WHAT DO I NEED?
When you start please dress in something comfortable and non-restrictive.
• Please do not wear martial art suits from other styles, it could intimidate other members.
• Please note that training is traditionally in bare feet; however, white plimsolls can be worn. Please bring these with you and change into them at the school– NO OUTDOOR SHOES ARE ALLOWED.
At a later date our school uniform is available to purchase from the school or online store.
Why do we have to pay monthly?
A professional martial arts school cannot run on the basis that students may or may not turn up. Each will have its financial overheads and commitments. Therefore, in order to accommodate this, students are asked to commit themselves one month at a time. The APTI however, does not have payment contracts. Our schools use a direct debit payment system which is controlled by you the student and can be stopped at any time.
Why do we need to book sessions?
From a basic health and safety purpose we must have the right number of Instructors to Students ratio it ensure everyone is safe but also to ensure each student is being taught effectively and with professional quality; not running crowd control instead of teaching.
What is the schools lateness policy?
Members/students that are more than 10 minutes late after classes begin or warm ups have concluded will not be allowed to join in a class.
Do I have to come a set day?
The school is open everyday and you can come any day according to the timetable for you appropriate lessons and fees package option.
Can I stay while my child is in their class?
Yes! The school has a dedicated waiting and viewing areas for parents to wait while children are training in their class.
Why can’t children train with adults?
In all honesty this is down to common sense. Not only do the physical and mental needs of children and adults differ but so do the teaching methods just as with Primary, Secondary School, Collage and University.
Children’s classes are based on encouragement and fun whereas adult’s classes are a lot more technical.
More important than all of the above is the safety aspect. You cannot have a 14 stone, 6 foot adult jumping about in the same area as a small child!
WHAT IS TAE KWON-DO?
Tae Kwon-do is a Korean martial art which is fast becoming one of the most popular martial arts in the world. It is scientifically designed system of both physical and mental development and an extremely powerful and effective form of self-defence. It is used by many of the world’s armed forces and practised throughout the high schools and colleges in Korea.
WHY TAE KWON-DO?
Within the framework of Tae Kwon-do there is something for everyone:
Confidence
As your child’s technical ability improves so will their confidence. They will learn the secret of perseverance. They will learn that things they first thought difficult or impossible are within their grasp. As this realisation slowly but surely takes place and as their ability to defend themselves increases, so too will their confidence. This in turn has a knock on effect in their everyday life.
Our philosophy on teaching is simple – if a child comes to train with us with limited confidence, placing them under pressure in the early stages will not improve their confidence, but may well destroy what little confidence they already have!
Respect and Courtesy
Nobody likes disrespectful or rude children (or adults for that matter!) We all want our children to fit in with society and lead a happy, successful life. If they are rude or disrespectful to people they will be disliked. If they are disliked it makes it difficult to fit in anywhere. The end result is these individuals could end up unsuccessful and very unhappy, without even realising why.
Here at Carlisle Tae Kwon-do School we reinforce the importance of respect and courtesy. We believe that children should view respect and courtesy as strength, not as weakness; and have the strength, technique and confidence to back this up. This will not happen overnight, it is introduced gradually, step-by-step, just like the Tae Kwon-do movements.
In fact, they hardly know it is happening because they are too busy enjoying themselves!
Self Defence
As a system of self-defence it is extremely effective. It will not perform miracles, no martial art system will; however, through regular training there is no doubt that your child’s chances of surviving a violent confrontation will improve considerably whatever their age or sex.
Fitness
Compared to other sporting activities Tae Kwon-do wins hands down. Your child will benefit in so many different ways: Fitness – Tae Kwon-do consists of both aerobic and anaerobic routines; Muscle tone – Tae Kwon-do exercises virtually every muscle in the body; Flexibility – Due to the many and varied kicks in Tae Kwon-do flexibility plays a major role. Whatever your child’s level of flexibility now, it will definitely improve, gradually but surely.
People practise Tae Kwon-do for so many different reasons. Our job as instructors is to try and cater for all those needs, with almost 40 years’ experience we feel we have found the right balance.
How long will it take me to get my black belt?
The average time to achieve a black belt with the APTI is 3 years as an adult. This gives the student time not just to lay foundations and basics, but to mature and understand why we need this good basic foundation; it is not just about physical ability.
With some styles you can achieve a black belt earlier than this but you have to ask yourself, what is this black belt worth? As the old saying goes “There are black belts and there are black belts!”
What is the right age for practising Tae Kwon-do?
Any age, but personally we think the perfect age is the early twenties. You’re physically at your best and mature enough to understand what you are doing. However, it really depends on what you want out of Tae Kwon-do because it benefits different ages in different ways.
