Dojang Etiquette & Safety

This page outlines the core etiquette and safety expectations at Moody’s Martial Arts. These standards exist to create a respectful, disciplined, and safe training environment for all students. Etiquette and safety are considered part of training and apply to every student, regardless of age or rank.

Dojang Conduct

The dojang is a place of learning, discipline, and focus, not casual recreation.
Shoes must be removed before stepping onto the mat.
Food, gum, and drinks (other than water) are not permitted on the mat.
Students should enter and exit the mat area respectfully.

Bowing & Respect

Students bow when entering and exiting the mat.
Students bow to the instructor at the beginning and end of class.
Bowing is a sign of respect, readiness, and focus.
Instructors are addressed by their proper title.
Students remain quiet and attentive when instruction is being given.

Uniform & Personal Preparation

Students must wear a clean, properly worn uniform.
Belts should be tied correctly and worn at all times during class.
Jewelry, watches, and sharp accessories are not permitted during training.
Fingernails and toenails must be trimmed.
Students who are sick, injured, or contagious should not attend class.

Safety Standards

All training is instructor-led and supervised.
Students may not practice techniques without permission.
Warm-ups and conditioning are mandatory.
Techniques must be performed with control appropriate to age, rank, and experience.
Reckless or unsafe behavior is not tolerated.

Sparring & Breaking Safety

Sparring is controlled, supervised, and introduced progressively.
Required protective equipment must be worn when applicable.
Students must stop immediately when instructed.
Breaking is taught gradually and only with instructor-approved materials.
Unsupervised breaking is not permitted.

Attendance & Readiness

Students should arrive on time and prepared to train.
Late arrivals must wait for instructor permission before joining class.
Consistent attendance is important for progress.

Parent & Spectator Expectations

Parents and guests may observe when space allows.
Please remain quiet and avoid distractions during class.
Instruction is provided by the instructor only; sideline coaching is not permitted.
Parents are responsible for supervising children before and after class.

Injury & Risk Awareness

Martial arts involves physical activity and inherent risk.
Participation is voluntary.
Any injury, pain, or concern must be reported immediately.
Students should not train through pain without instructor approval.

Discipline & Enforcement

Failure to follow etiquette or safety rules may result in verbal correction, temporary removal from activity, suspension of training privileges, or dismissal from the program in severe cases. Discipline is applied fairly and with student safety and growth as the priority.

Final Statement

Respect, discipline, and safety are not optional. They are fundamental parts of martial arts training and are expected at all times at Moody’s Martial Arts.