Bow-in Ceremony

Taekwon-Do is imbued with deep tradition and ceremony. Part of this is the bow-in (and bow-out) ceremony that is seen at the start and end of each Taekwon-Do class. The ceremony is conducted in Korean and pays respect to the legendary founder of Taekwon-Do, General Choi Hong Hi; the current instructor as well as the class senior.

The senior class student will lead the class through most of the ceremony. Near the end of the ceremony, the next ranking student will lead the bow to the senior student.

The start and end ceremonies are the same with the following exceptions:

- The student oath is performed during the starting ceremony; and
- The class is dismissed during the ending ceremony.

Below is the Korean terminology used for both ceremonies as well as the English gist. Note that depending on the rank of the instructor, the phrasing will change slightly.

Start of Class

[Class Senior - Leads bow to the Founder then the Instructor]

CHARIOT – attention

CHANG SI JA NIM GAE – To the Founder

KYUN NE – bow

SO NIM SA HYUN NIM GAE – To the Senior Master
or SA HYUN NIM GAE – To the Master
or SA BUM NIM GAE – instructor,
or BOO SA BUM NIM GAE – assistant instructor
or SIM SA NIM GAE – examiner

KYUN NE – bow

(Class Senior leads the student oath)

[Next Ranking Student - Leads bow to Class Senior]

WOO RO DO RA – right turn
or CHA RO DO RA – left turn

CHARIOT – attention

KYUN NE – bow

End of Class

[Class Senior - Leads bow to the Founder then the Instructor]

CHARIOT – attention

CHANG SI JA NIM GAE – To the Founder

KYUN NE – bow

SO NIM SA HYUN NIM GAE – To the Senior Master
or SA HYUN NIM GAE – To the Master
or SA BUM NIM GAE – instructor,
or BOO SA BUM NIM GAE – assistant instructor
or SIM SA NIM GAE – examiner

KYUN NE – bow

[Next Ranking Student - Leads bow to Class Senior]

WOO RO DO RA – right turn
or CHA RO DO RA – left turn

CHARIOT – attention

KYUN NE – bow

[Class Senior - Dismisses class]

HA SAN – dismiss

Student Oath

The student oath is a very important part of Taekwon-Do. And as such, students are required to pledge it at the beginning of every class during the bow-in ceremony. Below is the text for the student oath, including the Tenets of Taekwon-Do.

1. I shall observe the Tenets of Taekwon-Do:
- Courtesy
- Integrity
- Perseverance
- Self Control
- Indomitable Spirit

2. I shall respect my instructors and seniors

3. I will never misuse Taekwon-Do

4. I will be a champion for freedom and justice

5. I will build a more peaceful world

Training Credits

As a requirement to gaining your next rank, you must posses the required amount of training credits to be eligible to test. The following table lists the various Taekwon-Do activities and associated credits you would earn.