Frequently Asked Questions
What will I get out of the training ?
Like anything you will get out of training what effort you put into it. Some of our students simply come to get fit, perhaps loose weight, and improve their overall flexibility through our cardio aerobic and stretching excercises, with progressing up the grades not being a priority of theirs. Other students come to learn self defense, and some make it their further goal to achieve their 1st Dan Black Belt and beyond.
As our instructors have many years experience, being skilled in both Taekwondo and multiple other martial arts, we are able as far as possible to taylor our training classes to suit each students aspirations and abilities.
Do I need to have had past experience in taekwondo or martial arts?
Definitely not. We welcome all grades and abilities, and especially love introducing new people to taekwondo.
What age groups can train ?
Any age male and female from 7 years and upwards, with no upper age limits. Knowledge and experience only comes with time, and as a result it is not possible to achieve the higher Dan Black Belt grades without being of a certain age. Our Grand Masters, the most knowledgable of Taekwondo, are very mature in their years.
An 18 year old student may, but not necessarily, have more stamina or strength than a 90 year old student. Therefore the training techniques are taylored and practised accordingly to a students individual abilities.
Are the instructors insured ?
Yes, all of our instructors carry indemnity insurance for at least £2 million.
Do I have to have insurance ?
Yes which our instructors will arrange for you. However, you may attend the first lesson without insurance to see if the training is for you, although you will not be allowed to perform or take part in certain of the excercises and/or sparring.
Do I need to have a uniform?
Not for your first few sessions. After a while at the club the time will come for your first grading. If you wish to grade then you must buy a uniform, which is made up of a white suit and belt. Please ask an instructor at any of the training sessions to find out information about buying a uniform.
What should I wear if I don't have a uniform for my first few lessons or if I don't want to grade ?
It’s best to wear loose clothing that will not restrict any movement. Also clothing should not have zips or any other sharp materials. This is for the safety of you and others. Ideally they should be white, but basically whatever is comfortable for you to train in.
Taekwondo is obviously a physical sport, and as such your clothing should be clean on at the start of the training session and you should ensure that you have good levels of personal hygiene, since you will be training in close proximity to other students. You should also ensure that finger and toe nails are appropriately clipped so as to prevent injury to other students during the course of the training sessions.
How much will it all cost me?
The first session is completely free. After that you need to pay an annual insurance fee, and an individual lesson fee of £3-80.
Please note that if you wish to grade there is a charge of £20 per student to grade.
Do I have to fight full contact?
No. You will only spar full contact at designated and pre-arranged competitions and then only if you want to and our instructors think that you are capable. In class we spar semi contact which means very light touch contact, this is to keep the training realistic, yet still keeping it safe. There should be no contact to the head in training. If you do wish to fight in competitions with fighting being full contact, you will be wearing body armor, a head guard, a gum shield and other arm and leg protective equipment.
Do I have to train every week?
The more you train the more you will learn and improve in all areas. A student wanting to grade is expected to come to as many training sessions as possible, to learn new and to perfect their existing techniques required for the gradings. If the instructors feel that the student has not attended enough sessions over a term they may not be considered suitable for grading at that time. Our instructors are mindfull however, that being able to attend every training session is near impossible because of personal commitments.
How often can I grade?
Gradings are held every 3-4 months approximately. This is obviously dependent on your ability and your instructor’s confidence to put you forward for the grade. Also there is a set amount of hours you must attend before taking a grading. This amount of time increases the higher the grade.
How will I know about events?
Please check the website regularly to answer any questions you may have as this will be the best way of getting up-to-date information about the club and reminding yourself of upcoming events. Instructors will also keep you informed of such events through regular announcements in class.
Am I allowed to wear my jewellery when training?
We ask that all jewelry is removed before class. If you are unable to remove any jewelry for any reason you will only be allowed to train with the instructors permission. In certain cases you may be prevented from training for your own safety and that of others.
Will Taekwondo improve my physical fitness?
At its highest level, Taekwondo is a demanding martial art which can dramatically improve your fitness. At the beginning the instructors will start your training at a moderate level and will slowly build the intensity of training over the year as your fitness improves. To perform to your best ability in gradings and competitions however you may want to consider extra fitness training outside of class.
Does it matter if I practise a different martial arts style?
Students of all styles of martial arts are welcome to join and train with our club with the understanding that we teach WTF Taekwondo (the 'Olympic' style). With that in mind, whilst our instructors are very open minded to learning new techniques at the appropriate time from whatever source or person, and have in any event trained in multiple martial arts styles themselves, all students will be expected to practise the exact styles and techniques being taught in the class, and will be expected to demonstrate these exact techniques if entering for gradings.
Is it beneficial to cross train in different martial arts?
This is debatable as some masters/instructors from some clubs are advocates of learning in all forms, and some believe that one can only truly master something by giving it their full attention.
At our club we are advocates of you taking up more than one martial art if you do have the extra time and motivation. It widens your capability and makes you a better rounded marital artist, but at the same time it may become confusing for you when abiding by different rules and techniques in competition and training. Of course, there are only so many hours in the day, and we are keen for our members to train to their full potential.