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.

 

[skribs]

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.

There's a few BJJ schools in my area that are invite-only for accomplished purple belts and up to work on their competition skills.

One of the professors at my gym also teaches at one of those gyms.

 

[HighKick]

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?

Welcome to Martial Talk.
Just like buying a car, you need to audit the schools available in your area and see what resonates with you. Even though I spent some time on the website you linked and do have my own opinions, they are simply at first blush, and I have zero way of knowing anything about the program or instructor. Practicing a style is tactile training, so no website if going to do the actual training justice. You have to try it out. With patience and an open mind. So, take your time and work the vetting process. Target the schools closest to you or which fit your circle of activity (work, school, etc...) schedule.
Mississauga it a big town so I imagine it has a lot of schools to offer.

Most importantly, have fun with it.

 

[Haruhiko]

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?

The world's your oyster! What are you looking to get out of a martial art? Of all the ones I've done (Taekwondo (pro), boxing (informal/gym), karate (beginner; decades ago with a mate), a brief stint in Kung Fu (same as previous), and currently two koryū (likely lifelong endeavours)) the most physically demanding was Taekwondo by far, but that may have been because of the level I was training at (Olympic).

Even then, the amount of aerobic and anaerobic fitness in TKD was, as a baseline even for beginners, intensive. Not to dissuade you at all, because you'll find you either LOVE it or HATE it after a few classes. Who doesn't flashy kicks, after all?

As others have mentioned, location, location, location. But that doesn't mean the shittiest dojo across the street is better than an hour drive to an excellent dojo either.

What's drawn you to TKD, out of interest?