Hills District Martial Arts: Taekwondo, Hapkido and Weaponry

HDMA SESSIONS

We do our best to keep each session unique and enjoyable at HDMA. While some of the content might change between sessions, there are some common features of each session! See the information below to get an idea of what you can expect in our sessions and some common questions you might have!

BEGINNING OF CLASS

  • Please try to arrive 10 minutes early whenever possible. This will allow you enough time to sufficiently prepare, change and warm up before the session starts.
  • An Instructor will signal when the next class can move across to the bag area. Please avoid interrupting a current class by walking along the back of the mat during the session.
  • Class will begin by lining up, starting with the highest grade in the front right corner. Students will continue to line up across to the left in belt order until a new line is started.
  • The session will open with a Bow to the Master, Head Instructor, Leadership Team, the highest grade student and finally the flag. This may also include recitation of the Club Oath.
What should I do if I am running late?

We understand that there are many factors that may contribute to a student running late for their session. We ask all members to do their utmost to arrive on time or early to ensure smooth classes.

The Class Has Already Lined Up or Started:

  1. Wait at the entrance to the mats to be acknowledged by an Instructor.
  2. When signaled, move across quickly and quietly along the back of the mat to the bag area.
  3. Place your belongings down and when ready, wait in the corner of the mat to be acknowledged by the Instructor.
  4. Join the class by lining up in the back line. Remain lined up in this position during the class until asked to reorganise by the Instructor to avoid confusion and respect the other members of the class.

DURING CLASS

  • Most Classes consist of a Warm Up, Stretch, Technical Exercises and Drills, however we try to vary the types of exercises day to day.
  • During class, please follow the directions of Assistants and Instructors. We ask all students to do their best to train safely and with intensity.
  • Ensure there is no talking while an Instructor is talking and listen to all directions before moving on.
  • Each class will be given the opportunity to have a drink break. This will be initiated by the Instructor.
What is a Kihap?

You may have heard other students making a loud sound during their techniques. This is known as a Kihap. A Kihap is an expression of energy released from the body with many benefits to our techniques, and is a very important part of Martial Arts.

Some benefits include increasing strength and focus, encouraging correct breathing, helping you commit to the technique and projecting your power and confidence.

Can I still participate if I am very late?

Please do your best to be early for your allocated class times. If you are late, you can still join the class, but you should do your best to provide no disruption to the class or other students. If you are consistently late by 10-15 mins you should consider changing your attendance where possible to ensure you do not miss out on valuable content regularly. The beginning of the class is full of Warm Up and Stretching exercises which are extremely important to avoid injuries.

Regularly running late or leaving class early may result in your attendance not counting towards your required classes for Belt Promotion.

How should I address the Instructors?

Please address all Instructors with respect. Instructors and directions should be answered with either Yes Sir or Yes Ma'am appropriately. If you are addressing directly, you can use the same Sir or Ma'am title, or the Instructors name preceded by their honorific appropriately:

MASTER Justin

MR Noah

AFTER CLASS

  • The session will end with a lining up and bowing procedure the same as the beginning of the class.
  • During the changeover period, please assist Instructors and fellow members by remaining calm and orderly in the Dojang.
  • Please collect your belongings and leave along the back of the Dojang, avoid cutting across the Dojang or disrupting other students.
  • If you have a question or other matter to discuss with an instructor that may take some time, please allow all short requests to be finalised before addressing your concern, or consider sending us an email on info@hillstkd.com.au

Please ensure all children are picked up from inside the training centre! We understand it can be inconvenient to park during busy hours, however it is unsafe to have small children running out to cars across the road. Please be considerate of our members and families.

Instructors will remain on-site if someone has not been picked up, regardless of age. Please be on time where possible as even adults will not be left outside the Dojang with no way to leave.

Can I leave early?

If you unavoidably are required to leave the class early, please do your best to let Instructors know ahead of time. If you are unable to regularly stay for the full session we encourage you to consider changing your attendance so that you do not miss out on valuable content.

Regularly running late or leaving class early may result in your attendance not counting towards your required classes for Belt Promotion.

What should I do if I am running late for pickup?

We understand many situations can contribute to running late! Please do not rush and take risks if you are running late.

If you know ahead of the session that you will be running late:

Please let us know by text message (0456 226 849) or email (info@hillstkd.com.au).

Please let your child know to wait inside until they are collected so they do not get upset or worried!

If something happens to cause you to run late:

If you are safely able to, please let us know by email, text or voicemail message (as we may be currently teaching a class but will check if a child has not been collected)

We will let your child know to remain inside the Dojang until you arrive.