Common Questions & Answers

I’m not very fit. Should I do something to improve my fitness before I join?

These classes are for complete beginners. Most people who join aren’t very fit and many haven’t done any exercise for years. Through Taekwon-Do your fitness will easily improve while you’re learning many valuable skills. Whether you are already fit, or consider yourself a real couch potato, the training is carefully geared towards progressive fitness.

Well, what about flexibility?

Again, this is something that is improved through the classes, using safe, gentle methods. You don’t need to be able to do the splits to be good at Taekwon-Do, but if you want to, we can show you how!

I want to join, but I don’t know what to expect.

We’ve all been in this position when we were beginners. Will I have to do hundreds of press-ups? Will I get shouted at if I do something wrong? Will everyone else be really good? Well, the answer to all of those is NO. All beginners are treated as such, and you won’t be alone. All your instructors want to see is a bit of enthusiasm. You’ll see yourself progress and make friends quickly.

What do I need?

Just some loose clothes, such as jogging bottoms and a T-shirt.

How safe is it?

Your instructors are highly trained in how to instruct effectively and safely. All possible precautions are taken to ensure your safety while you train. Sparring is done wearing safety gear, classes are highly disciplined and all students and instructors are insured through the British Taekwon-Do Council. Your instructors are also trained in First Aid in case any accidents do happen, and for your peace of mind, hold enhanced CRB disclosures.

What sort of people train in Taekwon-Do?

People of all ages, both sexes and all body shapes and sizes come to Taekwon-Do, because its all about getting the best out of YOU, whatever you are like.

So, what’s it all about?

Well, that’s quite hard to answer, because everyone trains for their own reasons. Some to get fit, or for self-defence; others for more confidence or because they want to train for tournaments. Whatever you come for, you’ll find yourself and your children learning extra skills and developing in many ways you didn’t expect.

What sort of training do children do?

All under 14’s train in a separate class and follow a special course which has been developed over many years to bring the best out of children. Complex skills are broken down and taught in ways they understand and enjoy. The emphasis is on safe and disciplined training, with some skills
taught in the form of games and exercises designed to keep their
interest, so they get the most out of Taekwon-Do.

Finally, if there are any questions we haven’t covered here, come and ask anyone who trains, or come along to a class. You’ll be glad you did!

Where can I get more information?

If you want more information then visit the official GTUK Website. There is a dedicated beginners section which has some more questions and answers or you can browse the rest of the main site to find the information you are looking for. The GTUK Beginners pages can be found at www.gt-uk.net/intro.

Training Fees

Due on the first training session of each month:

	Training once a week	Training twice a week
Individual Students	£20	£25
Each additional family member (living in same household)	£15	£20

FIRST MONTH FREE

The first 4 weeks training are free to new members. Students may attend any training session during this period with no charge. This is counted from the first training session attended, and any sessions not used are lost.

Please note that once fees are payable, missed lessons are non-refundable.

Training Licence

To practice Taekwon-Do in this country you must hold a licence and insurance.
The GTUK has secured on a member-to-member basis a personal accident and third party liability insurance for its members.
The annual fee for the GTUK training licence, which includes this insurance is £25.

Under this licence, being a member of the GTUK also entitles you to the following:

To be examined and promoted by an International Instructor
To attend seminars with Master Oldham, 8th Degree, (GTUK President) and various other world Masters and Grand Masters.
To enter GTUK tournaments: The English, team and regional championships, plus University and junior championships for those who qualify under these categories.

Rainbow Grade System for the Under 8’s

The Rainbow Grades are a special grading system for children in the GTUK who are under the age of 8. Their intention is to allow the youngest students to train and grade alongside the rest of the club, while accommodating for the fact that they are likely to struggle with learning at the same pace as older students. This aims to prevent students being disadvantaged by starting Taekwon Do at a very young age.

The system simply adds an additional belt between the full colour belts and the tag belts. Eg. White belt; Double yellow tag; Yellow tag; Yellow belt, and so on…

To be awarded a double tag belt, a student must demonstrate half the required material for a single tag grade. This is the normal progression for a child under 8. If a child demonstrates mastery of sufficient material for a single tag grade, this will be awarded; effectively achieving a “double promotion.”

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask your instructors.

Thinking of Joining?

Simply follow these steps:

1. Print out the GTUK Licence Form and the BTC New Starter Checklist by clicking on the images to the left.

2. Fill in both forms.

3. Bring them along to any training session.

Please feel free to contact us anytime for joining information or any further details.