Taekwondo beginner question and hello

[mas]

Lo all, Having previously been a Karate 2nd Kyu Brown belt ( over 20 years ago!) and prior to that trained in Judo for many years I would feel very ill at ease in training in Track bottoms etc even once or twice.

So would turning up in a Dobok and of course my White belt be acceptable to most schools or would they ' expect' to sell you one after a few weeks. I dont want to be doing the wrong thing but I wont feel comfortable not wearing a Dobok ( having worn a Gi for many years) any more than I would feel comfortable entering a Dojo, sorry :P , Dojang to make a joining enquiry and not bowing , it is just something that sticks with you. I have been offered a friends old TAGB Dobok so I assure you it isnt an I've got all the gear thing.

Regards Mas

[RobT]

Hi Mas,

Welcome to the site.

Each school has a different policy on what you are expected to wear in their Taekwondo club. However I would not see any school whatsoever having a problem with you turning up in a Dobok.

The school may try and sell you a Dobok, but they certainly wont make you wear it as complulsary, although they do like all the students to be in the same uniform. So as you progress (which you will do quickly as your experienced in martial arts) you should really think about getting the clubs attire.

[mas]

Thanks for the reply. I hope it made sense I am not a 'gear' person but just would not feel at all comfortable without a Dobok. Well weird enough to be a White belt again

As for progressing quickly that is another interesting point altogether. I am not a young man and realise my body though in fairly good shape will have its limitations. High kicks I think not ! , I coudn't do the at 22 as my hips just are not made that way and I have to work with what I have. I am assured though that the highest kicks are not compulsery :P.

I have looked a couple of beginners patterns and they are remarkably similar to the Shotokan ones for obvious reasons. Why am I not going back to Shotokan to give myself a head start you may wonder? , simply I think the best local club/Sensei near to me happens to be a Taekwondo one, and I think that is more important. Also important is that they seem to value teaching young children and families. That is 'very' important to me as my boy is 5 .

I have been doing some stretching and limbering up / basic Kata work in the garden, only so my body doesnt get too much of a shock in the first few lessons and the have to miss a few , I have been there before.
I intend to go in there to learn and enjoy myself.

I will report back if I do the latter , the former is a given I think as I do that every day

Regards Mas

[ashley]

Hi Mas, welcome to InterMartialArts.com

May I ask, is this Tae Kwon Do club you are looking at ITF or WTF?

I think its a good decision choosing a club which is good for your son. Also with your experience in karate i'm sure he will do well in this incredible sport. 2nd Kyu in Shotokan is good!

When do you start? Keep us all informed as to how you get on, back in the world of martial arts after 20 years!

[mas]

Thanks, if I hadnt took on a career that involved living away from home for 6 months I'd probably never have stopped but life can be a funny old thing cant it.

Its ITF . As for starting , if I hadnt copped a heavy cold , I would have been there this weekend but I suspect over a week now until I can go. I will of course post how I get on if its of interest, I suspect it will be a moan about a few aches and pains if nothing else hehehe

Cheers