Frequently Asked Questions
Starting something new can feel like a big step, especially for children. Whether your child is confident, nervous, energetic, shy, or completely new to martial arts, this page answers the questions parents most often ask before attending their first class at Tan’Gun.
Our aim is simple: to help you feel informed, reassured, and ready before you arrive.
Starting with us Do you offer a free trial class? Yes. We offer a Free Introductory Class, also known as a Free Tryout Class, so students can experience the Academy before joining. This gives your child, or you as an adult student, the chance to try a class, meet the instructors, and see whether Tan’Gun feels like the right fit. Do I need to book in advance? Yes, please. We strongly recommend booking in advance as some classes have limited spaces. This also allows us to make sure you attend the correct class for your age, experience level, and ability. What happens after the introductory class? After the class, we’ll have a quick chat with you about how it went and discuss the membership options available. We don’t expect anyone to join before they’ve experienced the class. The first step is simply to see whether we are a good fit for each other. What should my child wear for their first class? For the first class, students should wear loose, comfortable clothing, such as jogging bottoms and a T-shirt. They do not need a uniform for their first tryout class. When does my child need a uniform? Once your child has completed their tryout class and you decide to start regular training, we’ll explain the starter pack options and everything they need to begin properly. What is included in the starter pack? The starter pack includes the essential items students need to begin regular training. We offer different starter pack options, including a basic starter pack and a premium starter pack. These are discussed after the introductory class when we go through the membership options with you.
Parents watching classes Can parents stay and watch? Yes, parents can stay and watch, although this depends slightly on the age group. For Tigers, parents need to stay and be on the mat with their child. For Mini Dragons, parents should stay. For Mighty Dragons, parents can leave if they wish, although we generally recommend staying, especially while children are still settling in. For Ninjas, parents do not usually need to stay. For Cadets, parents generally do not need to stay. Adult students attend independently. Where do parents wait? Parents usually stay in the reception or viewing area while the class is taking place. We ask parents to avoid distracting students during training, as part of the class is helping children build independence, focus, and confidence. Can parents take photos or videos? Photos and videos are not normally allowed during class unless permission has been given and the other parents in the class are comfortable with it. This is to protect the privacy and safeguarding of all students.
Nervous, shy, or reluctant children What if my child is nervous or shy? That is completely normal. Some children walk straight onto the mat. Others need time to watch, settle, and understand the environment first. If your child is nervous, they can watch from the side of the mat until they feel ready to take part. What if my child does not join in during the first class? If a child is too nervous to take part, we do not treat that as their tryout class. Their first free introductory class begins when they actually step onto the mat and take part. We have had children who needed time to watch first, and later became brilliant students once they felt safe and ready. Will my child be forced to join in? No. Children are never forced. They will be gently encouraged, supported, and given time. The aim is to build confidence, not create pressure. What if my child cries or refuses to take part? If this happens, we stay calm and give the child time. Parents are welcome to persevere gently from the side of the mat. Some children need more than one visit before they feel ready, and that is okay.
Safety, safeguarding, and contact Are the classes safe? Yes. Classes are structured, supervised, and taught in an age-appropriate way. Students are not rushed into anything they are not ready for. Are instructors checked and insured? Yes. Our instructors are appropriately checked, insured, and trained. We take safeguarding, first aid, and student welfare seriously. Do beginners do sparring? Beginners may be introduced to partner work and controlled sparring gradually, but only when they are comfortable and ready. We do not throw beginners into heavy contact. When does controlled contact begin? Controlled contact usually begins around green belt level onwards, which is also when students need appropriate protective equipment such as body armour. Will martial arts make my child aggressive? No. Good martial arts training should do the opposite. We teach control, respect, discipline, patience, and responsibility. Students learn that martial arts skills are not for showing off or behaving aggressively.
