Membership in the NIH Taekwondo Club
Persons with black-belt rank from another club or school are evaluated for entry rank by the senior instructors. The highest rank to be considered for these persons is 1st Kub (brown belt with black stripe). At a minimum, such persons must qualify in the four phases of the Advanced Self-Defense Program and demonstrate proficiency in the required Taeguek forms. Recertification will be recognized by award of the rank of 1st dan from the Club.
Members must be covered by medical insurance that will cover costs of possible injury in association with Club training, and must be members of the Recreation and Welfare Association.
Persons that are sero-positive for HIV must report the fact to the senior instructor. Precautions will be explained to, and required of the student. This information is confidential. Fingernails and toenails must be trimmed to avoid injury to self and others. Jewelry is not to be worn, as this is also a potential source of injury. Shoes are never worn in the training hall (dojang/dojo).
Enter the dojo in bare feet. You must wear shoes or sandals outside of the dojo at all times, including in the locker room (while changing, etc.), and when taking water breaks. The purpose extends beyond tradition - it is to keep the surface of the mat clean.
Report any injury to the senior instructor. An accident report is to be completed by the senior ranking person present as soon as possible following an accident. Club philosophy, training and instruction standards minimize risk of injury and are to be understood and followed. Most common injuries in training result from overexertion, lack of attention to instruction, or by failure to warm-up and stretch properly. If you feel at risk of injury in any situation, disengage from the exercise and request advice from an instructor.
Members are encouraged to arrive early prior to the formal training session for individualized warm-up, stretching, and practice (forms, one-step sparring, self-defense, mat work, etc.). The dojo is open at 5pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The formal classes on these days start at 6pm. The Saturday class starts at 10am and includes warm-up exercises.
Persons wishing to train in the dojo, outside of the scheduled classes, must receive permission from the senior instructor to do so, and must restrict such training to techniques specifically taught in class or to techniques reviewed and approved by the senior instructor prior to engaging in such practice.
The Malone Center is located in the 4th basement level, C-wing of NIH building 31.
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