Taekwondo practice, although conducted in the form of sparring between two parties, is not just about the intensity of the combat. Both participants aim to improve their skills and temper their willpower. Therefore, deep within each participant, there must be a mindset of respect and learning towards the opponent. This is why it's essential to bow to one another both before and after practice or competition, embodying the martial spirit that Taekwondo always advocates: "begin with courtesy, end with courtesy." Since Taekwondo is a comprehensive cultivation of both spirit and body, allowing practitioners to develop an ideal character and physique while truly mastering self-defense skills through arduous training, the education and cultivation of "courtesy" must be included as part of the spiritual exercise. "Courtesy" is an indispensable and crucial component of Taekwondo.
### Etiquette During Practice
1. When entering the training area, practitioners should first bow to the instructor.
2. Before starting practice, both parties should bow to each other, and bow again after the practice session concludes.
### Pre-Competition Etiquette
1. Upon the head referee’s commands “Attention” and “Salute,” athletes stand at attention and perform a standard bow toward the judging panel. The standard bow involves naturally inclining the waist forward by 15 degrees and lowering the head by 45 degrees, with fists held tightly against the sides of the legs.
2. Following the head referee’s command “Turn left and right,” athletes turn inward to face each other, stand at attention, and upon the command “Salute,” bow to each other.
### Post-Competition Etiquette
1. At the conclusion of the match, athletes remain in their respective positions facing each other.
2. Upon the head referee’s commands “Attention” and “Salute,” athletes bow to each other.
3. Following the head referee’s commands “Turn left and right” and “Salute,” athletes turn toward the supervisor and perform the standard bow.
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**Sequence Article 2:**
Taekwondo Courtesy Norms