About the GTUK

Learn Taekwon-Do with the GTUK

What is Taekwon-Do?

Taekwon-Do is a Korean martial art, devised by General Choi Hong Hi and officially given its name on 11th April 1955. It is a form of unarmed combat designed for self defence that utilises scientific principles combined with natural body movements to create an art unrivalled in power or technique.

Translated literally “Tae” stands for jumping or flying, to kick or smash with the foot. “Kwon” denotes the fist chiefly to punch or destroy with the hand or fist. “Do” means an art or way of life. The “Do” reflects a way of thinking, an approach to life. Through Taekwon-Do a sense of right and wrong and of moral justice and obligation is developed. As a martial art it assists both physical and mental development, training discipline, resolve and humility.

Information about the GTUK

The GTUK has been around in one guise or another since the early 1980’s. Formally a member of the GTF, we went back to the roots of Taekwon-Do in 2001 affiliating to the International Taekwon-Do Federation under Grand Master Choi, Jung Hwa IX, the son of the late founder of Taekwon-Do, General Choi, Hong Hi.

The GTUK is one of the largest Taekwon-Do Associations in the UK with clubs ranging form Scotland to Cornwall. In addition to the normal colour belt clubs there are also Jee Goo clubs which are black belt only clubs. These are run by 4th Degrees and above and are aimed at maintaining the high standards of the association black belts which in turn filters down to all ranks.

We practice the traditional martial art of Taekwon-Do and as such follows the Chang-Hon patterns as created by General Choi. In addition to the traditional side of the art the association also has a strong competition side. We hold four major competitions per year that include national individual, and national black belt team championships in England & Scotland. An annual university championships, as well as local regional competitions.

open itf taekwondo
Founder members of OPEN ITF TAEKWONDO

The association has developed national squads that enters other competitions nationally and internationally. In the past our members have competed at World Championships all over the world including Russia, the USA, Italy and Korea as well as European Championships in many countries. The group’s close links with other associations nationally and internationally also means we are invited to attend many other tournaments including a recent trip to Poland.

The GTUK is affiliated to the only government recognised governing body for Taekwon-Do in this country, the British Taekwon-Do Council, (BTC) which provides our members with insurance and also implements a well regulated child protection policy.

 

What would I do in a typical lesson?

Taekwon-Do aims to promote a healthy body and mind and so at the start of every lesson you would be lead through a thorough warm up to prepare the muscles, joints and cardiovascular system for exercise.

Lesson’s are varied to maintain students’ interest and so one lesson may be very different to the next however you will learn and practise all aspects of Taekwon-Do including drill work, patterns, self defence, pre arranged sparring, free sparring and destruction.

Each lesson will end with a cool down to allow the body to recover from the session and reduce the risk of injury the following day.

New Grading Syllabus

How does the grading system work?

As you progress in Taekwon-Do you will be tested by an external examiner at club gradings. The grading process is very important to both your training and the growth of the GTUK. Gradings are designed to improve your techniques and maintain your enthusiasm, whilst being a test of both your physical and mental strength. There are ten gradings upon reaching your black belt.

You will be expected to take four of these gradings per year (up to Blue Belt) and then three per year until you are ready to take your Black Belt grading. By successfully completing your gradings you will be awarded a belt & certificate. The colour of your belt is a representation of your ability. The GTUK sets high standards and gradings are thorough, just turning up does not earn you the right to the next belt!

Does the GTUK have a child protection policy?

In keeping with the BTC (British Takewon-Do Council) and GTUK Child Protection Policy, all instructors are required to attend a Child Protection Course and undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (England and Wales) (DBS) or Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (Scotland) (PVG) checks prior to taking up the above position. All instructors receive certification confirming their eligibility to instruct in the art of Taekwon-Do and their suitability in working with children and vulnerable adults.

Child Protection in Sport Unit

See GTUK Safeguarding.

A Child Protection Officer has been appointed on behalf of the GTUK and they work closely with the British Taekwon-Do Council to implement the Child Protection Policy.

Should you wish to contact the Child Protection Officer for any reason please telephone Mr Darren Twelvetree on 07772 780561 or email: [email protected].

Where is my nearest club?

We have clubs all over the country. New students can find a GTUK Club by contacting the GTUK Head Office on 01926 863111. “We also WELCOME EXISITING INSTRUCTORS and Black Belts to JOIN US!”. Click here for more details.

Where can I find out more information?

If there is anything else that you would like to know then feel free to browse our main website as it contains an abundance of information about Taekwon-Do and the GTUK. You can see what we get up to by reading our members articles and viewing the photo and video gallerys.

For any further information then you can email us at [email protected]
or phone the GTUK admin office on 01926 863 111.