FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
       
        1. Can I join even if I have never done any martial arts?
        2. What equipment do I need?
        3. What if I can't come very often?
        4. How does Taekwondo compare to other martial arts?
        5. Does the U of C TKD Club compete at tournaments?
        6. Will I learn how to defend myself?
        7. Will I learn how to beat people up?
        8. What if I have experience (rank) in Taekwondo?
        9. What if I have training in another martial art?
        10. Are the ranks you give "real"?
        11. What are the fees for participation?
        12. What are Taekwondo classes like?

1. Can I join even if I have never done any martial arts?
- Yes. Our instructors have a lot of experience teaching beginners. Usually the best time to join if you are brand new is the first couple weeks of the quarter. Having a group of beginners makes the learning experience better. TOP

2. What equipment do I need?
- Initially all you need is some loose fitting workout clothing (sweats and t-shirt are just fine). The club facilitates ordering uniforms at low cost for interested students. All of the training equipment used in class is provided by the club. TOP

3. What if I can't come very often?
- We understand that the University of Chicago can be a demanding place and that every student in the club needs balance Taekwondo with the rest of their lives (personally and academically). We don't set attendance requirements on participation in workouts. We do suggest that you attend at least 15 classes before a testing with the understanding that you will get better only through practice. TOP

4. How does Taekwondo compare to other martial arts?
- The short answer is that Taekwondo focus more on fast and powerful kicking techniques. The long answer wouldn't fit here but head to the links section or ask an instructor for more information. TOP

5. Does the UofC TKD Club compete at tournaments?
- We have not competed in tournaments as a club however individuals from the club have competed on their own. Preparation for tournaments is not a focus of the club at the current time. We remain open to increasing our involvement in tournaments if there is committed interest from our students. TOP

6. Will I learn how to defend myself?
- Yes. Our instructors have training in self-defense tactics and we make that a regular part of our classes. We focus our self-defense training on practical strategies to escape or disable your opponent with minimal effort and injury. We additionally hope that the self-confidence gain from your Taekwondo training will give you the presence of mind to avoid dangerous situations or, if such situations find you, to escape confrontation without violence.
- Please note that practicing "lethal" techniques or honing your "killer instinct" is not something we spend time doing. It is also important to note that the self defense aspect of our training is not the primary focus of our classes. For more focused training in practical self-defense stratigies try IMPACT Chicago. Also, for a thought provoking perspective on the law as it relates to self-defense and the martial atist see this link to an article from the Itten Dojo. TOP

7. Will I learn how to beat people up?
- We certainly hope not. You will be taught how to defend yourself and how to engage in martial arts sparring. However, those skills should be tempered by a sincere desire not to use them. If learning to beat people up is your only goal join a MMA club or find an Ultimate Fighting Tournament. If you are approaching Taekwondo for the purpose of using it aggressively, you will find us less than supportive. TOP

8. What if I have experience (rank) in Taekwondo?
- Terrific. Please come. Show us what you have learned and we will teach you what we know. We accept students in the rank they have and are understanding towards students returning to training after a hiatus. Some students chose to not wear their belt until they feel ready but we encourage that to be a personal choice. TOP
 
9. What if I have training in another martial art?
- Also terrific. Please come. We will be interested in what you do and we will be happy to teach you Taekwondo.  We have had students join our club from Karate, Aikido, Kung-fu, Tang Soo Do, and other styles. TOP

10. Are the ranks you give "real".
- Usually what the person means by "real" is whether or not the rank will be recognized by another school. The answer is that our ranks are not "certified" or "sanctioned" by any Taekwondo organization so, in a word, the answer is maybe. Your U of C rank will not necessicarily be accepted but it all depends on the school you enter. Given the number of Taekwondo organizations and the impossibility of being "certified" by all of them, this is less of a problem than you might think. What is most important is that the training you receive is real and your confidence in your own skills is something that needs no certification. If you are leaving the University and joining a club elsewhere our instructors would be happy to write a letter of reference explaining your unique training background. TOP

11. What are the fees for participation?
As our instructors volunteer their time and the University sport club office supports equipment cost, there is no fee for participation in class. There is a ten dollar fee for testing at any rank which pays for belts, boards and other expenses. We also encourage committed students to purchase uniforms which are available at wholesale cost (<$20). TOP

12. What are Taekwondo classes like?
Our classes are two hours long. We dedicate the first thirty minutes to a group warm-up and stretch and then another thirty minutes to basic technique training. The last half of class is more variable and can include forms, pad work, various types of sparring, self-defense, mat work or board breaking. Inexperienced beginning students typical spend the entire workout learning basic techniques for the first few weeks. TOP