Frequently Asked Questions

How long until I can defend myself?

The best defence is awareness. That is, to be keen enough to avoid any type of confrontation. With this in mind you should have already trained yourself to be somewhat aware of your surroundings at all times. However although you can learn many self defence techniques in a relatively short period of time, the key to utilising them comes from your state of mind. Confidence, calmness and clarity are essential elements in successful self protections. To achieve the correct state of mind takes time and practice. For this, a balance of constant training is necessary. By continually training, your technique becomes better and in turn your confidence and ability will rise. Dedicated training provides both the techniques to defend and the state of mind to property execute them. These are the keys to self defence.

What sort of equipment will I need?

As a beginner, the only equipment you will require is a Dobok (uniform) and a White belt. As a Yellow Belt, your second level of training, you will need to invest in sparring equipment. This equipment will include Head, Hand, Shins, Feet, Groin and Forearm/Elbow protection

THIS EQUIPMENT CAN BE PURCHASED THROUGH YOUR INSTRUCTOR.

Aside from obvious safety reasons and injury prevention precautions using safety equipment allows more realistic contact and training. utilising sparring equipment will develop confidence and coordination in your fighting technique.

In addition, you might want to obtain kicking or punching targets (pads) Your school may provide them for use.

Is it Okay to arrive late for class?

Punctuality is an aspect of discipline and a display of respect. These are aspects of Taekwon-Do training You should always plan to arrive 15 minutes before class time, in order to prepare both physically and mentally. This type of behaviour will assist with the development of positive habits.

Once in a while everyone gets held up. if this should happen to you and you arrive late for class you may still participate. Change quickly and enter the Dojang, approach the instructor, bow and then request permission to join the class. As long as it is within ten minutes and you are not habitually late, there will not be a problem. Each instructor has the right to decide whether students may enter their class or not.

How often should I train?

In order to get the maximum benefit from your training all students, regardless of age, should attend lessons twice a week for the entire period of your enrolment. Consistent attendance is required and mandatory for proper rank promotions. there are no limits to the number of lessons you attend but be sure not to over-train. Listen to your body and rest or train accordingly - injuries are not worth the risk.

Do I really have to Yell?

The "Yell" provides a martial artist with energy from within. In this book and in our schools, we call this yell the "Kihap". However in Korea it has a deeper meaning. "Ki" translates as energy, whilst "Hap" means combine. The meaning of the words imply to harmonise your energy through sound.

At first you might feel somewhat self-conscious. however, as you continue your training the Ki Hap will become natural and instinctive. Through practice you will be able to control your breathing and gather the energy required to execute powerful techniques and draw attention in a self defence situation.

The act of bowing

Probably the single greatest cultural shock you will experience as a martial arts student is bowing. Bowing seems to make more students uncomfortable than probably and other single aspect of martial arts training. This is due to the view that the act of bowing is submissive or weak. As a part of your marital arts training bowing actually represents strength.

A bow is a display of respect and gesture of consideration. With this in mind why should we feel uncomfortable? From the respect of yourself will come the respect of others.

Before you can become a martial arts student you must accept that you do not know everything, and that you have a lot to learn from your instructors. The desire to learn is a sign of strength and bowing to your instructors is a display of respect. This respect is returned by the lessons they provide you with. If you do not respect your instructors then you have no reason to train under them.