FAQS
Do I need to be fit to start training?
We often hear concerns such as “I have no coordination, I am not flexible enough, I am not fit enough”, but remember, you train to get fit. You don’t need to get fit to train. Everyone works at their own level at Sefton Tae Kwon Do – go as hard or easy as you want. We start every class with a specific warm up so you will be ready for the training that follows. Training in Tae Kwon Do will provide you with improved flexibility, coordination, balance, muscle strength and muscle tone, not to mention fat loss. You will notice an improvement with each class.
Do all students need a licence and insurance?
All students need a licence and Insurance. This in an annual membership to Sefton Taekwondo, the TAGB (Tae Kwon Do Association of Great Britain) and the insurance. The TAGB is the governing body for my schools. The TAGB is the largest martial arts association in Europe and is supported by UK sport and the British Tae Kwon Do council. It is a requirement from the governing body that all members have a TAGB licence, which is currently £42.00 per year.
What Competitions are available and when can I compete?
The TAGB hold several competitions each year. Various Regional Competitions and 4 Open National Competitions (English, Scottish, Welsh and British Championships)
They also have International events like European and World Championships. These are some of the biggest martial arts competitions in the World.
You can compete when you have a valid TAGB Licence and Membership, have all the correct sparring equipment and hold the minimum rank of 9th Kup (white belt yellow stripe)
What should I wear to training?
For your introductory lessons wear loose fitting athletic clothing that is suitable for training eg shorts or track pants and a t-shirt. Please also bring a drink. Once you sign up to become a member you will receive a uniform (dobok) in your starter pack. You can purchase additional items of training wear for your lessons from your instructor. Please note that you can only wear a TAGB approved uniform (dobok) for gradings. Your uniform should always be clean, ironed and worn with your belt.
Do I need to bow?
The bow is perhaps one of the most misunderstood traditions in martial arts. The bow is done to show humility and is used to express a lack of arrogance. In addition, it serves as a sign of mutual respect between teachers and students and between practitioners and opponents. You should bow when you enter a training area – think of this as clearing your mind of daily problems and events, so that you are concentrating on the training ahead. Just as you bow when you enter the training area, you should bow when you leave. This signifies that your training in the class has finished. At our academy all Tae Kwon Do classes are started by bowing towards the instructor to show our respect and gratitude for their teaching. Bowing should be done between two partners prior and immediately after training together. Bowing before working with your partner shows that you are alert and ready. The bow after shows gratitude to the other person for helping us to improve our skills and for the care they have taken to avoid injuring us during training.
Do I need sparring equipment and what equipment do I need?
Sparring equipment can be purchased at any point in your training, but it must be TAGB recognised equipment with the TAGB logo on it. No other equipment is allowed to be used, this is the only equipment recognised by our insurer and governing body.
All students will need sparring equipment when they are promoted to Green Belt Blue Stripe.
The equipment needed:- Headguard, Gloves, Foot Pads, Shin Guards, Gum Shield and Groin Guard(Boys & Men)