DO I NEED ANY PREVIOUS MARTIAL ART EXPERIENCE?

No previous experience is necessary. All you need is the desire to learn. Beginners classes are tailored for new students with no previous martial art training. However, we welcome students of other martial arts who want to learn Taekwon Do.

DO I HAVE TO BE AN ATHLETE TO TRAIN?

No. Everyone trains at his or her own level. If you are not used to hard physical training, that's fine. You will find that your strength, endurance, and flexibility increase steadily as you work out. If you are a conditioned athlete, don't worry, you will get a good workout. We welcome students of all backgrounds and abilities. Taekwon-Do can be rewarding for anyone who wants to learn.

ARE THERE ANY AGE LIMITS?

Anyone is welcome to join. However, younger children don't normally make progress until they reach about ten years of age. There is no upper age limit - it is never too late to start!

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

The beginners programme is essentially an introduction to Taekwon-Do, consisting of stretching and exercise, basic Taekwon-Do techniques and movements, pad & target work, some basic self defence techniques, and the philosophy of the art.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

For the first few classes it is permissable to wear any loose fitting clothing which allows freedom of movement, e.g. a tracksuit and tee shirt, or whatever you feel comfortable in yourself. Please do not wear any jewellery, watches etc during class.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The joining fee for 2006 is 25 euro which covers the R.I.T.A. Association fee for the current year. Master Kavanagh subsidises the first year's fee from the joining fee.

Training fees for 2006 are 6 euro per class or 30 euro for 7 consecutive classes, a saving of 12 euro.

Family rates & discounts for paying for 3, 6, or 12 months in advance are also available.

DO I NEED TO REGISTER WITH THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION?

Yes, all students must register with The Republic of Ireland Taekwon-Do Association (RITA) and the International Taekwon-Do Federation (I.T.F.) within 1 month of commencement of training. Upon registering, the you will normally receive your grading licence, membership cards, and a free student handbook as well as being entitled to participate in all RITA organized events such as gradings, tournaments, courses and seminars. Annual association fees are 33 euro for Juniors(-18) and 55 euro for Adults (18+) and these are up for renewal on the 1st October each year. As mentioned above, Master Kavanagh subsidises the first year's fees from the joining fee.

DO I NEED A UNIFORM?

Students are advised to purchase official Taekwon-Do uniforms at an early stage but no later than about one month before the first grading examination. The official uniform normally comes with the ITF & RITA crests as well as the official Taekwon-Do logo on the back & free white belt. The 2006 price is 50 euro from Master Kavanagh's stock.

WILL I PROGRESS THROUGH VARIOUS COLOURED BELTS?

Yes, Gradings are the promotion examinations through which the student progresses up through the grades and are held approximately every three months. The average time taken to go from beginner to 1st Degree Black Belt is between 3 and 5 years. Under the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) regulations, grading exams may only be conducted by 4th Degree Black Belt holders and above who have qualified as International Instructors. The 2006 cost is 25 euro for coloured belt gradings.

ARE THERE COMPETITIONS?

Yes, the R.I.T.A. runs organised tournaments around the country each year, and students are encouraged to take part and meet new friends.

9th Kups who are proficient in Chung Ji Tul can start to enter competitions for Tul (pattern) only.

Sparring is open from green belt stage, 6th Kup.

The Development Squad (see Notices and R.I.T.A. web-site)also travels away to competitions on an annual basis.

When the students reach Black Belt level, they can try out for the national team and represent Ireland in European & World Championships.

IS THERE A PHILOSOPHY OF TAEKWON-DO?

Yes. As Taekwon-Do has is origins in the East, there is a certain amount of philosophy which is part and parcel of the art. At its heart, Taekwon-Do has five TENETS or core principles. These are Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control, and Indomitable Spirit.

ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?

If there is anything else you would like to know, feel free to contact Master Paul Kavanagh. He will be more than happy to answer any questions. Also, check out the RITA website, www.rita-itf.org.