On the Mat
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Hapkido: On The Mat
In this chapter we'll present a general overview of what you'll experience during a visit to a dojang. Each has its own norms and traditions, but all share common ground.
Before the mat
Upon entering the dojang you'll pass over a demarcation, virtual or structural, between the outside world and the inner space of the martial world. This line is usually where one can first glimpse the display of national flags (which, in Hapkido, is generally your nation's flag alongside the Korean flag (and optionally the flag or banner of the federation to which the dojang belongs)). At this line, whether entering or leaving, you'll be expected to do a short bow in the direction of the flags. This bow isn't the religious bow of prayer, but a bow of respect for the teachers and traditions, a bow of thanks for the opportunity to train and share.
Once inside, you'll head to the locker rooms to change from daily wear into the gi, the loose-fitting uniform worn when training in the martial arts. (It may be acceptable for small children to wear their gi to and from the dojang, but generally unacceptable for adults. Some schools hold that, as a matter of respect, the gi should only be worn at the dojang.)
The gi comes in a variety of colors and styles. There are minor variations for each branch of the martial arts, generally of little real consequence. Local custom will dictate an appropriate choice of style and color, so it's worth visiting the dojang before investing in a gi. Most schools will sell an acceptable gi. In general, wait until you've reached a level of training where you need equipment; you'll be given guidance on what's appropriate to the task. (There's little more discouraging than spending hard-earned money on a gi or three, training weapons, sparring protection, and some ninja throwing stars, only to find out that everything is the wrong color, style, or won't be used for several years.) Each dojang will also have local customs for nametapes (or the use of permanent markers, affiliation patches, and the like.
Most gi are delivered in a form to fit all sizes and shapes of students. Properly hemming the gi is a great favor to yourself and to your fellow students. The pants cuff should hang somewhere between the ankle and the top of the foot, never dragging on the floor. The wrists should end mid-forearm, making it easy for partners to hold the wrist. Watching, during the first few classes, how others wear theirs will show you the local norms.
The beginning student will usually go barefoot around the dojang. Some schools allow students to wear sparring shoes, often starting at an orange or green belt level.
On the Mat
Once dressed, when it's time for your class, you'll head to the mat. This is a rectangular area of cushioned material (to make training and falling less jarring).
Depending upon the amount of time you have before the start of class, it may be appropriate to sit in a line facing the flags, or before that, to stretch your muscles. Each dojang
After the Mat
randori