Beginners Information
"It may seem difficult at first, but everything is difficult at first." - Miyamoto Musashi
Beginners are always welcome at any of our three clubs (Bradley Stoke, Whitchurch and Southville). We don't expect you to have had any experience of martial arts before. And generally our beginners tend to be unfit too! We soon try to fix that!
Occasionally a club may be very full, or we may have a special event taking place, so it is always advisable to check with us before coming along for your first lesson.
How Often:
Please note that training for both adults and children is based on attending at least two classes per week - although those sessions don't have to be at the same place, you can mix and match, and you can do as many as you like - all six if you like (phew!) it doesn't cost any more to do any more. See our Class Times section for more details on when and where the training sessions are available.
Cost:
You will be pleased to hear that we offer your first month's training completely FREE! This can be especially useful for parents where children aren't sure whether they will like TaeKwon-Do, and adults who aren't sure what they're letting themselves in for either!
Once you've done your first month, training costs £35 per month by standing order or there is a £5 extra charge for those paying by cash or cheque. For families, the second person training costs £35, the third £15, fourth £10 and the fifth is FREE! There is no once-a-week or by the lesson rate.
There are other costs as you go along - once you're ready for your first grading you'll need one of our training suits (doboks) these cost £33 - £36 depending on size. To take part in sparring you'll need a set of our sparring gear - the pricing varies, ask us for a price list.
Gradings:
In order to progress through our coloured belt system (there are ten belts before black belt) you will need to take gradings. These exams are available every three months in Bristol and cost £26 each time. It takes a minimum of three and a half years to achieve your black belt.
Who are the TAGB?
Myself, my clubs and students are members of the TaeKwon-Do Association of Great Britain (TAGB), one of the largest martial arts associations in Europe, with over 25,000 members in over 400 clubs nationwide. Every club within the TAGB practices the same syllabus of TaeKwon-Do, which means that should you ever move within the UK, you will be able to find another TAGB club nearby and continue training in the same way. It also means that we have a large competition scene with four national and several local tournaments available each year. Membership of the TAGB costs £36 per annum, and covers you for insurance purposes. Once you have been with us for a couple of weeks you will need to join - ask us for a form!
Fit Enough?
As with starting any physical activity, if you are at all unsure that you are fit enough, it is wise to check with your doctor before taking up TaeKwon-Do. Ours is a very physical art which can put great demands on your body - but can also get you fitter, stronger, healthier and happier! We don't expect you to be fit when you start - we soon try to fix that! For more information on how TaeKwon-Do can help your fitness, check out our Fitness section.
Ready to start?
Just come along in loose comfortable clothing such as jogging bottoms and a t-shirt, please remove any jewellery (put a plaster over any piercings which cannot be removed) and bring a drink of water! You won't be thrown in at the deep end; you will have small group instruction along with any other beginners with an instructor to one side of the main class. The instructor will take you through the basics for the first few weeks until you are ready to join in with the main class.
Please browse the sub-menu to find out more about TaeKwon-Do and what you can expect from our classes. If you have any more questions, please see our FAQ's section, or contact us.
We look forward to meeting you!
