No, our classes welcome complete beginners and experienced students alike. New students begin their TaeKwon-Do journey in a dedicated small group, guided by an assistant instructor. This focused environment allows beginners to quickly grasp the fundamentals and build confidence. Once you’re ready, you’ll transition into the main class, where training alongside higher-grade students becomes a valuable part of your development.

Observing and emulating senior students is a powerful way to accelerate your progress—they set the standard and offer inspiration through their technique and discipline. And in time, it will be you who sets the example for the next generation of beginners.

To begin with, a t-shirt and tracksuit bottoms are perfectly suitable. Please make sure the trousers aren’t so long that they extend under the soles of your feet, as this can lead to slipping during training.

We train barefoot, and for both safety and tradition, all jewellery must be removed before each session.

Once you’ve decided to continue, official training suits—known as doboks—are available to purchase directly from us. Prices range from £36 to £39, depending on the size.

Absolutely—all classes are fully supervised and tailored to ensure safe, age-appropriate training. While TaeKwon-Do is a contact martial art, injuries are rare and typically minor (think the occasional bruise). Safety is a top priority in every session.

Our semi-contact sparring is conducted with full protective gear, including head guards, gloves, foot and shin protectors, groin guards, and gum shields. This equipment helps minimize risk while allowing students to develop their skills in a controlled environment.

Before participating in any contact elements of TaeKwon-Do, students must be registered with both our club and the governing body, the ITC. This membership also provides insurance coverage for training activities.

To stay aligned with our structured syllabus—designed to prepare students for grading opportunities every 12 weeks—it’s important to train at least twice a week. Training less frequently can cause you to fall behind your peers, resulting in a constant need to catch up. This can be frustrating not only for you, but also for fellow students and instructors.

If you’re only training once a week, your progress will slow significantly, and the time between gradings could easily double. Consistency is key to both skill development and maintaining momentum.

Progressing through the TaeKwon-Do belt system involves taking gradings, which assess your skills and readiness to move to the next level. However, the decision to grade is entirely yours—there’s no pressure to take part until you feel confident and prepared.

Gradings are held in Bradley Stoke every three months. For children, the typical pace is slightly slower, with most ready to grade approximately every six months.

There are ten belt colours to advance through before reaching black belt. While progress depends on individual commitment and consistency, the minimum time to achieve black belt status is around three and a half years.

We offer flexible training sessions where children and adults can train together when age and ability levels align. While children follow the same syllabus as adults, their learning experience is tailored to suit their developmental needs.

Children’s classes are structured with shorter activity blocks and include fun, fitness-focused games to keep them engaged and energized—often without even realizing they’re exercising! This approach helps build both skill and stamina in a way that’s age-appropriate and enjoyable.

We welcome children from the age of five. As they grow, their physical development naturally shifts, and by around age 13, most are ready to transition out of the kids’ class and into the main group.