School Information

DOJANG CODE OF CONDUCT

As a student of this Martial Arts Academy, you represent the school in and out of the dojang.  You represent those who practice Taekwondo.  Therefore, you should always conduct yourself in accordance with the Student Oath and the Tenants of Taekwondo.

Students and visitors shall bow when entering or leaving the training floor.

Be on time for all classes and functions.  If you are late to class, you must receive permission to join class from the head instructor.

No student shall ever be in the dojang while consuming drugs or alcohol; it is forbidden.  Additionally, students that are ill or think they are ill should skip class as to not transmit sickness to the other students.

Any questions or concerns should be taken up with your instructor privately, not discussed among other students.

The dojang is for Taekwondo training only.  No other techniques may be practiced or taught to other students without the permission of the head instructor.

No breaking of plastic boards, wood boards, bricks or any other materials without the direct supervision of the instructor.

No sparring or “fighting” without the direct supervision of the instructor.

No food, drinks or gum is allowed on the floor at any time.

Respect the property and belongings of others.

Shoes may not be worn on the floor.  Only instructors and students are allowed on the floor while class is in session.

Any and all injuries shall be reported to the instructor on the floor immediately.  Any student with an injury must receive permission from the instructor to participate in class.

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ATTIRE

All students are required to wear your full Taekwondo uniform to each class; unless otherwise directed by your instructor.

The Taekwondo uniform consists of white pants, a white traditional martial arts top and your current rank belt.  The uniform also consists of an American flag on the right shoulder and a Korean flag on the left shoulder.  Students receiving their yellow belt will also receive a school patch to that shall be attached to the right chest.

All female students must wear a blue, white or black t-shirt under their uniform top.

All female students with hair long enough to touch the shoulders are to put their hair up in a ponytail during class.

The black stripe worn on the collar is for certified instructors only.  The red stripe worn on the collar is for students who are enrolled in the Assistant Instructors program.

Jewelry, especially metal bracelets and necklaces are not allowed in class.  These can scratch other students or come loose and cause a safety hazard.  Wedding rings are allowed on the floor.  

Please leave all your valuables at home or in your car.  This dojang is not responsible for items lost or stolen at the school.


STUDENT SAFETY / HYGIENE

Keep fingernails and toenails trimmed short and clean.

Wash your uniform regularly and use deodorant.

No chewing gum in class.

Absolutely no “horse-play” in the school at any time.

Students are not allowed on the mats unless supervised by an instructor.

RESPECT

Respect is one of the most important aspects of the martial arts.  Respect your instructor, respect your style and respect yourself.

Refer to the master instructor as “Master _______” or “Sahbunim”

Refer to all instructors as “sir” or “ma’am” or as “Mr. ____”  or “Mrs. _____”

Students shall stand at attention while being addressed by instructors or senior black belts.

All students will bow when entering or leaving the training area.

Questions are encouraged, however, argument is disrespectful.  If you do not understand something, see the instructor privately.

If you are called on by an instructor and it is more than three steps to get there, you will run to get into position.

When you need to ask a question, you raise your right hand and support your elbow with your left hand.

All senior ranks should endeavor to assist lower ranks to learn.

All students are expected to show respect to the dojang and treat it as they would treat their home.

All students in the dojang shall stand at attention while the Oath and Tenants are being said.


SPARRING

Students below the rank of green belt are not allowed to spar in or out of class, unless otherwise directed by the instructor.

Students below the rank of black belt are not allowed to free spar in or out of the dojang without the direct supervision of an instructor.

During sparring, all students shall remember that sparring is practice and not a competition.  It is not “real” fighting.  Lower ranks will go at slower speeds to gain knowledge and skills necessary.  Upper ranks are required to use control.

During free-sparring, all students are required to wear feet protectors, hand protectors and mouth guard.  Boys and men are encouraged to wear groin protectors.  Students can wear additional protective gear if desired, such as shin guards, forearm guards, etc.

 

​Southern Dragon Tae Kwon Do

Black Belt Transfer and Rank Recognition Policy

 

Southern Dragon Tae Kwon Do recognizes and respects the time, dedication, discipline, and training required to earn a Black Belt in any martial art.

 

Students who join Southern Dragon Tae Kwon Do with an existing Black Belt will have that rank honored. However, if the Black Belt was earned in a different martial art, a different style of Tae Kwon Do, or through a school or program that does not follow a recognized ITF Tae Kwon Do curriculum, the rank will be considered a Black Belt from another style or system for purposes of advancement within Southern Dragon Tae Kwon Do.

 

Not every martial arts school that uses the name Tae Kwon Do teaches the same system. Southern Dragon Tae Kwon Do follows the traditions, patterns, techniques, and principles of ITF-style Tae Kwon Do as developed by General Choi Hong Hi. Other Tae Kwon Do organizations and schools may use different patterns, terminology, techniques, testing requirements, self-defense methods, and rank structures.

 

We do not require an incoming Black Belt to begin again as a White Belt, nor do we disregard the rank they have already earned. Their Black Belt remains an accomplishment worthy of respect.

 

However, before testing for their next Black Belt rank through Southern Dragon Tae Kwon Do, the student must demonstrate proficiency in the Southern Dragon Tae Kwon Do curriculum appropriate to their current level. This includes learning and demonstrating our required:

 

ITF patterns

Techniques and terminology

Self-defense curriculum

Required Black Belt material

Testing standards and expectations

 

The amount of preparation required will depend upon the student's previous training and familiarity with the ITF system. A student already trained within a recognized ITF-style program may require considerably less transition than someone coming from another Tae Kwon Do system or an entirely different martial art.

 

This is not intended to diminish or invalidate anyone's previous training. It ensures that when Southern Dragon Tae Kwon Do promotes a student to a higher Black Belt rank, that rank represents demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in the curriculum and standards for which our school is responsible.

 

This type of transition is a common and long-standing practice throughout the martial arts. Different schools, organizations, and styles may recognize an existing rank while still requiring a transferring student to learn their particular curriculum before awarding additional rank.

 

In simple terms: Southern Dragon Tae Kwon Do will honor the Black Belt you have earned. We simply require you to learn our system before we can award you your next Black Belt rank.