South Midlands TKD

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tae Kwon Do?
What is the T.A.G.B.?
Am I too old to start?
How old must my children be before they can start Tae Kwon Do?
Do I have to be fit before I join?
Do I have to be flexible?
Do I have to have a special uniform?
Who will be in my class?
Are children and adults taught together?
Will I be able to defend myself?
Do I have to grade (take belts)?
Can I achieve my black belt?
Do I have to enter competitions?
Does Tae Kwon-do cater for people with disabilities?

The TAGB was formed in 1983 and has since become the founding member of the British Tae Kwon Do Council (BTC) which is recognised by the UK Sports Council. The TAGB were also a founder member of Tae Kwon Do International the world wide organisation for Tae Kwon Do.
In 2003 The TAGB launched the `TAGB TIGERS' a children's program aimed at making martial arts fun for children aged 5 to 12 emphasis on exercise and fitness rather than sparring it also is in line with the current the PE curriculum.
It also publishes a bi-monthly, glossy, subscription magazine called TAGB Times which carries club news, contact addresses, modern training techniques and events. Membership to the TAGB has other benefits too discounts off Thompson Cook holidays and top UK attractions e.g. Alton towers, Thorpe Park, MadameTussards etc
Instructors of the T.A.G.B. (Tae Kwon-Do Association of Great Britain); who after several years of training undergo both written examinations and extensive practical assessments to gain their qualifications they have also completed child protection courses and have been checked by the criminal records bureau.

If you are interested in starting training you can attend the first lesson for free.
There is a special rate for families of two or more training please ask for details. Training fees are due the first lesson in the month. You will be required to fill in a membership/licence application form before you start the first lesson, membership is free but the cost of the licence is £29.00 per year and must be paid no later than twenty-eight days from the start of training. The uniform that is to be worn during training must be purchased before the first grading (six months from start of training) and must have the TAGB logos.
The uniform is made from polycotton and will last for several years we have a couple students who've had theirs for seven years.
Time between grading is three months up to blue belt (approx one and a half years) then six months for the remaining four to reach black belt, minimum time to reach black belt is three and a half years. From Green belt it is advised to attend minimum of two lessons per week otherwise you may find it difficult to sufficiently learn and practice the syllabus in the minimum times between gradings
Approved safety equipment is required for sparring this can be purchased all at once or over a period of time. From time to time there are special offers relating to the purchase of safety equipment.
Also available are instructional books and videos to aid training, I find the books are mainly used by parents to help their children practice at home and are reasonably priced.
There are four grading's through the year with the exception of the black belt grading. The grading examiner will be a seventh Dan TAGB black belt ensuring a true independent evaluation of your progress, skill and proficiency.
The TAGB host four national championships a year with additional area championships. Through Tae kwon do International club members are invited to attend open Tae Kwon Do championships, in several countries throughout the world, however the World championships are a black belt only event. You are also able to attend squad training where you will be sparring international fighters from time to time. There are also seminars on specific themes i.e. patterns, sparring & self-defence with nationally recognised guest instructors. Information for the above events when, where and price will be displayed in the club and announced at the start of each training session when details become available.

July 15, 2007 Posted by Paul | Tags: Information, TAGB | FAQ

Answers

What is Tae Kwon Do?
Tae Kwon Do is the Korean art of self-defence and means "The Art of Hand and Foot Fighting". Tae Kwon Do indicates the technique of unarmed combat for self-defence, involving skilled application of punches, kicks, blocks, dodges and restraints. Most of all Tae Kwon Do is about self-imposed discipline, fitness and inner peace. Its origins go back 3,000 years ago. This provides its practitioners with a link to a tradition and philosophy which is truly historic. The art itself however has evolved with time to reflect the needs and aspirations of the modern martial artist.

