Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

• How do I know if Taekwondo is right for me?
• What types of things will I learn?
• I've never had any martial arts experience. Will that be a drawback?
• Can non-students join? Can students of other universities join?
• When does club start for the new semester?
• Is it too late to join?
• Why do you practice so late?

Ready to Join

• What insurance do I need?
• How soon do I have to pay dues? Is there a trial period?
• What do I wear?
• I already have a uniform. May I wear my old uniform?
• I earned a rank at my previous school. Do I get to keep that same rank?
• If I currently hold a rank from a similar discipline, do I maintain that rank?
• Do I have to come to every workout?
• Where are the workouts?

Injury/Illness

• I have an old injury. Can I participate in Taekwondo?
• What do I do if I get ill during class?
• Ouch! My feet are sore.
• May I wear shoes?

More details

• I'm enrolled in the PE class. Can I come to club? Do I have to pay?
• I was enrolled in the PE class, and I tested. Do I have to join the club to get my promotion?
• What other fees are involved?
• What are my opportunities to compete?
• How long will it take me to earn a black belt?

Getting Started

How do I know if Taekwondo is right for me?
Try it! Those interested in learning more about Taekwondo are welcome to observe a practice, but getting started right away is recommended. Those unsure about committing to Taekwondo can take advantage of the trial period.
Go to: What is Taekwondo?
Go to: Activity Slideshows

What types of things will I learn?
Taekwondo incorporates kicks, punches, blocks, strikes, but it also teaches patience, endurance, perseverance and respect.
Go to: What is Taekwondo?

I've never had any martial arts experience. Will that be a drawback?
No experience is necessary to begin Taekwondo.
Go to: What is Taekwondo?
Go to: Activity Slideshows

Can non-students join? Can students of other universities join?
Yes. The Taekwondo Club has an open membership policy. Students of area universities and non-students may join, but they pay a slightly higher dues fee.
Go to: Join the Club

When does club start for the new semester?
Club generally starts the first week of academic classes, but watch the website for exact dates.
Go to: Workout Schedule and Map
Go to: Upcoming Events

Is it too late to join?
Although it is best to join at the beginning of the semester, the club accepts members up to 3 weeks before the end of the semester.
Go to: Join the Club

Why do you practice so late?
Weeknight practices are particularly late, but space for club sports is difficult to obtain. The summer club practices are the only time the club practices before 10 p.m. during the weeknights on campus.
Go to: Workout Schedule & Map

Ready to Join

What insurance do I need?
Medical insurance is required of all participants, and proof of insurance must be provided at the time of registration. Students may be able to obtain insurance through their parents or the university.

How soon do I have to pay dues? Is there a trial period?
Dues must be paid two weeks from the start of the semester. Members who begin after that date are allotted two weeks from the date of their first class.

What do I wear?
For your first class, wear something you feel comfortable working out in. Pants and short sleeved t-shirts are recommended. Uniforms are available for purchase through the club. All participants are required to wear the dobok.

I already have a uniform. May I wear my old uniform?
If the uniform is a white v-neck with the appropriate color trim (white for gup ranks, black for dan ranks) and free of markings or patches, members are welcome to wear uniforms already in their possession. Cross-over gis are not allowed.

I earned a rank at my previous school. Do I get to keep that same rank?
Generally, participants holding colored belt ranks retain their ranks, and are encouraged to do so rather than starting over. Black belts must show proof of World Taekwondo Federation certification. All cases are subject to review of the head instructor.

If I currently hold a rank from a similar discipline, do I maintain that rank?
No. Regardless of previous martial arts experience, all those new to Taekwondo must begin at the white belt level.

Do I have to come to every workout?
No. Club members are not required to attend every workout. However, it is recommended that beginners come at least twice a week to see improvement. Those of higher ranks should take advantage of every opportunity to train.

Where are the workouts?
Club workouts on campus are conveniently held at 817 23rd St. (formerly Building K) between H and I Streets and across from the Foggy Bottom Metro Station.
Go to: Workout Schedule & Map

Injury/Illness

I have an old injury. Can I participate in Taekwondo?
Those with a previous injury or a medical condition should consult a doctor before beginning Taekwondo. Additionally, participants are required to report any conditions that may pose a health risk to the head instructor before beginning practice.

What do I do if I get ill during class?
For the safety of yourself and others, please notify an instructor when you feel ill. Club members are advised to sit out and observe class whenever they feel ill. Members are asked not to leave the gym without first notifying an instructor or black belt. All injuries resulting from practice and requiring medical care should be reported to the head instructor.

Ouch! My feet are sore.
Working out barefoot is tough on the soles of the feet. Members are advised to take proper care of their feet by washing and watching for open sores.

May I wear shoes?
No. All participants must go barefoot. Special martial arts shoes are allowed for members with foot problems with permission of the head instructor.

See additional information on Health & Fitness in our links section.

More Details

I'm enrolled in the PE class. Can I come to club? Do I have to pay?
Students enrolled in the Exercise Science Activities Taekwondo course may make up missed classes for the credit class without joining the club and paying club dues. However, students who wish to attend additional practices must pay club dues.

I was enrolled in the PE class, and I tested. Do I have to join the club to get my promotion?
Students of the Exercise Science Activities courses do not need to join the club to get their promotions. They simply need to show up to the first club practice of the following semester and participate in the promotional ceremony.

What other fees are involved?
Besides the dues and the uniform, there are no required costs. Sparring equipment designed to reduce the chance of injury such as shin and forearm guards are highly recommended and can be purchased through the club. The club provides chest protectors and head gear, but because of the limited numbers, higher ranks are encouraged to purchase their own. Club members may also choose to participate in tournaments, take the promotional exam, or participate in special training opportunities that cost additional money such as attending a special training session in West Virginia, Korean martial arts summer camp at Mt. Shasta, or traveling to Korea.
Go to: Training in West Virginia
Go to: Training at Mt. Shasta
Go to: Training in Korea
Go to: Activity Slideshows

What are my opportunities to compete?
Club members have the opportunity to compete informally through scrimmages with other clubs and formally at local and national Taekwondo competitions. The focus of the club's competition is the National Collegiate Taekwondo Association's (NCTA) National Championships held each spring. There is no qualifier for this event and all levels are welcome to participate as long as they are a college student.
Go to: National Collegiate Taekwondo Championships
Go to: Scrimmage Information
Go to: Activity Slideshows

How long will it take me to earn a black belt?
The average person takes 3–5 years to earn a black belt. Because the club practices year round with short breaks in between semesters, those who make it typically do so within four years.
Go to: 2002 Black Belt Test Summary