Ethos
Our instructors are friendly, welcoming and eager to make classes fun, qualities that you'll see for yourself, but we also pride ourselves on our professionalism, high technical standards, and regard to safety. Instructors undergo continued professional development, both in their own technical knowledge and martial art skills, and in their competency as effective instructors.
There is a wealth of experience within our team, none of whom have been promoted, or 'qualified' or given the title of 'instructor' by the club itself. They attend three or four ITF technical training courses per year, some for whole weekends. This prevents complacency and the potential to develop mistakes that may be passed on to students. They also attend regular instructor training courses and safeguarding training days through the BTC and UKTA.
This means that;
There is a wealth of experience within our team, none of whom have been promoted, or 'qualified' or given the title of 'instructor' by the club itself. They attend three or four ITF technical training courses per year, some for whole weekends. This prevents complacency and the potential to develop mistakes that may be passed on to students. They also attend regular instructor training courses and safeguarding training days through the BTC and UKTA.
This means that;
- if you need it to defend yourself, techniques will work and give you the best chance to save yourself
- techniques are taught properly, with attention to detail, not in ways that might put you at risk of lasting injury, such as having incorrectly angled wrists or knees.
- instructors understand and teach you to correctly potentiate muscle groups ahead of dynamic techniques, to prevent injury and to improve performance.
- children are not treated like 'mini adults' and given exercises which could harm their development.
Credentials
Since Wirral UKTA Taekwon-do School began in 1995, we have come a long way, producing martial artists of a high standard. Instructors who have been trained and graded by Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha, and a senior instructor who has trained under General Choi Hong Hi, the Founder of Taekwon-Do, shows a pedigree that ensures our Taekwon-do is authentic.
The UKTA is the original Taekwon-do association in the UK. We are also members of the ITF (International Taekwon-do Federation). There are some groups who claim to teach ITF Taekwon-Do but with no training, qualifications or recognition by the ITF. All our instructors hold genuine ITF qualifications and have been graded externally by ITF Grand Masters, and our senior instructor was awarded 'Instructor of the Year' by Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha.
We are members of the BTC (British Taekwon-do Council) - the only Sport England recognised National Governing Body for non-Olympic Taekwon-do in the UK.
Two instructors and two junior black belts have represented England at World and European level, one becoming ITF World Champion. These are the official ITF World and European Championships for which selection takes place through National squad training, not just association 'Opens' that sometimes call themselves World Championships because they invite people from abroad.
Find out more about the instructors' credentials here.
The UKTA is the original Taekwon-do association in the UK. We are also members of the ITF (International Taekwon-do Federation). There are some groups who claim to teach ITF Taekwon-Do but with no training, qualifications or recognition by the ITF. All our instructors hold genuine ITF qualifications and have been graded externally by ITF Grand Masters, and our senior instructor was awarded 'Instructor of the Year' by Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha.
We are members of the BTC (British Taekwon-do Council) - the only Sport England recognised National Governing Body for non-Olympic Taekwon-do in the UK.
Two instructors and two junior black belts have represented England at World and European level, one becoming ITF World Champion. These are the official ITF World and European Championships for which selection takes place through National squad training, not just association 'Opens' that sometimes call themselves World Championships because they invite people from abroad.
Find out more about the instructors' credentials here.
Management
The school is overseen by and elected management committee, made up of instructors, students, and parents of junior members. Our constitution and policy documents can be found here.
FAQs
At what age can my child start?
Children aged 6+ can join Wirral classes and age 8+ in Liverpool classes. If you want your child to achieve a black belt and have a skill for life, it is important that you don't start them too young. Read the article 'What age should a child start Martial Arts?', for a detailed explanation
Do you have adults only classes, I don't want to train with children?
Yes we do.
Do you have children only classes, I don't want my child training alongside adults who I don't know?
Yes we do
Can my child and I train together?
Yes, parents can train with their child at the family classes, but you will probably want to attend some adult classes too for your own development.
How often can I grade?
There are usually grading opportunities about every six weeks. That doesn't mean individual people will be grading every six weeks by any means, it just means that those who are ready don't have to wait too long. Many coloured belt gradings will be carried out by visiting Grand Masters or Masters, some will be by our own International grading examiner. All Black Belt gradings are carried out by Grand Masters at National events.
How long will it take to become a black belt?
