Training in TaeKwon-Do
Personal Fitness
It is important when initially taking up a physical activity you take a responsible attitude to how hard you work out. It is always much better to start off at an easy pace, then build on it as the weeks go by, rather than try to ‘keep up’ with everyone to start with. If you already participate in sports activities, then you will find that TaeKwon-Do will steadily improve your overall co-ordination, balance and flexibility. If you have any injuries or are have a recent medical history, it is important to visit your GP prior to commencing your training.
Etiquette
Being new to TaeKwon-Do, there are a few things, which might seem strange to you such as the discipline and etiquette that we display. TaeKwon-Do is a military martial art and therefore has more of a regimental manner to it than other martial arts. To this end there are a few simple rules which students must observe to maintain an orderly and effective training session:
- Attention/Bow when entering the Dojang (training hall)
- Pay respect to the Instructor prior to commencement of training
- Pay respects to the Instructor prior to dismissal
- Always address the Instructors and Black Belts as ‘Sir’
As you will see, bowing plays a large part of the etiquette of TaeKwon-Do. The simple act of bowing on entering the Dojang is your commitment to conduct yourself in a proper manner during training. Bowing to a partner both before and after practice is a sign of respect. Addressing Black Belts as ‘Sir’ is a question of mental discipline.
Personal Input
As well as being a practical self-defence, TaeKwon-Do becomes a hobby to most students. Therefore it is important that students enjoy the lessons. As with most things, the more you put into a sports activity, the more you will get out. In TaeKwon-Do, this means the more you train the fitter you will become and the more confidence you will have.
If you find it difficult to train twice a week, practising the techniques in-between lessons will keep them fresh in your mind.
Practice Suits
As you enter the Dojang you will notice the other students wearing the white practice suit (Dobok). The Dobok is the uniform of Taekwon-Do, which is not only extremely practical but, also, helps to make you feel part of the School. The Dobok’s are ordered through the Instructor and take three to four weeks to arrive.
Mental Attitude
Perhaps even more importantly, putting on the Dobok puts you in the correct frame of mind prior to training. A correct mental attitude, which is both positive and receptive, is just as important as the physical technique. If the correct mental attitude is lacking, the physical technique cannot be performed correctly.
Gradings
When the Instructor feels you are ready, he will recommend you take your first grading. These are held every three months and test the student on the physical techniques and the terminology.
Personal Hygiene
As Taekwon-Do is taught in ‘barefoot’, it is very important that personal hygiene is considered before each class. Preferably, the student should take a bath or shower before training. At the very least, feet and hands should be washed. Finger nails and toe nails should be trimmed and jewellery removed, to avoid the risk of injury to other class members.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
