Since Hapkido is a traditional Korean martial art, etiquette plays an extremely important role in developing the martial character of the student. An amount of self-control and respect is cultivated from the exhibition and strict adherence to the practice of proper etiquette. The demonstration of proper etiquette shows the student is grasping the seriousness of the training he/she is taking part in. Displaying respect toward one's art, one's instructors, and one's fellow students, plays an important role in the students ability to reach a higher level of self-esteem and self-respect. In fact, etiquette is the single most important requirement to be eligible to continue one's training in Hapkido.

There are many situations where proper etiquette must be observed in addition to those already listed. Enough cannot be said for the impression that is given by the display of proper etiquette. Many-a-time this author has been complimented by other teachers of martial arts, for observing them, their students, or the activity they are participating in, in some 'formal' manner. The following is a partial list of the types of situations where, unfortunately, many students of martial arts do not display any form of courtesy or etiquette - these are situations, and the proper "responses" as passed on to this author by his teachers...

• Anytime there is some sort of formal activity at the beginning or end of any class, such as "bowing in/out" you should rise and stand at attention until the activity has concluded. This is especially appreciated while visiting other dojang.



• All black belts, and really anyone of higher rank should be addressed, at all times, as sir/ma'am, or by their last name in conjunction with Mr., Mrs., Ms., etc., or by using the proper Korean, Japanese, or Chinese title, or that title along with the last name. This point of etiquette should be observed regardless of the situation or surroundings unless expressly directed otherwise by the individual parties involved.



• Anytime an instructor or high ranking black belt comes into a room where you are, all activity should cease, and the highest ranking person present should direct the group to face this instructor or black belt, and command the group to bow. This is especially important with high ranking instructors, and is surely appreciated!



• Students should never openly disagree with the instructor during the training sessions, no matter what the situation! Students are allowed their opinion, but should first follow the directions or commands, and discussion should be held until a more appropriate time - and this discussion should take place privately.



• Challenges should never be made toward any fellow student or toward an instructor with regard to any subject. An example would be asking a higher-ranking student to perform a maneuver - just to "see if they could do it."



• The uniform belt should never be placed on the ground. You should never leave the changing area without being completely uniformed, and you should never begin to remove any part of the uniform, during, or after a class or activity, unless you have returned to the changing area. - e.g., never wait until you get to the workout area to put on your belt - do it in the 'locker room'.