No one can tell you how long it will take you to achieve black belt because everyone is different. 3 years is the absolute minimum.
What is the minimum age to get a black belt in the ITF?
11 years of age. You may hear people boast about how young they or their child was when they achieved black belt, this will not be an ITF black belt and is usually a sign of a self regulating, non-affiliated, poor quality instructor or club.
Can I take part in competitions?
We provide regular competition opportunities. ITF competitions allow you to compete in various skill categories not just sparring. Many of our students have won medals in National Championships. See the competition page for more information. It should be noted that we teach all aspects of the true martial arts and do not compromise integrity for the sake of competitions.
I'm in my 40's and unfit, am I too old to start?
No, many people have achieved black belt having started in their 40's, 50's and beyond, and if you are interested in competition there are veteran categories as well. Beginners aren't expected to have a high level of fitness, this builds up over time. Our members come in all shapes and sizes.
Will you accept my grade from a different association?
If your previous instructor holds ITF qualifications this is not a problem. If not, it may still be possible to keep your grade, however not all non-ITF groups meet the standards so each person will be looked at individually. We don't want you to have to pay to grade again, but your grade will only be recognised when you meet standards. If you have been a black belt or instructor with another association, we will work with you one-to-one in confidence. Please bear in mind that a child can't be a black belt in an official ITF school if they are under 11 years of age.
How much does it cost?
See 'Prices'
Where and when are your classes?
See 'Class timetable'
Why didn't you reply to my email?
We did! Check your spam, if you can't see a reply you can contact us via the messenger button on the home page it's also useful to include a mobile number with your email so that we can text you if we don't hear back from you.
When can I start?
Contact instructor@wirraltaekwondo.com to arrange a free trial (include a mobile number in your message)
Children aged 6+ can join Wirral classes and age 8+ in Liverpool classes. If you want your child to achieve a black belt and have a skill for life, it is important that you don't start them too young. Read the article 'What age should a child start Martial Arts?', for a detailed explanation
Do you have adults only classes, I don't want to train with children?
Yes we do.
Do you have children only classes, I don't want my child training alongside adults who I don't know?
Yes we do
Can my child and I train together?
Yes, parents can train with their child at the family classes, but you will probably want to attend some adult classes too for your own development.
How often can I grade?
There are usually grading opportunities about every six weeks. That doesn't mean individual people will be grading every six weeks by any means, it just means that those who are ready don't have to wait too long. Many coloured belt gradings will be carried out by visiting Grand Masters or Masters, some will be by our own International grading examiner. All Black Belt gradings are carried out by Grand Masters at National events.
How long will it take to become a black belt?
No one can tell you how long it will take you to achieve black belt because everyone is different. 3 years is the absolute minimum.
What is the minimum age to get a black belt in the ITF?
11 years of age. You may hear people boast about how young they or their child was when they achieved black belt, this will not be an ITF black belt and is usually a sign of a self regulating, non-affiliated, poor quality instructor or club.
Can I take part in competitions?
We provide regular competition opportunities. ITF competitions allow you to compete in various skill categories not just sparring. Many of our students have won medals in National Championships. See the competition page for more information. It should be noted that we teach all aspects of the true martial arts and do not compromise integrity for the sake of competitions.
I'm in my 40's and unfit, am I too old to start?
No, many people have achieved black belt having started in their 40's, 50's and beyond, and if you are interested in competition there are veteran categories as well. Beginners aren't expected to have a high level of fitness, this builds up over time. Our members come in all shapes and sizes.
Will you accept my grade from a different association?
If your previous instructor holds ITF qualifications this is not a problem. If not, it may still be possible to keep your grade, however not all non-ITF groups meet the standards so each person will be looked at individually. We don't want you to have to pay to grade again, but your grade will only be recognised when you meet standards. If you have been a black belt or instructor with another association, we will work with you one-to-one in confidence. Please bear in mind that a child can't be a black belt in an official ITF school if they are under 11 years of age.
How much does it cost?
See 'Prices'
Where and when are your classes?
See 'Class timetable'
Why didn't you reply to my email?
We did! Check your spam, if you can't see a reply you can contact us via the messenger button on the home page it's also useful to include a mobile number with your email so that we can text you if we don't hear back from you.
When can I start?
Contact instructor@wirraltaekwondo.com to arrange a free trial (include a mobile number in your message)