Age groups and programmes What age can children start? Children can start from age 3 in our Tigers programme. Our main programmes are: Tigers: ages 3–4 Dragons: ages 5–8 Ninjas: ages 9–11 Cadets: ages 12–16 Adults: ages 17+ These age groups are a guide. Maturity, confidence, ability, and previous experience may also affect which class is most suitable. What are Mini Dragons and Mighty Dragons? Our Dragons programme is for children aged 5–8. All new Dragon students usually begin in Mini Dragons. As they develop confidence, focus, discipline, and technical ability, they can progress into Mighty Dragons. This helps children develop at the right pace rather than being rushed into a class that may not yet suit their stage of development. Can my child join if they have never done martial arts before? Yes. Most students start with no previous martial arts experience. Beginners are very welcome, and classes are structured so students can learn step by step. Can adults join as beginners? Yes. Adults can start with no previous experience. You do not need to be fit, flexible, or confident before starting. Those qualities develop through training.
What happens in class? How long are the classes? Tigers and Dragons classes are 30 minutes. Ninjas, Cadets, and Adults classes are 45 minutes. What does a typical first class include? A first class may include basic martial arts movements such as kicking, punching, blocking, listening skills, balance, coordination, and simple confidence-building exercises. The class is structured, but we also keep it positive, encouraging, and age-appropriate. Is it just kicking and punching? No. The physical skills are only part of what we do. At Tan’Gun, we also focus on confidence, discipline, focus, respect, self-control, fitness, and resilience. Are students barefoot on the mats? Yes. Students train barefoot on the mats. This helps with safety, balance, hygiene, and correct martial arts movement. Is jewellery allowed? No jewellery is allowed on the mats. This is for the safety of the student and everyone else in the class.
Additional needs Can my child attend if they have ADHD, autism, or additional needs? We welcome enquiries from parents of children with additional needs. Every child is different, so we ask parents to speak with us before booking so we can understand the child’s needs, personality, triggers, confidence level, and whether the class environment is likely to be suitable. We will always be honest and professional. Our goal is to support students properly, while also making sure the class remains safe and positive for everyone.
Progress and gradings How does my child progress? Students progress through a structured syllabus, developing their martial arts skills, confidence, focus, discipline, and attitude over time. Progress is based on consistency, effort, behaviour, and ability. How often are gradings? As a guide: Tigers grade approximately every 9–10 weeks. Dragons grade approximately every 9–10 weeks. Beginner Certificate students grade roughly every 9 weeks. This may vary depending on readiness and the Academy calendar. Does every child grade automatically? No. Students need to be ready. Gradings are not automatic. Students must show the required standard in class, including effort, focus, attitude, and behaviour. For younger students, we also value parent feedback about behaviour outside the Academy, because martial arts is about character, not just technique. Does every child start at white belt? Yes, children normally start at white belt. If a child has previous martial arts experience from another club, we can assess their level and may allow them to continue from their current belt where appropriate. How long does it take to get a black belt? A black belt takes years of consistent training. We do not rush students through belts. The goal is real development, not collecting grades quickly. Behaviour and discipline What is your discipline style? Our approach is firm but kind. Classes are structured, encouraging, and respectful. We set high standards, but we do not believe in shouting at children to build confidence. What happens if a child disrupts the class? It depends on the child, the situation, and the level of disruption. Our instructors are experienced in dealing with children calmly and professionally. Where needed, students may be given warnings and guided back into the correct behaviour. Master David has many years of experience helping children learn boundaries in a kind, structured, and effective way. Do students have to show respect? Yes. Respect is a key part of training. Students are expected to listen, follow instructions, treat others kindly, and try their best.
Membership and payment How much are classes? We discuss membership options after the introductory class. This allows us to recommend the correct programme and explain the best option based on the student’s age, class, and training needs. Is membership paid monthly? Yes. Membership is paid by monthly subscription. Can I cancel membership? Yes. We require 28 days’ notice to cancel your monthly payment. Full details are covered in our terms and conditions. Can membership be paused? This depends on the circumstances and is covered in our terms and conditions. Please speak to us directly if you need help with a specific situation.
Location
Where is Tan’Gun based?
Tan’Gun Taekwondo & Martial Arts Academy is based at:
6b Bellegrove Road, Welling, Kent DA16 3PR
We recommend arriving a little early for your first class so we can welcome you properly and help you get settled.