Entering the Taekwondo school (dojang) can be somewhat mystifying to the uninvolved. Arguably you are entering a set of unwritten, seemingly arbitrary rules that seems to favor the established vs the novice. This is true and false with strengths and weaknesses. Terms like “master”, “instructor”, “grand master” even “Mr./Mrs./Miss./Ms.” seem too formal and restrictive for our modern society. How can we appreciate it?

Like the western society of old, informal hierarchical relationships still thrive in the Taekwondo community. As the western “apprentice” of old would bond, learn, and respect his master craftsman. The master craftsman brought a special set of skills as a member of the trade guild (a group of like-minded craftsmen that sought to preserve and improve the craft.) A similar relationship resides in the Taekwondo community. Within the dojang, the master/grand master holds the title (and responsibility) to preserve and improve Taekwondo (technically and societally.) They are charged with the current generation of Taekwondo students and future Taekwondo leaders while still honoring their seniors. They invigorate the development of Taekwondo through teaching students self-esteem/respect for others, ability of self-defense and a heightened mental awareness along with physical balance.

The “sabum” (Korean term described as master) is essentially the one who surrounds the student with the classic techniques and shows the student through example. Rather than only a position of authority, it should be embraced as a position of deep responsibility. There is profound value in the senior-junior relationship. From the first day the student begins their training, they begin developing relationships with others that have trained before and nurturing others that follow. Taekwondo practitioners should both appreciate the knowledge, experience and skills of their “seniors” and support, encourage and assist their “juniors”. No good translation for the term “my senior” or “my junior” makes it seems awkward as a general concept or an introduction to others you may meet. However, this relationship should be endearing.

An appreciative relationship extends outside the dojang into life. When you greet your high school classmate, you may relate by graduation year/class. So too, you may often enjoy a special bond because of your senior-junior Taekwondo relationship.

The senior is tasked with assisting the junior to succeed and capture the Taekwondo vision both inside and outside the dojang. Likewise, the junior shows respect to the senior. The senior guards against unfair abuses that must not develop. They look to being an example and provide support where appropriate to the junior.

How do you show respect of the senior-junior relationship? In the dojang, you provide deference to your seniors and juniors. Outside of the dojang, a polite greeting, thoughtful bow, or handshake, shows kinship through your actions that helps to demonstrate the nature of Taekwondo relationships. Whether interacting with a Taekwondo practitioner (your school or others) or a non-Taekwondo person, appreciate your relationship in context with the senior-junior relationship. Always respect and treat others as you wish to be treated.