Courtesy & Etiquette

Gan Soo Do is a traditional Martial Art based on respect for all life. It is important to develop this respect, of our art, our country, Grandmaster, Senior Dans, and all members, in accordance with Gan Soo Do principles.

1. Entering the Do Jang

Upon entering the Do Jang, pause by the entrance, face the flags and salute by holding the right hand open and across the chest with palm facing the heart and bow in the direction to the flag. This demonstrates respect and appreciation for our country, our style, and our training, and the country that produced the development of our style.

1. General Situation in the Do Jang

1. Upon entering the Do Jang one must show respect by personal preparation. Cease talking and try to quiet yourself both mentally and physically. Turn your thoughts toward your training. All this creates an atmosphere of “Jong Sook” quiet internal peace. As you enter the Do Jang you must recognize every member by bowing. The appropriate bow is performed by standing at attention and bowing from the waist about 45 degrees. The senior member will bow in return. While in the Do Jang, upon the entrance of a senior member, you must recognize him/her with a bow from the attention position. Junior member always bow to senior members first. The senior member in accordance bows back.
2. Late Entrance: When a student arrives late and enters the Do Jang after the class has begun, the student follows this protocol: Quietly enter the Do Jang and stand at the door. First bow in the direction of the flags. Then remain at attention position by the door until you are recognized by the instructor. After recognition from the instructor, bow to the instruct and walk behind the other members of the class to assume your appropriate position with the class.

1. Receiving Instruction: At any time, before, after, or during class, when the instructor or senior member offers personal correction of instruction to a junior member, the junior member must stand attention (if possible). At the completion of the instruction the junior member must bow and repeat “Thank you Sir/Ma’am”. This shows appreciation and respect. A senior member should refrain from correcting a senior member in the Do Jang.  

At the end of the class after the closing ceremonies all class members should bow to the instructor.

1. During the class, if a student has a question, he/she must raise his/her hand. When the instructor recognizes him/her, he/she must stand at attention, bow, and ask the question. After the answer is received, the student will bow and say,Thank you Sir/Ma’am”.
2. During the class, if a student has to be excused from the class (to go to the rest room or due to illness) the student will raise his hand to gain recognition from the instructor. After getting permission from the instructor, the student will bow and act accordingly. When he is able to rejoin the class, the student must stand at attention on the outskirts of the room until recognize by the instructor. Once recognized by the instructor, the student will bow and rejoin the class.

1. Entering the Do Jang:

During the class, upon the entrance of the Sa Bom Nim or the Chief instructor, the most senior member of the class will call the class to attention “Charyut” and command “Kyung Ret”. The class will recognize the Sa Bom Nim with a Bow.

1. Entering office”

1. Never walk into your instructor’s office unannounced. Always knock first at the door and wait for instructions.
2. Upon seeing the instructor, the student bows from the attention position.
3. Student stands until recognized by the instructor (if asked to be seated, student may sit) then student begins conversation.
4. Student remains standing at attention during conversation unless otherwise instructed by the Sa Bom/ Kyo Sa.
5. It is the instructor’s responsibility to show respect to his student by extending the courtesy to him to be seated before the conversation begins.
6. When the conversation is concluded, the student thanks the instructor and proceeds to walk backward (not showing his back to the instructor) until he reaches the door. The student bows before exiting.
7. No student should seat himself at the instructor’s desk at any time. (Wheteher in the presence or absence of the instructor.
8. The conversation between the instructor and the student should always maintain a tone of respect and the words “Sir/Ma’am” should be used regardless if you are in and out of your Do Bok.
9. When the junior ends class, he/she should pay respect to the highest ranking senior member.
10. In situations where there is more than one senior member, the class should bow to the highest ranking member only.

1. At a Social Event (restaurant):

1. The student should be in the restaurant earlier than the expected arrival of the instructor.
2. When the instructor arrives, all students should rise and greet the instructor with a bow.
3. The instructor should be seated first and the students should begin to be seated rotating from the left side of the instructor to the right according to seniority. Seniors sit down first and others follow. If already seated, the student should rise and remain standing until all his seniors are seated.
4. The placement of seating is flexible. However, it is usual for the seniors to be placed next to the instructor. (This is not a rigid rule.)
5. Students should not smoke or drink alcohol while the instructor is present, unless the instructor gives his prior permission.
6. When the food is served, the student should wait until the instructor starts to eat first and the student may begin.
7. If a student has the opportunity to be in the presence of the Grandmaster, proper attire must be worn (suite, ties for men and dresses, suits, and appropriate pants outfit for women)

1. Communication through Phone:

1. Continuation of class manners should be extended when talking over the phone to your instructor.
2. Students should use “Sir/Ma’am”.

1. Communication by Letter

1. Addressing the letter: When writing the letters always include the title of the person whether he is your senior or junior. If he has no titles use the title Mr./Mrs./Miss/or Ms.

1. Seniors writing the junior: Do not include the “Nim”

Example: Kyo Sa John Doe

1. Juniors writing the senior: Include the “Nim”

Example: Sa Bom Nim John Doe

1. SALUTATIONS:

1. Seniors writing to juniors: Include the official title but do not use “Nim” add the proper name.

Example: Dear Kyo Sa John Doe

1. Seniors writing to juniors (if the relationship warrants) may also use the first name.

Example: Dear John

1. The proper name with no title except Mr./Mrs./Miss/or Ms. May also be used.

Example: Dear Mrs. Smith

1. Juniors writing seniors: Always used the official title (including “Nim”) and the proper name.

Example: Dear Sa Bom Nim John Doe

1. CLOSING OR SIGNING OF THE LETTER:

When writing to a senior no matter how high your rank, you sign just your name and not your rank or position.

Example: Sincerely John Doe

A junior shows disrespect to a senior by signing a letter “Master John Doe” or “Kyo Sa John Doe”. It is better to be humble and not flaunt your title.

1. Senior writing to his junior: Never uses Master, Mr., Sa Bom, or Kyo Sa in front of name. As a courtesy, he may give an official title or position such as “Chairman” or school name.

Example:

Sincerely, or Sincerely,

John Doe    John Doe

Chairman    Doe’s Soo Bahk Do

1. Junior writing to his senior: No rank, title, or position may be given, but an example of your relationship as a student or junior may be given.

Example:

Sincerely,

John Doe

Your Student