With children it helps instil a sense of discipline and commitment, it gives them the opportunity to release aggression in a controlled manner and teaches them about respect and courtesy.
Middle aged adults upwards will benefit from increased flexibility through Tae Kwon-do’s stretching exercises; increased health and fitness due to the aerobic and anaerobic TKD routines; and the social side of any sports club, which is often underestimated.
There really is no age limit with Tae Kwon-do. Obviously, the younger groups are going to be more enthusiastic and successful in the sport / competition side of Tae Kwon-do. But, the older groups will find satisfaction in all aspects of Tae Kwon-do as an Art.
With all ages, it improves your confidence, physical well-being and the ability to defend yourself.
Does Tae Kwon-do as a self defence system really work?
The answer to this is quite simply – Yes!
However, Tae Kwon-do does not perform miracles, no martial art does, but it does improve your chances of surviving a violent confrontation dramatically. It is worth noting that every single military establishment in the world has some sort of martial arts training agenda. Why? To improve each soldiers chances of survival in hand to hand combat. It is also worth noting that Tae Kwon-do, in its initial stages was introduced to the Vietnamese; nobody would question the Vietnamese soldier’s close-quarter fighting ability!
What is the best style and is it good to mix styles?
I believe that Tae Kwon-do is the best style but then I would, wouldn’t I? However, the truth is that there is no ‘best style’. Each and every style has its strengths and weaknesses. In all honesty, it really is down to the individual. As for mixing styles (cross-training) I firmly believe that in the initial stages of training you should remain loyal to one system, otherwise as the old saying goes “You become a Jack of all trades, master of none”. At the top end of any martial art system they are all inter-linked anyway. Techniques are adopted by all systems, from all systems to enhance their own. My advice would be (this is the advice I give to all my black belts) is to train conscientiously and remain loyal to your system – Tae Kwon-do. Once a sound foundation has been laid it is then possible to expand. To cultivate different techniques from different martial arts that will benefit you as an individual, and as a fighter; as opposed to laying lots of different foundations, which would be unnecessary and time consuming.
Why do we have coloured belts?
The belt represents knowledge, not necessarily physical ability. For example, it would be unrealistic to expect a 65 year old female black belt to compete with a 21 year old male black belt in his prime. However, the knowledge level will be the same.
The belt system is also easier for instructing purposes and safety. The instructor can see at a glance what level of knowledge and basic ability each student possesses and can therefore partner accordingly.
How do the Black Belt ‘Dans’ work?
The ITF (International Tae Kwon-do Federation) order of black belts is from 1st Dan through to 9th Dan.
1st Dan through to 3rd Dan are considered ‘novice’ stages of black belt; 4th – 6th Dans are considered ‘experts’ and 7th Dans and above are ‘masters’; 8th & 9th “Grand Masters”.
As far as physical grading examinations go, they apply from 1st Dan through to 6th Dan. Master grades from 7th Dan and above are normally awarded to an individual based on their contribution to promoting the art; or work they have done for various organisations.
Again, as with the coloured belts, it is unrealistic to expect a 7th or 8th Dan to compete physically with a 2nd or 3rd Dan. By the time 8th Dan is achieved the wearer is normally much older and less physically able, but, it is the knowledge that they possess which they are respected for. There is an old saying “The young instructor teaches with the body, an old instructor teaches with the mind”.
What do you think of full contact fighting?
There are many people who have the mistaken belief that full contact is the only way of preparing for a realistic attack. I personally do not agree with this.
Full contact may make you a tougher fighter and maybe a fitter fighter, but not necessarily a more skilful fighter. It is also worth bearing in mind that full contact fighters wear safety equipment, for example boxing gloves. They continue fighting over many rounds, taking considerable punishment. It is possible to take a few punches from a boxing glove whereas; in the street you could not absorb the same punishment from a bare fist. In fact, in the street, it is often wiser not to take any strikes at all; the first punch that gets through may be the one that puts you away. Even as wild animals grow up and prepare for the big wide world they ‘spar’ and ‘play-fight’, they do not fight flat out. Nobody would question their ability to fight in a real confrontation. I’m not saying that full contact does not have its use. It is an excellent method of testing your physical and mental ability, on occasions. You have to, without doubt, respect anybody that is prepared to lay it on the line and step into a full contact ring. But what I’m saying is, it is not the only way to develop fighting ability. I personally think that if you want the best chance of preparing yourself then you must practise all methods. They all have their advantages and disadvantages – point-stop sparring, continuous sparring, semi-contact, full contact (on occasion), semi-free, 1-4-1 and even one step sparring. Remember, it is no one thing that makes you great; it’s a combination of lots of different things.
