Should I Join a Taekwondo Club? Any Suggestions

[kanekenneth]

I’ve been thinking about getting into martial arts to stay active and learn something new. A few friends suggested joining a taekwondo club, but I’m not sure what to expect. Is it beginner-friendly? Do you need to be very fit before starting? I’m mostly interested in building focus and confidence, but I’d also like to improve my fitness along the way. If anyone here has joined a club before, I’d really appreciate your thoughts. What was your experience like, and what should I keep in mind before signing up for my first class?

 

[Buka]

Welcome to Martial Talk, Kanekenneth.

What reasonable Martial Arts options are available in your area?

By reasonable I mean distance. If something is forty five minutes away, that’s not going to work for very long.

 

[Holmejr]

Yes, if that’s what you want to do. Visit the school numerous times to get a feel for what they do and the general attitude of both instructors and students.

 

[Monkey Turned Wolf]

Are you asking specifically about the school you linked? Or just in general?

 

[Simfers]

I can only speak to my own experience, but I started in tae kwon do (the Olympic stuff) 27 years ago as a VERY out of shape 18-year-old and I had an absolute blast. I'd go as far as to say it's the only martial art I've stopped taking that I miss (later moved on to Yoseikan karate, then Can-Ryu JJ, and now to BJJ). I had so much fun. It got me into shape and got me started.

YMMV, of course.

 

[skribs]

Most martial arts schools are beginner friendly. They have to be, otherwise they wouldn't have any students. The exception is a handful of schools that are designed for competition teams with already-elite players, and they usually don't accept white belts anyway.

 

[Buka]

Most martial arts schools are beginner friendly. They have to be, otherwise they wouldn't have any students. The exception is a handful of schools that are designed for competition teams with already-elite players, and they usually don't accept white belts anyway.

For real? I’ve never known a martial arts school that didn’t allow beginners to join.

But, then, I don’t get around much anymore.

 

[Prince_Alarming]

Do it. In the martial arts, we love beginners. You don't need to be fit before starting, that will come with time. Don't schedule any very difficult work the day after your first class though, and if you're bested by teenagers for the first few months, don't worry about it.