University of LeicesterTaeKwon Do Club

THE CLUB

ABOUT ULTKD

We are a sports club affiliated to the University of Leicester Student's Union Sports Association Membership is open to current students and staff of the University, and to graduates holding associate membership.

ULTKD is a large and friendly club, with an active membership covering all grades from complete beginner to black belt, and at levels of enthusiasm ranging from members who attend occasional training sessions and socials, through to the hardcore individuals who train daily to hone mind and body into the perfect fighting machine. Well, that's their excuse anyway...

ULTKD practices ITF (Ch'ang hon) style tae kwon do, although we have members who have previously trained in a variety of styles, and welcome practitioners of Korean or other martial arts regardless of the style. We teach sparring, patterns, destruction and self-defence, and as a side effect of training you will also develop your fitness, flexibility, self-confidence, mental alertness and reflexes.

Membership costs £15 to join, which includes the cost of the licence which is required for gradings and tournaments, and includes insurance in case of accidents. Training fees are £15 for each of the first two terms and £10 for the summer term. Fees are payable to the Treasurer as close to the start of term as possible.

ABOUT TAE KWON-DO

Join Tae Kwon-do and learn self-defence and improve your self-confidence, fitness, and flexibility.

Tae Kwon-do is a Korean martial art that teaches self-defence through its five tenets: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control and Indomitable Spirit. Translated from Korean, Tae Kwon-do essentially means the art of punching and kicking.

Tae Kwon-do uses unarmed combat for self-defence, involving the skilled application of punches, kicks, blocks and dodges, enabling the weak to possess a fine weapon, together with confidence to defend him or herself and defeat the opponent as well.

Tae Kwon-do is a great way to improve your fitness. We welcome people of all fitness levels and no prior knowledge of martial arts is required.

CODE OF PRACTICE

Our aim is to make Tae Kwon Do enjoyable and safe at the same time. The code of practice set out below is to ensure this.

Sparring

Tae Kwon Do is a martial art and a degree of physical contact is necessary in order to participate fully.
The instructor or a senior member must supervise all sparring.
Members must bear in mind that sparring can be dangerous and must exercise control when executing attacks and blocks. Any excessive force will result in a reprimand and may lead to expulsion from the club.
When sparring, protection must be used on the head, hands and feet of the participants. Groin guards and shin pads are highly recommended. Gum shields and chest protectors are also useful.

Safety

Every club session must start with warming up and stretching to prevent injury. Anyone arriving late must warm up and stretch on their own before taking part.
No one may train whilst ill or incapacitated without prior consultation with the instructor.
All reasonable orders from the instructor must be obeyed.
No jewellery or watches may be worn during club sessions.
Any accidents or injuries must be reported immediately to the instructor and/or a committee member.
The Club Captain is responsible for ensuring that a first aid kit is available for training sessions.

Equipment

We use a variety of equipment in addition to sparring gear. Focus pads, kick shields, breaking boards and the holder must not be used without supervision from the instructor, or an appointed senior member.
All members must have a University Sportscard, and a current valid licence and insurance which are obtained through the Committee.

CLUB RULES

Download Club Rules

Club rules should be read and understood by all members, as you will be expected to comply with them. If there is anything about which you are unsure, please ask one of the Committee. The rules are presented in easy-to-read format, and can be downloaded and printed for your convenience.

Please note that ULTKD is a sports club affiliated with the University of Leicester. The Club Committee have full authority over the running of the club, including appointing the instructor. Any questions, issues or problems relating to the organisation or running of the club should be directed towards them. However, for safety reasons the conduct of training sessions is the sole responsibility of the instructor; all decisions taken by the instructor during a session are therefore final.

PROTOCOL

In addition to the club rules, which are specific to ULTKD, there is a general protocol applicable to TKD practitioners. Most of this is covered either within our club rules, or in the ettiquette section in Training, but for the complete guide see TKD Protocol. Please note that ULTKD is a pretty laid back club, and the majority of the finer points of ettiquette are not strictly enforced within the club. However, when grading, training or competing with outside clubs, you will be expected to know and apply the correct behaviour.

DOCUMENTS

See also ULSU Health & Safety Section for more documents & guidance