Class Rules

• Instructors are to be called Mr., Miss, Sir, Ma’am or by their Title.
• Always bow when entering and leaving the class.
• Grab your attendance card from the box so that you may have it ready at the beginning of each class.
• Never wear your Kuk Sool uniform anywhere except at Kuk Sool class.
• Only black uniforms and black T-shirts are to be worn in class.
• During class the complete uniform must be worn (pants, top, and belt).
• ONLY before and after class may you wear pants with a t-shirt.
• No jewelry is to be worn in class.
• No food, drink or gum is allowed in class.
• No loud talking or horse playing before, during or after class.
• Always practice with safety and respect toward your instructor and classmates.
• Should the child miss a class, the parent must check with the instructor for other class times that the child can attend throughout the week for credit.
• To be eligible for belt ranking, the student must have the minimum class hours, be doing well at home, school and have a great attitude in Kuk Sool class.  THERE IS AN ADDITIONAL FEE FOR BELT TESTING.
• Tournaments are held once a year, locally.  Emphasis is not placed on winning  but on doing your best.  Participation in a tournament is NOT required for promoting to next rank.
• School patches and association patches are required at yellow belt level.  There is a charge for all patches, USA flag, school and association patches.  Patches ARE required for entering tournaments.

Bowing and Etiquette

Since Kuk Sool Won™ is a traditional Korean martial art, etiquette plays an extremely important role in developing the martial art character of the student.  Following the rules of etiquette develops self-control which is an essential prerequisite to advanced martial art training.  Proper etiquette demonstrates respect for the art, for one’s instructors, and for one’s fellow students. 

Bowing (Kyung Neh in Korean) is part of the traditional Korean Way of greeting, parting, and demonstrating respect. Unlike bowing in Western culture, Asian bowing is by no means a sign of subservience, nor does it have a religious connotation.

The semi-formal bow, standing, is performed:

• When entering and leaving the practice area.
  
• When greeting your instructor (always use your instructor’s martial arts title or “Sir” or “Ma’am”) as you arrive and when you bid your instructor farewell as you leave.
  
•  When beginning or finishing each form (hyung) bow to you instructor, if you are under his/her supervision, otherwise bow to the association flag.
  
• When beginning or finishing technique practice or sparring.
  
• When asked by your instructor.
  

The formal bow, kneeling, is performed when beginning and ending class:

• A salute to the national flag(s)
  
• A salute to the association flag
  
• A salute to the Grandmaster
  
• Bows to any instructors present in the practice area
  
• Bow to signify “practice begins” or “practice ends”.
  

Bowing represents the mutual respect that instructors and students should feel among themselves and towards each other.  When you bow, you are not bowing to that person, but to the knowledge and skill that person has acquired, and to the rank that they have attained.

Quoted in part from Kuk Sool Won™ Traditional Korean Martial Art, Textbook Volume 1

Student Creed

A positive attitude is the most important thing you can bring to class with you. If you are dedicated to your training, you can and will accomplish things you never thought possible. Students should always pay attention to what is being said in class. Listening to instructors is the fastest way to learn.

The first step toward your goals is to establish the proper mental approach.  We think our student creed, if followed properly, will help you begin.

Student Creed

• I will develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything that will reduce my mental growth or physical health, sir/ma’m.
• I will develop self-discipline in order to bring out the best in myself and others, sir/ma’m.
• I will use what I learn in class constructively and defensively; to help myself and others and never to be abusive or offensive, sir/ma’m.

Kuk Sool Won™ Creed

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