As a new student you will hear the word "etiquette" repeatedly, you will learn that proper etiquette accounts for a high percentage of your score on belt tests. You will hear the masters say that the first thing to be learned as a student of martial arts is etiquette.

What exactly do they mean by ETIQUETTE? They mean the proper code of behavior for a martial artist.

So- - what is the proper behavior of a martial artist? The deceptively simple answer! Any behavior that is motivated by RESPECT. If you truly learn this martial art, it is inevitable and natural that you will develop respect for the art. In appreciating the truth and beauty of the art automatically you will also develop respect for the teachers who impart their knowledge to you. Likewise you will have respect for your classmates who share your learning adventure. And finally, there will be respect for you, the learner.

Kuk Sool Won Pledge

1.	As a member of the World Kuk Sool Association, I pledge to obey the rules of the association and to conduce myself in accordance with the true spirit of martial arts.
2.	I pledge to be loyal to my country and to promote the development of a better society.
3.	I pledge to work together with all classes of people without regard to politics, race or religion.
4.	I pledge to strive to promote international goodwill and world peace through the practice of martial arts.

Student Creed ^back to top

1.	I will develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything that would reduce my mental growth or physical health.
2.	I will develop self-discipline in order to bring out the best in myself and others.
3.	I will use what I learn in class constructively and defensively, to help myself and others, and never be abusive or offensive.

Uniforms ^back to top

Kuk Sool Won uniforms or "dobok" are standardized, and consists of black medium weight martial arts pants and martial arts training top.
Several patches are worn on the dobok. In general, a vertical Kuk Sool Won patch written in Korean is worn over the right breast, while a South Korean national flag patch is worn over the left breast. The back of the uniform often has Kuk Sool Won written in either English or Korean, with a Kuk Sool Won logo patch in the middle of the back.

These patches are also present on every type of Kuk Sool Won uniform. A national flag patch may also be worn on the shoulder. However, no patches may be worn to identify a particular school. This is to help promote Kuk Sool Won as a unified association and to encourage a friendly, family like atmosphere between schools.

	Click on the images to get more information.
How to Tie a Belt		Patch Placement & Sewing

Titles ^back to top

Always address the instructors by their correct titles, both in and out of class. You may also say "Sir" or "Ma'am". Using the instructor's first name or saying "Hey You" is not polite or respectful. Instructor titles are listed below.

Grandmaster	Kuk Sa Nym
Chief Master	Chohng Kwahn Jahng Nym
Senior Executive Master	Su Suhk Kwahn Jahng Nym
Executive Master	Suhn Im Kwahn Jahng Nym
Senior Master	Ji Do Kwahn Jahng Nym
Head Master	Joo Im Kwahn Jahng Nym
Master	Pyung Kwahn Jahng Nym
Fourth Degree Black Belt	Sa Bum Nym
Third Degree Black Belt	Pu Sa Bum Nym
Second Degree Black Belt	Kyo Sa Nym
First Degree Black Belt	Jyo Kyo Nym

Bowing ^back to top

Bowing is the most obvious way to show respect. Because Western culture has little experience with the act of bowing it is often misunderstood. Bowing is not a form of worship, a display of subservience, or an admission of inferiority. In Eastern cultures bowing is a simple method of greeting, and a sign of respect, such as a handshake in Western culture.

As a martial arts student you will bow frequently. It is important to know when and how to bow.

Bow whenever you enter or leave the practice area of the Do Jahng. This "Do Jahng Bow" is executed by bringing the right fist over the heart (palm-side facing the heart) and say "Kuk Sool", then bend forward from the waist.

When you first see your instructor, bow to him/her as you greet him/her. When you leave school bow to an instructor, bow as you bid him farewell. When bowing to instructors, always bow lower than the instructor does.

"Bow in" before practice and "bow out" after practice. These bows are done from a kneeling position at the beginning and ending of every class. The first bow is to the national flag. The second bow is to the association flag. The third bow is to the Grandmaster if he is in the Do Jahng, or to his picture if he is not in the Do Jahng. The fourth bow is to the head instructor. The next bow should be made to any and all Black Belts present at the time of the bow in/out. This bow should start with the highest-ranking Black Belt and follow down to the lowest ranking Black Belt. The last bow is to all of your fellow classmates.

If you are in the Do Jahng when a class bows in/out you should always stop what you are doing and participate in the bow. If you are in street clothes you may perform the bows from a standing position, but kneeling position would be better.

During class or practice...

- Bow to teacher when beginning and ending hyung.
- Bow to association flag when practicing hyung without an instructor's supervision.
- Bow to opponents before and after sparring.
- Bow to partners before and after technique practice.
- Bow any time that the instructor tells you to bow.

During Practice ^back to top

1.	Be on time for class; attend class regularly
2.	If you arrive late, ask for permission to join the class. If you must leave class early, ask for permission before leaving.
3.	If your uniform needs adjusting face away from flags, front or partner, and kneel on your right knee when you fix it.
4.	Whenever you've been told to sit down during a class session, sit properly with your feet crossed or tucked under you. Do not slouch or lean against the walls.
5.	Concentrate on training. Never do anything to obstruct your own or another's learning. There should be no talking or horseplay during practice.
6.	Practice to your full potential. Push yourself to the limit of your endurance, energy and concentration.
7.	Keep a strong mind. Do not let doubts and/or fears overshadow you. Also do not show your weariness. It is contagious and will quickly contaminate your classmates.
8.	At the same time, be realistic. Do not push yourself beyond safe limits
9.	Discuss any problems or question with an instructor.

The Privileges and Responsibility of Rank ^back to top

1.	Obey instructors and higher belts.
2.	Do not disturb others while they practice.
3.	Help lower belts. Remember that you did not achieve your rank without the help of others.
4.	Never try to do something that you have not been taught.
5.	DO NOT TEACH in or out of the Do Jahng if you are not qualified.
6.	If you wish to practice at another Kuk Sool School, ask your instructor for permission to do so.
7.	NEVER USE MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING NEEDLESSLY, USE ONLY TO DEFEND GOOD!!