D0-JANG LABELING AND BEHAVIOR RULES
1. It is everyone’s responsibility to uphold the traditional rules of conduct in the DO-JANG (도장, 道場); this spirit originates from Korean culture and must be respected, honored, and maintained.
2. It is everyone’s duty to create a positive atmosphere of harmony (Hwa, 화, 和) and respect.
3. The DO-JANG (도장, 道場) should not be used for any purpose other than its intended one, unless expressly permitted by the SABOMNIM (사범님, 師範님). This DO-JANG strictly follows the traditional rules of proper conduct. Its spirit stems directly from Korean culture and serves as a place where teachings are transmitted. It is up to each student to honor it and follow these rules with seriousness.
4. When you enter the DO-JANG, you step into a different world, a world of warriors. It can be a place of respect and friendly camaraderie—or a den of paranoia and distrust. In the HAPKIDO (합기도, 合氣道) DO-JANG, we attack and are attacked, honing our ability to respond intuitively.
5. It is the underlying current of etiquette (Ye, 예, 禮) and social behaviors that allows us to practice safely, discipline and redirect aggressive reactions, and develop feelings of compassion and respect.
6. HAPKIDO (합기도, 合氣道) is not a sport. It is a discipline, an educational process for training the mind (Sim, 심, 心), body (Che, 체, 體), and spirit (Jeong, 정, 精).
7. Physical technique is not the ultimate goal but merely a tool for personal improvement and spiritual evolution. The ceremony that opens and closes each HAPKIDO practice represents a formal bow to the flags of Brazil and Korea, followed by a bow to the founder and a final bow between the instructor and students.
8. Bowing to the flags symbolizes respect for our country and the motherland of HAPKIDO, as well as gratitude to the founder who developed this system of practice and study. Proper use of respect (Jeong, 정, 正), sincerity (Seong, 성, 誠), and humility (Gyeom, 겸, 謙), as well as maintaining the appropriate atmosphere, are essential for the learning process. As HAPKIDO is a martial art, these elements are indispensable for the safety of each individual.
JUNG SHIN TONG IL (정신통일, 精神統一)
The initial and final concentration is a way of cleansing the mind (Sim, 심, 心) and spirit (Jeong, 정, 精).
9. It is the SABOMNIM's (사범님, 師範님) decision when to teach a technique. Techniques cannot be purchased. The monthly fee is a small contribution to help cover the training space's expenses and a minimal way of expressing the student’s gratitude to the instructor for their teachings.
10. As no one likes to spend money, "paying" is a clear sign of genuine gratitude. If a person doesn’t contribute financially and only maintains the appearance of gratitude with words and gestures, it may be insincere or feigned.
11. Respect, respect, respect (Jonjung, 존중, 尊重) is a continuous thought in the DO-JANG.
12. It is everyone's moral duty to use the techniques for peaceful purposes (Pyonghwa, 평화, 平和), always aiming to build.
13. There should be no ego conflicts in the DO-JANG.
14. Insolence will never be tolerated. We must be aware of our limitations.
15. Everyone has different conditions and reasons for training.
16. Never argue with the instructor.
17. Always bow (Kyongnye, 경례, 敬禮) when entering and leaving the DO-JANG.
18. Respect your training uniform (Dobok, 도복, 道服). It must always be clean and in good condition.
19. The DO-JANG is not a beach; always sit in MURUP KURO (무릎 꿇어) or cross-legged in the oriental style if you have knee problems.
20. When the SABOMNIM demonstrates a technique, always sit in MURUP KURO (무릎 꿇어); afterward, bow (Kyongnye, 경례) and begin practicing immediately.
21. Once you have assimilated a technique, greet your partner and return promptly to your starting position.
22. If you absolutely need to ask the SABOMNIM a question, go to them—do not call them over to you.
23. Respect more experienced students. Never argue about whether techniques are right or wrong.
24. If you are not a YU DANJA (유단자, 有段者), do not correct anyone.
25. Do not engage in conversations on the DO-JANG floor. HAPKIDO is about experience.
26. It is everyone’s responsibility to keep the DO-JANG clean (Cheongso, 청소, 淸掃).
27. Do not wear jewelry or chew gum in the DO-JANG. Besides your body, only the uniform (Dobok) should be present.
28. If you need to leave the DO-JANG temporarily, ask for permission from the SABOMNIM, but only in cases of extreme necessity.
29. "Although HAPKIDO is not a religion, the DO-JANG (도장, 道場), or place of practice, must be respected as a temple, as it is where we train to improve ourselves and refine our spirit."
30. If you do not agree with these rules, you are not qualified to study and practice HAPKIDO in this DO-JANG.