FAQs
What is TaeKwon-Do?
A Korean Military Martial Art announced to the world on April 11th 1955. Developed as a means of unarmed combat for soldiers of the Korean Army, TaeKwon-Do (or “TKD” for short) found fame during the prolific Martial Arts Popularity Era, exemplified by Bruce Lee, of the early 1970’s. TaeKwon-Do now features in the Olympic Games and is growing, in relative terms, in fame and popularity all over the World. TaeKwon-Do differs because of it’s Modern, Scientific Approach to Training. Applied BioMechanics, Physiology and Neurological conditioning are all used to some degrees in how we train. In many ways, TaeKwon-Do is the 21st Century Martial Art.
Why Learn a Martial Art?
In today’s world, crime is becoming more apparent and significantly more dangerous to the individual. With increasing personal prosperity, people now own greater material possessions but with a widening social inequity between those who have and those who have not. The combination of these two factors means that the individual is now under a greater potential threat of real physical harm. By learning to defend yourself, you remove a sizeable part of the fear that everyday people often experience. Martial Arts do not make you invincible or a Superman, but they develop your senses and perceptions, sharpening natural human instincts.
Is it Dangerous?
Yes and No. Physical exercise carries with it a potential risk to those participating. Perform exercises irresponsibly, carelessly or with little skill and you may injure other people training with you. Beginners are often the most ‘dangerous’ people in the Training Hall for this reason. Injuries are few but often result from mental distraction and loss of concentration. The vast majority of individuals train without sustaining physical harm.
So what will you do in a Class?
Each Class is different and designed to be relatively unpredictable. This is how things are encountered on the Street and in Life as a whole. As any Personal Trainer will tell you, Good Exercise begins with a “Warm Up” and ends with a “Cool Down”. Inbetween, there are exercises perfomed in Lines, Pad Exercises, Patterns, Self Defence, Free Sparring, Fixed Sparring and Team Events. Children’s Classes often incorporate some Fitness-Fun-Based Exercises.
Exactly who are NTX Schools?
An independant group of TaeKwon-Do Schools established by Black Belt Instructors. We are part of the ICTF and AMA. We teach TaeKwon-Do around 5 main elements: Patterns, Sparring, Power Test, Theory Test and the Tenets. The latter, to our Instructors, is the most important part of TaeKwon-Do: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control and an Indomitable Spirit.
Are the Instructors CRB Cleared?
Yes - To Enhanced Level, certified by Disclosures UK.
Are the Instructors Insured?
Yes - Through our Governing Body.
Do I have to pay for the Membership before the 2nd Lesson?
Yes - You cannot continue after your 1st Trial Lesson without Insurance. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this whatsoever.
Why do we do Grading Examinations?
The entire Syllabus is split into smaller sections (Called Kup Grades), which Students learn over a 4-month interval. At the end of this, they are assessed by an External Examiner and, if successful, are awarded a new Rank (Which corresponds to a particular Belt). After this, they learn a new part of the Syllabus (Usually a new Patterns and Basic Techniques) and this continues until the Student reaches a 1st Kup. At this point, they are then assessed by the ICTF formally at a Black Belt Grading. Beginners start as 10th Kups and grade every 4 months until 4th Kup (Blue Belt). After this point, each Kup grade is split into 2 halves (so the Student still grades every 4 months but becomes, for example, 3rd Kup-Part 1, then 3rd Kup-Part 2, then 2nd Kup-Part 1 etc.). Grading is compulsory unless there are extenuating circumstances. This is because regular assessment under pressure develops character which training alone cannot forge. Secondly, learning the same techniques over time removes the goal that Students aim for and therefore they lose the advantage of ‘focus’ or ‘stretching’. Finally, Grading rewards a Student’s efforts by granting recognition of achievement. This continual assessment encourages Students to learn new skills in a structured format. This progressive habitual nature develops a well-balanced overall individual and Martial Artist. Our aim is to help the Student to reach the standard of a First Degree Black Belt after 3 years Continual, Regular Training.
What Equipment and Clothing will I need?
To start off with, only general sports clothing is needed. You do not need an NTX Suit until after you have taken your first grading. Sparring equipment is not usually needed until after the second grading.
How do I look after my DoBok?
The Training Suit (DoBok) is a White Polyester Cotton Suit that is pre-shrunk prior to having the NTX logo embroidered on the front and “TaeKwon-Do” Vinyl printed on the Rear. Wash the suit at 30 Degrees with other white only materials. The badge will not run. The suit should be ironed neatly prior to wearing in Class. The emroidered badge is physically strong but avoid direct contact with an Iron. The back patch is not resistant to heat from an Iron and so must be ironed from the inside or over another piece of clothing.
What else should I do?
Attend Class regularly, maintain a healthy diet, study Taekwon-Do theory and, above all, enjoy yourself.