How to be a good student of Taekwondo

If you do Taekwondo and would like to be a better student or if you would like to join Taekwondo the following is for you.

STEPS:

1. Show courtesy show courtesy and respect to the instructor and all other students at all times. Black belts should be referred to as 'Sir' or 'Ma'am'. At the end of any exercise where you have worked with a partner or group, you must bow to your partner or to the members of your group and say 'Thank you'. Courtesy is a key part of Taekwondo.
2. Be honest at all times in your study of Taekwondo, not only to your instructor and your fellow students, but also to yourself.
3. Persevere: exercises are often tough and there will many times when you want to give up, but to persevere is to carry on regardless.
4. Adopt an indomitable spirit: it is likely that you will suffer set backs at some point during your practice of Taekwondo, but it is important not to let these put you off. 'Fall Seven times, stand up eight'.
5. Be sensible: don't over train or try to continue with an injury. Listen to your body. If you are injured, take some time off and come back when you are ready.
6. Train regularly: at least three times a week to get the most from the sport.
7. Grade whenever possible: don't miss a grading, prepare yourself properly and be ready for it on time.
8. Compete in tournaments: put your skills to the test against new people. Watch other students and pick up tips.
9. Ask Black Belts to help: in most Dojangs, the black belts are friendly and more than willing to help you, whether you need to go over your form, kicking, or blocks. Just ask nicely, be polite and remember to thank them for their time.
10. Pay your training fees on the day they are due, and make sure your license and club membership are up to date.
11. Do extra exercise outside your Taekwondo classes to build fitness, strength and flexibility
12. Eat sensibly: make sure your diet is high in protein for muscles and carbohydrates for energy (especially on training days).
13. Drink water: before, during and after training. Dehydration can seriously affect your performance.
14. Practice everything you are taught. Go over all the patterns every week to keep them fresh in your mind.
15. Stretch so that you don't damage your muscles