When you start please dress in something comfortable and non-restrictive.
• Please do not wear martial art suits from other styles, it could intimidate other members.
• Please note that training is traditionally in bare feet; however, white plimsolls can be worn. Please bring these with you and change into them at the school– NO OUTDOOR SHOES ARE ALLOWED.
At a later date our school uniform is available to purchase from the school or online store.
Why do we have to pay monthly?
A professional martial arts school cannot run on the basis that students may or may not turn up. Each will have its financial overheads and commitments. Therefore, in order to accommodate this, students are asked to commit themselves one month at a time. The APTI however, does not have payment contracts. Our schools use a direct debit payment system which is controlled by you the student and can be stopped at any time.
Why do we need to book sessions?
From a basic health and safety purpose we must have the right number of Instructors to Students ratio it ensure everyone is safe but also to ensure each student is being taught effectively and with professional quality; not running crowd control instead of teaching.
What is the schools lateness policy?
Members/students that are more than 10 minutes late after classes begin or warm ups have concluded will not be allowed to join in a class.
Do I have to come a set day?
The school is open everyday and you can come any day according to the timetable for you appropriate lessons and fees package option.
Can I stay while my child is in their class?
Yes! The school has a dedicated waiting and viewing areas for parents to wait while children are training in their class.
Why can’t children train with adults?
In all honesty this is down to common sense. Not only do the physical and mental needs of children and adults differ but so do the teaching methods just as with Primary, Secondary School, Collage and University.
Children’s classes are based on encouragement and fun whereas adult’s classes are a lot more technical.
More important than all of the above is the safety aspect. You cannot have a 14 stone, 6 foot adult jumping about in the same area as a small child!
WHAT IS TAE KWON-DO?
Tae Kwon-do is a Korean martial art which is fast becoming one of the most popular martial arts in the world. It is scientifically designed system of both physical and mental development and an extremely powerful and effective form of self-defence. It is used by many of the world’s armed forces and practised throughout the high schools and colleges in Korea.
WHY TAE KWON-DO?
Within the framework of Tae Kwon-do there is something for everyone:
Confidence
As your child’s technical ability improves so will their confidence. They will learn the secret of perseverance. They will learn that things they first thought difficult or impossible are within their grasp. As this realisation slowly but surely takes place and as their ability to defend themselves increases, so too will their confidence. This in turn has a knock on effect in their everyday life.
Our philosophy on teaching is simple – if a child comes to train with us with limited confidence, placing them under pressure in the early stages will not improve their confidence, but may well destroy what little confidence they already have!
Respect and Courtesy
Nobody likes disrespectful or rude children (or adults for that matter!) We all want our children to fit in with society and lead a happy, successful life. If they are rude or disrespectful to people they will be disliked. If they are disliked it makes it difficult to fit in anywhere. The end result is these individuals could end up unsuccessful and very unhappy, without even realising why.
Here at Carlisle Tae Kwon-do School we reinforce the importance of respect and courtesy. We believe that children should view respect and courtesy as strength, not as weakness; and have the strength, technique and confidence to back this up. This will not happen overnight, it is introduced gradually, step-by-step, just like the Tae Kwon-do movements.
In fact, they hardly know it is happening because they are too busy enjoying themselves!
Self Defence
As a system of self-defence it is extremely effective. It will not perform miracles, no martial art system will; however, through regular training there is no doubt that your child’s chances of surviving a violent confrontation will improve considerably whatever their age or sex.
Fitness
Compared to other sporting activities Tae Kwon-do wins hands down. Your child will benefit in so many different ways: Fitness – Tae Kwon-do consists of both aerobic and anaerobic routines; Muscle tone – Tae Kwon-do exercises virtually every muscle in the body; Flexibility – Due to the many and varied kicks in Tae Kwon-do flexibility plays a major role. Whatever your child’s level of flexibility now, it will definitely improve, gradually but surely.
People practise Tae Kwon-do for so many different reasons. Our job as instructors is to try and cater for all those needs, with almost 40 years’ experience we feel we have found the right balance.
How long will it take me to get my black belt?
The average time to achieve a black belt with the APTI is 3 years as an adult. This gives the student time not just to lay foundations and basics, but to mature and understand why we need this good basic foundation; it is not just about physical ability.
With some styles you can achieve a black belt earlier than this but you have to ask yourself, what is this black belt worth? As the old saying goes “There are black belts and there are black belts!”
What is the right age for practising Tae Kwon-do?
Any age, but personally we think the perfect age is the early twenties. You’re physically at your best and mature enough to understand what you are doing. However, it really depends on what you want out of Tae Kwon-do because it benefits different ages in different ways.
