Frequently Asked Questions

Possibly, and we would rather say so here than have you find out on the day. Springwater is a small club that has been running since 2002, and eight of our members hold black belts. Walking into that as a complete beginner sounds daunting — but it is also the reason beginners get so much attention here. With four qualified instructors and a class this size, nobody trains at the back on their own, and every person in the room started exactly where you would be starting.

If you would rather not start on your own, bring a friend or your partner. People who begin in pairs settle in fastest, and adults training together is one of the things we see work best. Just ask and we will tell you when other beginners are due to start, so you can begin alongside them.

Often yes — and we would much rather talk it through with you than have you guess from a website. We have taught students with additional needs for years, including students who have gone on to reach senior grades, and the same applies to adults as to children.

We are not specialists and would not claim to be. What we do have is four qualified instructors for a small class, which means someone can be given proper individual attention when they need it, and no reason to rush anyone through the syllabus. People grade when they are ready, not on a schedule.

Tell us before the first lesson what helps and what does not — noise, physical contact, being singled out, needing to step outside for a few minutes — and we will plan around it. You are welcome to come and watch a class without training, or to arrive early and see the hall while it is quiet. Our Welfare Officer is Anne Oliver, and you can raise anything with her or with any of the instructors.

We welcome students from age 9 upwards. Children and teenagers (ages 9+) all train together in our classes, with instruction adapted to each student's age and ability level. Younger students (9+) enjoy a fun, age-appropriate introduction focusing on coordination, basic techniques, and building confidence in a playful environment. Older children and teens develop anti-bullying skills, fitness, self-confidence, and respect while learning competition techniques, self-defense, and progressing through belt rankings. All ages make friends and grow together in our supportive club atmosphere. Adults (16+) are also very welcome!

No! Taekwondo is a great way to GET fit. We welcome complete beginners of all fitness levels. Every class starts with a warm-up and stretching, and you'll work at your own pace. Our instructors will guide you safely through exercises, gradually building your strength, flexibility, and stamina over time.

For your first few lessons, just wear comfortable athletic clothing - a T-shirt and jogging bottoms or tracksuit trousers are perfect. You'll train barefoot, so no special footwear is needed. Don't buy any equipment until you're sure you want to continue. Once you become a member, you can purchase a Taekwondo uniform (dobok) through the club or from sports shops.

Yes! Safety is our top priority. All our instructors are fully qualified, DBS checked, and insured through BMABA. We teach in a controlled, supervised environment with proper warm-ups and safety protocols. Children learn discipline, control, and respect alongside physical techniques. Our Welfare Officer ensures child protection standards are maintained at all times.

Your first lesson is completely FREE - no obligation! After that, lessons are just £8 per session with no long-term contracts. Annual membership is £45 (includes BMABA license and insurance), required after your first 4 lessons. Grading fees are £40 (includes certificate and belt). As a non-profit club, we keep costs low for families.

We train every Saturday from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at Springwater Catholic Community Centre, 30 Springwater Avenue, Sheffield, S12 4HJ. This 2-hour session provides comprehensive training in all aspects of Taekwondo.

Absolutely not! The majority of our students start as complete beginners. We teach the fundamentals from the ground up and progress at a pace suited to each individual. Whether you've never done martial arts before or have experience in other styles, you're welcome at Springwater Taekwondo.

We recommend training weekly. Regular attendance is key to progression. Students who train consistently can expect to be ready for belt grading examinations every 3-4 months.

We teach the complete art of Taekwondo, covering all 5 core disciplines:

• Basics (Gibon): Fundamental stances, blocks, punches, and kicks
• Patterns (Tul): Choreographed sequences of techniques
• Sparring (Matsogi): Both sport-style and traditional step sparring
• Self-Defense (Hosinsul): Practical defense techniques
• Destruction (Weerok): Power breaking (board breaking)

Each class includes warm-up, stretching, and structured syllabus work covering these areas.

Sparring is part of Taekwondo training, but we introduce it gradually with full safety equipment and strict control. You'll learn step sparring (pre-arranged techniques) before progressing to light contact sparring. All sparring is supervised by instructors and appropriate for your skill level. Safety and control are always emphasized.

Progress depends on individual dedication, natural ability, and training frequency. With regular attendance (once per week) and hard work, most students take 3-5 years to achieve 1st Dan (black belt). However, Taekwondo is a journey, not a race - the skills, discipline, and friendships you gain along the way are just as valuable as the belt itself!

Adults are absolutely welcome! We have students ranging from children to adults training together. Taekwondo is excellent for adult fitness, stress relief, self-defense, and personal development. It's never too late to start - we've had people begin in their 30s, 40s, and beyond. Everyone trains at their own pace and ability level.

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art known for its dynamic, fast, and high kicks. While it shares some similarities with other martial arts (due to historical influences), Taekwondo has a distinctive style emphasizing leg techniques, speed, and agility. It's both a traditional martial art and a modern Olympic sport, offering comprehensive training in self-defense, fitness, and mental discipline.

Yes! We are proudly licensed and insured through the British Martial Arts & Boxing Association (BMABA), a leading independent martial arts association. We're also members of the All Styles Martial Arts Association/Self Defence Federation (ASMAA/SDF), giving us access to high-quality instructors from various martial arts styles.

Absolutely! We encourage parents and prospective students to come and watch a class. Better yet, your first lesson is FREE, so you can experience training firsthand with no commitment. Contact us to arrange your free trial class.

Grading examinations test your knowledge of the syllabus for your current level. You'll demonstrate techniques from basics, patterns, sparring, self-defense, and sometimes destruction (board breaking). Our instructors will prepare you thoroughly beforehand. Gradings are held every 3-4 months, cost £40 (includes certificate and belt), and if unsuccessful, the re-test is free after revision work.

We are at Springwater Catholic Community Centre, 30 Springwater Avenue, Sheffield, S12 4HJ, with parking at the centre. We are easy to reach from Hackenthorpe, Beighton, Mosborough and across S12. There is more detail, including what time to arrive, on our first lesson page.

Yes, and we would encourage it, especially for a first lesson. You are welcome to stay for the whole session. Plenty of parents do, and a good number end up joining in themselves.

Almost everyone is nervous walking in for the first time - it is the reason a lot of people never come at all. Nobody expects a new student to know anything, and no one is put on the spot. Take it at your own pace, and tell an instructor beforehand if it would help.

Nothing happens - you simply pick up where you left off. Training is pay-as-you-train at £8 a lesson, with no contract, no direct debit and no notice period, so a break costs you nothing.

No. We train once a week, every Saturday from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. It is a two-hour session, which is longer than most clubs' weekday classes.