What is the T.A.G.B.?
The Tae Kwon Do Association of Great Britain is the largest martial arts association in Europe. With 20,000 members in over 450 clubs nationwide we provide you with high-quality tuition, regularly run national competitions, seminars, training camps, added benefits high-profile events, as well as a fun, safe way to get fit and meet people who are as relaxed, dedicated and interesting as you.

Am I too old to start?
NO! We have people training in our clubs between the ages of 5 and 80. We believe you bring in Tae Kwon Do your own self-imposed limits and we'll do our best to help you expand them. Age is just a number.

How old must my children be before they can start Tae Kwon Do?
Depending on the club and the classes it runs children as young as three and half years old may start Tae Kwon Do. Our instructors are trained in creating a teaching syllabus which is specifically aimed at young children and is not just a truncated version of an adult one. As such, young children will receive the best possible tuition which will help their fitness, motor-coordination skills and mental discipline.

Do I have to be fit before I join?
No. Tae Kwon Do will help improve your level of fitness.

Do I have to be flexible?
No. Tae Kwon Do will help improve your level of flexibility.

Do I have to have a special uniform?
Initially loose fitting clothing such as a tracksuit and T-shirt would be fine. We do ask however that if they wish to grade all our members wear a regulation TAGB white suit (called a Dobok) and the belt indicating their level of skill.

Who will be in my class?
Most instructors will have a dedicated class of people who are new to Tae Kwon Do. If this is not the case you will still be taught within a group of people whose skill and experience of martial arts will reflect your own. Any exceptions to this will be due to availability in the hire of premises and in this case our instructors will do their best to provide you with tuition suitable to your level of Tae Kwon Do.

Are children and adults taught together?
Usually classes are split into juniors and seniors. The communication and physical skills of children are different to those of adults and our training curricula reflect this. Any exceptions to this will be due to availability in the hire of the premises and time slots available. Your instructor will still run a different curriculum for children and adults even within the same class. To check the particular arrangements in effect please check with your instructor.

Will I be able to defend myself?
Yes! the skills you will learn will enable you to react to different attack situations using either blocks, restraints, punches or kicks that you have been taught in class

Do I have to grade (take belts)?
No! It is purely optional. A belt is a visual sign of how good an individual is! All new beginners are given a FREE white belt indicating the first level of Tae Kwon Do. We'd like to think that the challenge of learning a dynamic, thoroughly modern martial art will inspire you to set goals for yourself. The belts you gain in our grading system could be part of this goal-setting. We know, however, that there are as many reasons for doing Tae Kwon Do as there are Tae Kwon Do practitioners in our clubs. If you are quite happy not to grade we will still be happy to have you as a member.

Can I achieve a black belt?
Yes! A black belt is an indication of sound knowledge and technical competence in Tae Kwon Do. That means you can achieve one irrespective of your age and physical ability. Starting with the white belt which is given to you at the beginners class there are ten steps to black belt. Each step has a discreet, manageable level of technical expertise and knowledge to learn. To get to black belt it will take approximately just over three years. The process is especially designed to enable you to become mentally and physically competent at Tae Kwon

Do I have to enter competitions?
Entering competitions is purely optional. The competitions are held regionally, nationally and internationally and are split into men, women, cadet male, cadet female, boys and girls, in your own belt divisions and then into weights for adults and cadets, and heights for children. The TAGB has the most professionally run Tae Kwon Do tournaments in Europe. This allows you to gain valuable experience, meet like-minded individuals from all over the country and generally have some fun while indulging the competitive element in you. There is never any pressure however to enter a competition.

Does Tae Kwon-do cater for people with disabilities?
Yes! Tae Kwon Do is the great equaliser. We pride ourselves on seeking a person's worth not the particulars of their circumstances. This is why our instructors will strive to make Tae Kwon Do fit your abilities. The TAGB has black belt students and instructors who have disabilities, i.e. they are amputees, or have hearing or sight impediments. We take the view that Tae Kwon Do is the key that helps you unlock your own potential. This is the same for everyone however able-bodied they may be.