With children it helps instil a sense of discipline and commitment, it gives them the opportunity to release aggression in a controlled manner and teaches them about respect and courtesy.
Middle aged adults upwards will benefit from increased flexibility through Tae Kwon-do’s stretching exercises; increased health and fitness due to the aerobic and anaerobic TKD routines; and the social side of any sports club, which is often underestimated.
There really is no age limit with Tae Kwon-do. Obviously, the younger groups are going to be more enthusiastic and successful in the sport / competition side of Tae Kwon-do. But, the older groups will find satisfaction in all aspects of Tae Kwon-do as an Art.
With all ages, it improves your confidence, physical well-being and the ability to defend yourself.
Does Tae Kwon-do as a self defence system really work?
The answer to this is quite simply – Yes!
However, Tae Kwon-do does not perform miracles, no martial art does, but it does improve your chances of surviving a violent confrontation dramatically. It is worth noting that every single military establishment in the world has some sort of martial arts training agenda. Why? To improve each soldiers chances of survival in hand to hand combat. It is also worth noting that Tae Kwon-do, in its initial stages was introduced to the Vietnamese; nobody would question the Vietnamese soldier’s close-quarter fighting ability!
What is the best style and is it good to mix styles?
I believe that Tae Kwon-do is the best style but then I would, wouldn’t I? However, the truth is that there is no ‘best style’. Each and every style has its strengths and weaknesses. In all honesty, it really is down to the individual. As for mixing styles (cross-training) I firmly believe that in the initial stages of training you should remain loyal to one system, otherwise as the old saying goes “You become a Jack of all trades, master of none”. At the top end of any martial art system they are all inter-linked anyway. Techniques are adopted by all systems, from all systems to enhance their own. My advice would be (this is the advice I give to all my black belts) is to train conscientiously and remain loyal to your system – Tae Kwon-do. Once a sound foundation has been laid it is then possible to expand. To cultivate different techniques from different martial arts that will benefit you as an individual, and as a fighter; as opposed to laying lots of different foundations, which would be unnecessary and time consuming.
Why do we have coloured belts?
The belt represents knowledge, not necessarily physical ability. For example, it would be unrealistic to expect a 65 year old female black belt to compete with a 21 year old male black belt in his prime. However, the knowledge level will be the same.
The belt system is also easier for instructing purposes and safety. The instructor can see at a glance what level of knowledge and basic ability each student possesses and can therefore partner accordingly.
How do the Black Belt ‘Dans’ work?
The ITF (International Tae Kwon-do Federation) order of black belts is from 1st Dan through to 9th Dan.
1st Dan through to 3rd Dan are considered ‘novice’ stages of black belt; 4th – 6th Dans are considered ‘experts’ and 7th Dans and above are ‘masters’; 8th & 9th “Grand Masters”.
As far as physical grading examinations go, they apply from 1st Dan through to 6th Dan. Master grades from 7th Dan and above are normally awarded to an individual based on their contribution to promoting the art; or work they have done for various organisations.
Again, as with the coloured belts, it is unrealistic to expect a 7th or 8th Dan to compete physically with a 2nd or 3rd Dan. By the time 8th Dan is achieved the wearer is normally much older and less physically able, but, it is the knowledge that they possess which they are respected for. There is an old saying “The young instructor teaches with the body, an old instructor teaches with the mind”.
What do you think of full contact fighting?
There are many people who have the mistaken belief that full contact is the only way of preparing for a realistic attack. I personally do not agree with this.
Full contact may make you a tougher fighter and maybe a fitter fighter, but not necessarily a more skilful fighter. It is also worth bearing in mind that full contact fighters wear safety equipment, for example boxing gloves. They continue fighting over many rounds, taking considerable punishment. It is possible to take a few punches from a boxing glove whereas; in the street you could not absorb the same punishment from a bare fist. In fact, in the street, it is often wiser not to take any strikes at all; the first punch that gets through may be the one that puts you away. Even as wild animals grow up and prepare for the big wide world they ‘spar’ and ‘play-fight’, they do not fight flat out. Nobody would question their ability to fight in a real confrontation. I’m not saying that full contact does not have its use. It is an excellent method of testing your physical and mental ability, on occasions. You have to, without doubt, respect anybody that is prepared to lay it on the line and step into a full contact ring. But what I’m saying is, it is not the only way to develop fighting ability. I personally think that if you want the best chance of preparing yourself then you must practise all methods. They all have their advantages and disadvantages – point-stop sparring, continuous sparring, semi-contact, full contact (on occasion), semi-free, 1-4-1 and even one step sparring. Remember, it is no one thing that makes you great; it’s a combination of lots of different things.
