ETIQUETTE
(Ye Jol)

Bowing is a very traditional way of showing respect, self control and discipline in the martial arts. Bowing is not an indication of complete submission; It is a sign of mutual respect. It comes from the heart, and is done out of honour and respect, not out of necessity or obligation. Bowing takes time to do correctly; if we are in a rush when we bow, then we are only doing it because we should, and not because we truly mean it. Taking the time to stop, bow correctly and slowly, and then rise up into our greeting or conversation, shows that we sincerely mean and feel the respect we are giving.

A bow can be used for different purposes. For example, it may be a greeting or an indication that a junior would like to speak to his senior. A bow can mean “thank you” or “I understand”. In training, before starting free sparring or step sparring or other practices involving two or more people, those involved bow to each other. When finished, they bow again.

Like all things in Taekwon-Do, there is a correct way to bow:

• Stop moving and put down anything you are carrying; the hands must be empty
• Stand up tall, with the heels together and the toes turned out 45° to form a V-shape with the feet
• Arms should be straight and slightly extended by about 30° at the sides
• Hands should be closed with the palms facing downwards at a 45° angle
• Bow forward from the waist (not the neck) to an angle of 15°
• Bowing from the neck only is considered impolite; a proper bow requires time
• Keep the head up and always look the other person in the eyes when bowing
• If bowing to a person (not to an inanimate object such as the ITF flag), say “Taekwon”
• Juniors should begin their bow first
• The greater the difference in age or rank, the deeper the bow
• Juniors should hold their bow until the senior has returned upright
• The longer we hold our bow, the more respect we show
• Always bow before and after addressing a senior
• Always bow before entering or upon leaving a dojang
• When a senior walks into the room or passes by you, take the time to turn, acknowledge their presence and bow
• If you are seated and a senior walks by or towards you, stand up and bow; it is considered impolite to remain seated
• Always remove your hat before bowing

Protocol helps us all treat each other with respect and courtesy. It is especially important when we interact with seniors outside of the dojang. By following proper protocol when in public we are setting an example for everyone. Many people will see the respectful actions and think of us with a similar respect.

• Seniors should be addressed as either “Sir”, “Ma'am” or Mr/Mrs/Ms
• Always use their last name or title, never their first name unless expressly invited to do so
• Bow when approaching the senior prior to making contact
• Always use appropriate language, and particularly no profanities
• Try not to ever turn your back on the senior. When leaving take three steps backwards, execute a bow, then turn and depart
• When a senior enters the room, always stand up and bow,
• When giving or receiving an item, remember to always use two hands and perform a bow of respect
• Remember to say “Thank you Sir / Ma'am” and “Yes Sir / No Ma'am”
• A junior may disagree with their senior as long as they do so respectfully and politely
• It is impolite to interrupt a senior; instead, raise your hand to indicate your desire to speak
• Open and hold all doors for seniors, including the car door
• If the senior is carrying something in their hands or arms, politely offer to take it and carry it for them
• When seated, such as during a class, seminar or tournament, avoid showing the bottoms of your feet to your seniors
• Avoid asking for opinions or impressions from a senior, especially when in a public setting
• In social situations it is the responsibility of the senior to make sure that the juniors are taken care of and comfortable

When Travelling in a Motor Vehicle:

The highest-ranked individual enters the vehicle first, followed by the others in order of rank.

If there is a professional chauffeur: The individual with the highest rank sits in the back seat behind the front passenger seat. The host or the interpreter sits in the front passenger seat. On arrival the chauffeur disembarks first and opens the door for the highest-ranking individual. The other passengers leave the vehicle in order of rank.

If there is no professional chauffeur: The individual with the highest rank sits in the front passenger seat. The others sit in the back seat, with the highest-ranked sitting behind the front passenger seat and the rest toward the other side in order of rank. The rank of the driver is not taken into consideration. On arrival the lowest ranked passenger disembarks first and opens the door for the highest-ranking individual. The other passengers leave the vehicle in order of rank.

• Always wait for the Senior to be seated first
• The Senior should sit at the head of the table with their companion or guest next to them
• The host should always sit beside the senior
• All others (and their companions or guests) are seated alternately to each side of the senior according to rank
• Spouses or companions are always welcome to sit by your side, regardless of whether they are in Taekwon-Do or not
• Patiently wait for the senior to open their menu and place their order first
• Once the beverages or food have arrived, allow the senior to take the first drink or taste of their food
• When making or receiving a toast, ensure your cup is lower than your senior's, and always use two hands (like when shaking hands)
• The senior should never pour his/her own drink; the junior should pour it for them.
• Juniors should fill a senior's glass whenever it is low, especially prior to taking more beverage for themself
• If the senior needs something it is the junior's responsibility to attend to it
• Always ask permission to leave or approach the table
• Whenever a senior approaches or departs the table you should stand up
• Use good table manners, e.g. do not slouch or place elbows on the table

• Juniors should not offer their hand to the senior - wait for them to present theirs first
• Shake hands using your right hand while placing your left hand under the right elbow with your palm facing down
• Perform a bow of respect whenever you shake hands
• For very personal greetings, some seniors may shake your hand using both of theirs, by grasping your hand and placing their other one on top of both your hands
• For a very formal or very respectful handshake, place your left hand directly under your right elbow.
• The further your Ieft hand is from your right, the more respect you show to the senior

• Uniform should be clean and pressed at all times
• Uniforms should be worn only while training or competing; not as casual wear
• Belts should never touch, be dropped or placed on the floor
• When adjusting your uniform or belt, turn to the side so as not to face the senior or turn your back on them
• It is considered extremely rude to touch a senior's belt or uniform
• Avoid "playing" with your belt or uniform
• No jewellery should be worn while you are in your dobok
• Hats should not be worn when wearing a dobok