Adult Beginners
As an adult, beginning a new activity or joining a new club can be daunting. When adults contact us they often have reservations, the information below aims to address some of those reservations.
Never tried a martial art before?
Will I stand out?
No, you are not unusual starting as an adult. Many people start as adults in Wirral and at schools all over the country, they usually say it's the best decision they ever made. It may have been a while since you were in a class situation, but don't worry, it's a great feeling to get learning again. Age At Wirral UKTA we have had new adult starters from 18 year olds to early 60's. Fitness We don't know what to expect from you when you arrive, but we treat everyone as an individual. During initial warm ups you will not be expected to have, a high level of fitness. However, if you are already fairly fit and want to be pushed, let us know. Flexibility Beginners often worry about flexibility but we don't expect beginners to be very flexible. Whatever your level or age, it will improve. Sparring You won't spar at first. You will have plenty of opportunities to watch more experienced members sparring before you do any yourself. What can you expect during the first few lessons? There is a lot to Taekwon-do and we vary activities from lesson to lesson. What happens in your first lesson probably won't be the same as what happens in your second or third. Over the first few weeks, you will spend time with various partners, kicking, punching, and striking targets such as focus pads. You will practice pattern moves individually or in a small group with an instructor. You will also work as part of a whole class practicing fundamental movements, but as a beginner you will be at the back, so you need not feel self conscious. Progress Adults make faster progress than kids. They tend to be more committed. If you put in the time, you won't be a beginner for long. Fear of failure or making a show of yourself? You only fail if you don't begin. People of all levels spend some lesson time trying to perfect new techniques. No-one stands out. Competing Not everyone is interested in competitions, but if you are, you can compete from yellow belt (2 grades from beginner). At competitions you will meet other adult coloured belts. There are divisions for ages 18 to 35, over 35 and over 40 or 45. Here you will appreciate just how many people start at all ages of adulthood. |
Previous Taekwon-do or other martial arts experience?
I have forgotten everything
You may feel you have forgotten techniques, or that you have lost your fitness or flexibility. We find things come back quite quickly, however if they don't, it doesn't matter, you can learn it again, you will enjoy it again. There will be expectations of me Over the years if we've learned one thing it's not to expect anything of anyone! Whether you previously achieved 4th dan, or if you did a few months training 20 years ago, it doesn't matter. We will start from the beginning, if you remember lots we will move up in minutes or hours. If you remember less we will work slower. If you remember nothing it doesn't matter, you will be like any other beginner. Some people prefer not to wear their old belt (particularly a black belt) until they have refreshed their skills. This is OK, you can wear pants and t. shirt initially, and we can discuss the best way forward. I want / don't want to keep my grade Some people who have previously achieved a Taekwon-do grade say they want to start again at white belt and that is OK if that's what suits you. You will probably move up the grades far quicker than the average beginner. Other people are keen to keep the grade they've worked for elsewhere and most of the time this is fine. However, those coming from unrecognised associations will be considered on an individual basis. If this is of concern to you please ask and we can discuss it in more detail. My style might have been different Within TKD there are some variations amongst organisations, we would expect you to learn to do things the way we do in the ITF if you join our school. However, this is not a reason not to accept your grade, and we find that people can make small changes fairly quickly. We have several members who have done other martial arts (Karate, jiu Jitsu, Kung Fu, Judo, MMA) or have done Taekwon-do elsewhere. I don't want to be treated as a beginner, I want to show what I can do. That's great, you will be taught from the level you are at. See Child beginner information here Come and Try or watch a class
Get in touch if you would like to arrange a trial with no obligation or if you'd like to watch a class. Come and give it a go, what have you got to lose?
[email protected] (please include a mobile number in your email) |