JUNIORS
Our junior class is specially designed for children aged 8 - 11 years old. The classes are 50 minutes long and will have a mix of fun and games with traditional Tae Kwon do techniques. The class will be led by the senior club instructor and a number of assistant instructors to help assist the children with their learning.
Once your child has enrolled, they are then classed as white belts. The first nationally recognised grading is for a white belt with a yellow stripe, however this can be a lot to learn for children and quite daunting, so we start with a junior club grading programme to break down the requirements into ‘bite size’ pieces.
Progression
The junior programme is as follows;
Start as a white belt when enrolled, then work towards;
White with Orange stripe
3 months until grading
White with Green stripe
minimum 3 months between gradings
White with Blue stripe
minimum 3 months between gradings
White with Red stripe
minimum 3 months between gradings
First national colour belt grading for:
White with Yellow stripe
minimum 3 months between gradings
The gradings for the junior programme are held separately from the national gradings, so that children can get used to the format on a smaller scale before entering the national grading system. However, if at any time in the junior programme, your child shows the ability to take the national grading, they may be put forward to attempt it at the next available grading. We would discuss this with you before making a decision. Gradings are usually held four times a year.
Once your child has progressed and achieved their 9th kup (yellow belt with white stripe) the additional resources to support their training will be found on the COLOUR BELT resource page.
Expectations
Your child will be given a ‘Training and class behaviour card’ which will contain all they need to know for their first Orange stripe grading. They must bring this card to every lesson so that they can be tested on their grading requirements. These requirements will then be signed off on their card when they can successfully complete each one. There is also a place on the card for the instructor to record their attendance and behaviour in each class. When they bring the card home it gives you a chance to see how they are progressing in class and you can help them continue to learn at home.
This system has been proven to help with children’s concentration and motivation in the class. Remember this is only part of the class, they are not permanently being tested, and there is plenty of time for fun too!
When it comes to grading, you and your child’s school teacher will be asked to comment on their behaviour and concentration at home and at school, and this will also be taken into consideration when deciding to put forward your child for the grading.
It is important for us to work together to make your child’s journey in Tae Kwon do a success. You may even consider taking on the Tae Kwon do journey yourself and begin training in the adults’ class!
Belt Tying Tutorial with Mrs Oborne
(click on the belt below)
