Wirral Taekwon-do School FAQs

What is Taekwon-Do?

Taekwon-do is a modern Korean martial art, it was first taught to the Korean military in the 1950's as part of the physical training syllabus. Taekwon-do was new, unique and different from all other martial arts at the time, although it should be acknowledged that it drew inspiration from other martial arts in the far east, in particular TaeKyon and Karate.

Translated from the Korean:

* Tae = 'to break or smash with the foot'
* Kwon = 'to break or smash with the hand'
* Do = 'art method or way'

Or more simply 'foot hand art'

Taekwon-do is best described as a form of unarmed combat designed to be effective against one or more opponents. One unique feature of Taekwon-do is that the movements have been developed with scientific principles in mind such that they utilise as much of the effective mass or "weight" of the human body as possible. By combining this maximum weight with maximum speed, the power generated in a single technique can be significantly increased. In practice this means that learning Taekwon-do gives people the ability to punch well above their weight. it must be remembered that there is a threshold at which the human body, regardless of physical size cannot sustain a blow. For this reason it has often been said that people who benefit most from Taekwon-do are the small or the weak.

An Introduction to Taekwon-Do Training

Starting a martial art can feel like a big step, you may be feeling nervous when attending your first few classes. This is only natural as you start something new and face new challenges. As instructors we are here to help you face these challenges and help you develop your skills. Our instructors have a range of styles and experience to bring out the best in you. The most senior instructors have been training in Taekwon-Do since 1986, whilst the youngest assistant instructor began in 2001. All our instructors have genuine ITF qualifications and have graded under the World Number One Grandmaster, Grandmaster Rhee Ki Ha himself.

We welcome beginners to all our classes, feel free to come along and see what our classes involve or better still, join in for a trial lesson at a nominal charge to cover insurance. Children must be accompanied by parents until they have joined.

Classes begin with a warm up and stretch to prevent injury, then as a beginner, for the first few lessons, you would normally be one-to-one with a designated instructor, learning co-ordination exercises, blocking and striking techniques, and sequences which develop your memory skills and aim to get the body and the mind work as one. Exercises are practiced on the right hand and left side of the body equally, to optimise a balanced level of fitness and flexibility.

Once you have begun to develop these skills you will integrate into the class and work with other students on kicking techniques and partner work, involving things such as set attack and defensive combinations and semi-free sparring to help develop distancing, focus and reaction time.

As lessons progress, your techniques will develop greater accuracy, control and speed. Your fitness and flexibility will improve more than you could have imagined when you first started.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if Taekwon-Do is the right Martial Art for me?

You don’t know until you try, we offer a trial lesson with no obligation for a nominal charge to cover insurance.

I’m not very fit/flexible so how will I manage?

Taekwon-Do training builds over time, so as your ability improves so do the challenges set, everyone was a beginner once and many people start from a low level of fitness and flexibility.

What should I wear?

Loose clothing to begin with, such as track suit bottoms and T-shirt. Once you have decided to join you will need a UKTA dobok (training Suit).

How often should I train?

It’s up to you, but it is recommended that you train at least twice a week to see the benefits quite quickly. Our school hold 3 children’s lessons per week and 4 adults’ lessons. As a member of the UKTA there are also other lessons around the North West that you can attend if you want to get extra training in on different days. Some people can only manage once a week which is fine but you need to realise that your progress will be slower unless you put in a lot of practice at home.

What are the risks?

Any sport or Martial Art has some risks, but our instructors are highly experienced and so Taekwon-do is a low risk activity, if in any doubt, come and see for yourself. Instructors are CRB checked and are first aid qualified, we also have professional indemnity and public liability insurance.

Do I have to sign a contract payment scheme?

No, there is no contract. Fees can be paid monthly by cheque or direct debit, or you can pay per session. You will be given full details when you come.

Is there a joining fee?

There is an annual membership fee to join the UKTA and get a licence with insurance. This is £25 for the year.

What ages do you teach?

Children aged 6 and over can join. Sometimes parents ask if younger children can join and we have let one or two in the past with some success however, these children have all had parents who are also members and can help them practice at home between lessons. If you would like a younger child considered this would be done on an individual basis.

When can I grade?

There is an Area coloured belt grading every 3 months conducted by a 7th or 8th Dan Master, for any students needing to grade between these times there are smaller gradings arranged.

When can I start?

New students are welcome at any of the venues – just turn up and speak to the instructor at the start of the lesson, or if you prefer phone or email first. (For adults planning on coming to a Friday session to start with, it is best to phone first)

Can I train with my child?

Yes, parents can also train at any of the children’s lessons but you will need to attend some of the adult sessions as well for your own development, as adults will not be allowed to spar, for example, at the children’s class. Sunday mornings are mixed for the first hour then adults continue for another half hour. Children can sit and wait for parents.

What is the UKTA?

The UKTA is the original Taekwon-Do Association in the UK. It was founded in 1967 by Grandmaster Rhee Ki Ha, when he brought Taekwon-Do to the UK from Korea. Many splinter groups have broken away from the UKTA over the years, for example the TAGB, from which other groups later splintered.

The UKTA has a constitution and is administered by an elected committee. The technical side of the Association is managed by the Masters Council consisting of four 8th Dan Masters and three 7th Dan Masters some of whom have been training since the 1960’s and, of course, Grandmaster Rhee, the founder of European Taekwon-Do. The UKTA also has three other 7th Dan Masters who, along with Masters from the council, conduct seminars and gradings and assist Grandmaster Rhee at his seminars. As a result of this our standards cannot be surpassed.