Frequently asked questions
I am not flexible at all! Can I still learn taekwondo?
A. Yes you can. Flexibility is very practical for high kicks but it is not an absolute must. Speed has a big influence as well. You will see that using proper technique and speed, you will reach pretty high, even if you are not the most flexible in your class!
Q. I have already reached the age of xxx. Am I not too old to start taekwondo?
A. You are never too old to start taekwondo, as long as you are physically able to train. We have a student at the moment of 71 years old. Of course, the older you get, the more difficult it will be to win in competition for instance, but taekwondo is much broader than sparring, something which people often tend to forget. The most important aspect of a training is that you feel good about the training and that you make progress on both physical and mental level.
Q. I am not very fit... Will that be a problem?
A. No, start training right away! Taekwondo will help you to become fit in a (relative) short amount of time.
Q. How long does it take to become a black belt?
A. That totally depends on how much you train. Training 2 - 3 times a week you can achieve the black belt level after about 3 and a half to 4 years.
Q. How much does it cost?
A. Training one hour a week £21.00 per month
Training two hours a week £35.00 per month
Pay as you go £5.50 per hour.
{training is also available at our Bishops Stortford club.}
YOUR FIRST 2 LESSONS ARE FREE
If you decide to continue your training you will require insurance/licence the cost of which is £34 a year.
Q. I want to start with Taekwondo. What kind of a club should I be looking for?
A. The first thing you should do is visit a club. Talk with the instructor and observe how he/she is teaching. It is very important that you feel comfortable with your instructor and the way classes are being taught. You must be able to develop trust in your instructor. Do not pay fees that are too high, a good instructor should not be teaching to become rich! Check if the trainings are physically intensive and not too chaotic.
Beginners
As any martial artist will tell you, there are multiple benefits in martial arts training. Of course, the most obvious benefit is a knowledge of self defense which is one of the major reasons why systems were developed in the first place. Knowing how to defend oneself and loved ones in a potentially dangerous situation is an asset in today's world. Many people take up martial arts for the fitness benefits as well. Tae kwon do will improve one's cardiovascular fitness as well as tone the muscular system. Unlike many other forms of physical activity, martial arts also have a mental and sometimes spiritual element which not only improves the mind's focus but also helps in self control. Emotions such as anger and fear are better controlled through training. In today's hectic world, these particular benefits translate into one of the most effective stress management tools available.Training in martial arts usually involves many little steps and progressions. As one advances, the feeling of accomplishment comes with added confidence. This is especially beneficial for children who were not very confident in the first place. An increase in self confidence for kids (as well as adults) will have a cross over effect in other areas of life Other challenges in life, both physical and mental, will be met with much less fear.
An important benefit of martial arts training for parents to note is that children will generally become more disciplined from the unique formalities of martial arts classes. This is one benefit that is often lacking in other sports and activities. Respect is something that all instructors place great importance in during their classes.