Uniform Etiquette

I recently realized that we don’t often talk about why we wear uniforms or the etiquette surrounding care of and wearing our doboks.

On the mats, all the status we may have out in the world falls away, we’re all the same except our rank. This is why we all wear the same uniform except for the trim that represents our current rank. There are no labels our outside titles on the mats, we’re all the same and only distinguished by the rank we’ve earned through hard work and dedication.

Because our uniforms are symbols of that hard work and dedication, they should be worn and cared for with pride. That includes:

• Making sure our uniforms are clean and tidy. I iron mine but don’t expect everyone to do that. As long as your uniform is neat and mostly wrinkle free it’s okay.
• Belts are a must. Sometimes a younger student will forget their belt but older students and students who are higher rank (Think green belt and higher.) Forgetting your belt is a problem and should only happen once.
• Female bodies should wear a tank, t-shirt or sports bra under their uniform. This is true for all ages.
• If you wear a t-shirt under your uniform, it should be a plain white or gray shirt or a color that matches your belt/rank.
• Uniforms should be tied on the inside left hip first and then on the right side. This means the side with the ATA patch is on “top”.
• If you are dressing at the dojang, please do not come onto the mats partially dressed. You may put your belt on while on the mats, but your uniform must be in place before stepping onto the floor.
• Your full uniform should not be worn outside the dojang. I know we all run errands before and after class. Please plan on at least wearing a t-shirt or a different top. Your belt should not be worn in public unless we are at a demo.
• Jewelry should NOT be worn on the floor. The exceptions are wedding rings and fitness watches. All other jewelry both denotes status and is frankly dangerous. You also run the risk of the jewelry breaking or being damaged in class.