Questions,
answered

No. You do not need to get fit before joining Taekwon-Do. Training builds your fitness, strength, coordination and confidence gradually, at a level that is right for you. Everyone works at their own pace.

Yes — most of our students had never done a martial art before their first class. Everything is taught from the very beginning, and beginners of all ages train alongside people at the same stage.

Comfortable sports clothes — a t-shirt and track pants or shorts — and bare feet on the mats. Once you enrol you will get a Taekwon-Do uniform (dobok) and white belt; there is no need to buy anything before you try a class.

Very much so. Classes are structured and predictable, praise is specific and genuine, and confidence grows one small success at a time. Many of our most confident senior students started as the shy child at the back of the class.

Students usually grade every term or two in the early belts, and take longer at senior grades. A first black belt typically represents around four to five years of consistent training. Progression is earned through knowledge, ability and effort — never just attendance.

No. Competition is optional. Some students love tournaments and go on to represent New Zealand; many others train purely for fitness, confidence and self-defence and never compete. Both paths are fully supported.

Absolutely. Adults of every age and fitness level start with us, including parents who join after watching their children train. Adult beginner classes take you from the very first stance to black belt at your own pace.

One simple term fee covers unlimited training for the full 10-week term, paid in advance. Pay online by card or by EFTPOS at the centre. Family, inclusive and concession rates are available — just ask.

To start, nothing. Once you enrol you will need a uniform (dobok). Sparring equipment is only needed once you begin sparring at a later grade, and we will tell you exactly what to get and when.

Yes — it is at the heart of what we do. NZ ITF runs a structured inclusive Taekwon-Do pathway for students with intellectual and physical disabilities, adapted to each individual, with the same belts, patterns and pride as everyone else.

Often yes, and we will talk with you first about what works best. Some students thrive in the mainstream class with support, others start in the inclusive programme; either way the goal is the same — real Taekwon-Do, real progress.

Our Pre-School Taekwon-Do sessions start from age 2, with beginner and advanced groups for ages 4 to 8. Children then move into the grade-based classes, where they train with others of a similar age and belt.

At our full-time training centre: 115 King Street South, Hastings. Members also get free use of the Inclusive Fitness gym on site.

Yes. We have one family rate for a household, and parents and children often grade side by side. Check the timetable for the classes each family member can attend.