So you are thinking about joining
Jarrettsville Tae Kwon Do? Great! Here are some tips that may help answer some
of your questions, especially if you have never taken a martial arts class
before...
Jarrettsville Tae Kwon Do is very
much a traditional Tae Kwon Do class. You will receive instruction on forms,
sparing, breaking, stances, kicks, punches, self-defense, self-discipline, nutrition,
how to fall and many many other things.
You will also get a good workout. The first 30 minutes of
class (at least) usually consists of stretching calisthenics, sprints and
kicking, etc. If you have not worked out in a while, hang in there the best
you can until you build up your endurance. No one will expect you to do
knuckle pushups on the first day.
The first class of the new school year is a great time to
sign-up because everyone will be signing up. However, students join our
class though-out the year. When you sign up you will fill out a registration
form an a medical release form.
Class is generally held on Monday and Wednesday nights from
7:30 PM to 9:00 PM at the North Bend Elementary School Gym. Class is not
held when school is closed (e.g. holiday vacations, snow days). Changes to
the schedule are announced in class and posted on the web site
calendar.
Jarrettsville TKD is composed of male and female students
as young as about 5 years old to students 50+ years old. Everyone is welcome
as long as you provide your best effort. We have students with skill and
experience levels ranging as widely as our ages. All are welcome if you
really want to give it a try.
If you want to stop by and just watch to see what it's all
about that's ok too. If you do just want to check it out, please introduce
yourself to one of the instructors so they can provide you with more
information.
New students should come ready to workout when they come to
sign-up. You should wear loose fitting clothing. Sweatpants and tee shirt
would be perfect. We workout in bare feet, so take your shoes and socks off
before class starts. New students are not expected to immediately purchase a
uniform (Dobok). However, if you plan to stick with the class you will be
expected to purchase a uniform and protective equipment for sparing.
Your first class can be intimidating. All those white
uniforms, all those different color belts, the Korean words! Don't worry,
everyone in class had a first day in class and remembers what it is like.
The more experienced students will help you and the instructors will be
watching to help you out. Just keep your ears and eyes open and follow the
lead of the experienced students.
Tae Kwon Do is very much about respect. Students are
expected stretch or practice forms quietly before class. Other students
should be addressed as "Mr". or "Miss" (e.g. Mr. Tony).
When given instructions, students should respond to instructors with a
strong "Yes Sir" or "Yes Mame" as a sign of respect. Our
chief instructor should always be addressed as "Master Joe". All
black belts should always be greeted initially with a bow.
Class begins when the instructor claps their hands and
yells "line up". The class lines up by rank. New students without
uniforms line up in the back.
All jewelry should be removed prior to taking class to
avoid injury to you and others. If you have a wedding ring that can not be
removed cover it with tape.
Toe nails and finger nails should be kept trimmed. Long
nails can easily cut an opponent when sparing.
Sparing may initially be a concern to new students or
parents of new students. All sparing in class is closely supervised by
instructors with many years of experience. Several of our instructors are
certified referees at the state level and coaches at the national level. All
of our instructors are certified in first aid. In addition all sparing is
done with protective equipment (head gear, arm pads, shin and foot pads,
chest protectors). All sparing is performed with controlled contact.
Although injuries are part of any sport, injuries are infrequent and usually
minor in nature. For most students, their first sparing experience is with
an instructor or very experienced upper belt to "show them the
ropes".
Dues are by due the 15th of each month. Please provide dues
to the treasurer at the beginning of each month.
Advancement through the ranks (yellow belt - black belt)
moves at varying rates and is very much dependent on the commitment of the
student. Master Joe is constantly evaluating the students in his class.
Students will be invited to test for a higher belt when Master Joe feels
they are ready.
