your belt correctly, making sure that your belt is not crisscrossed in the back and the ends are equal in length.
The Formal Lesson
- Use your time wisely.
- Stretch & practice before the scheduled lesson.
- Five minutes before the lesson begins, sit quietly (cross legged) with your head and back straight, in rank order on the mat. This is to prepare us mentally, physically, & spiritually for the lesson.
- When the lesson begins, line up in straight lines, keeping in rank order. Concentrate totally on the instructor's commands.
- Your hands should be properly placed on your belt at all times (right hand on belt-left hand over it)
- Never have your hands on your hips, remember your body language shows if we are humble or arrogant, open or closed, soft or hard etc...
- When called upon or addressed by an instructor, always respond immediately in a strong, clear voice, "Yes, sir" or "Yes, ma'am".
- Always bow before and after asking an instructor or a senior for assistance.
- When not practicing, do not play or talk in a loud voice. By watching other students you also learn.
- Turn away from the flags if you need to adjust your dobuk (uniform) or retie your belt.
- Show your best attitude at all times.
- You are not here to defeat one another, you are here to learn.
Hapkido Tuition
Students are required to pay their tuition before or on the due date. Payments are non-refundable, so please use it wisely and come to class. Discipline starts with saving for your next year's tuition.
The Uniform (Dobuk)
Your dobuk should be washed and clean at least once or twice a week with normal practice (3 classes a week)
Carry your dobuk - folded correctly
Carry it folded correctly, in a gym bag, or on a hanger.
Folding Your Dobuk