Frequently Asked Questions
Abbott's Taekwondo America Rules and Regulations
- Students must wear an official Taekwondo America uniform to all formal events, with all the appropriate patches sewn on. Approved T-shirts and colored pants may be worn to class only.
- Students must have clean bodies, trimmed nails and well groomed hair.
- Long hair should be pulled back out of the face of the student into a pony tail.
- For your safety, and the safety of others, jewelry is not to be worn in class.
- Only bare feet in the practice area. Shoes should NEVER be on the mats.
- Students should have respect for fellow students and should always answer to each other accordingly using "Sir" or "Ma'am."
- Instructors are always to be called "Sir" or "Ma'am"; Instructors should be called Mr., Mrs., or Miss, then their surnames.
- All students should follow instructions given by Instructors or Senior Students in class. When given an instruction, the student should recognize that he/she understands that instruction by firmly stating "Yes Sir" or "Yes Ma'am!".
- Colored belts and non-instructor black belts should not instruct except on direct orders from the Chief Instructor.
- Never interrupt an instructor working with a student or teaching class. No Side Coaching Please.
- While on the workout floor, always walk around an instructor and his group. Never walk through a group.
- Members should not be in the school if they are under the influence of alcohol.
- Students and Instructors are not permitted to use illegal drugs.
- Members or parents are not permitted to smoke cigarettes in or around the school.
- Instructors are not permitted to smoke cigarettes at all.
- Please take home all items brought into the school. We are not responsible forgear, shoes, etc. left at the center.
- Students should not kick, punch or horseplay while waiting for their class.
- Members and guests of students should not disturb class. The waiting area should remain quiet.
- Children should not remain unsupervised in or on the premises at any time.
- Students should be dropped off and picked up in a timely fashion, and must wait inside the school.
- Students may only wear sparring gear or other safety equipment approved by the Chief Instructor. TA co-branded Red Century gear is the ONLY gear allowed/approved by Taekwondo America.
- At all times students should live their lives by the Tenets and Student Oath.
- Courtesy
- Integrity
- Perseverance
- Self Control
- Indomitable Spirit
Tenets of Taekwondo
- I shall observe the tenets of Taekwondo
- I shall respect instructors and senior students.
- I shall never misuse Taekwondo.
- I will be a champion of freedom and justice.
- I will build a more peaceful world.
Student Oath
Who are the staff members?
Mr. Sean Abbott is the Chief Instructor and owner of Abbott's Taekwondo America for both Roanoke and Blacksburg locations. He makes all the final decisions regarding students, their ranks, and school policies. Mrs. Teresa Abbott is a Certified Instructor. She assists Mr. Abbott on the floor and at the counter, and is very capable of answering your questions and concerns.
All of our instructors are NATIONALLY CERTIFIED to teach, as well as first aid and CPR Certified.
All of our instructors are NATIONALLY CERTIFIED to teach, as well as first aid and CPR Certified.
How many times a week should my child or I come to class?
Students should attend a minimum of 2 classes a week (3 is best). Setting a schedule and being consistent is important. It is better to do 2 classes every week than missing a week and then trying to make it up the next week. Additionally, students that do not come to class consistently often feel out of place and then do not want to come to class. However, students that do come on a consistent basis feel better and actually look forward to coming to class.
Why can't I stay in the workout areas and watch the classes?
You can. Just not all the time. We want the students undivided attention in class so that we can give them all of ours. We used to allow everyone to stay and it became too disruptive. We are very flexible about allowing parents to come into the workout areas to observe classes. The major 5 reasons for coming into the instruction area are:
- My child is new to this school and I would like to see what it is he/she is going to be learning.
- My child has just been promoted and is having trouble with a technique. I would like to see what it is and how it is taught so that I can help him/her practice at home.
- My child is showing a reluctance to come to class. I would like to sit in and see if myself and the instructor can pin point the issue and resolve it.
- My child has been sick or injured and I want to make sure I have not brought them back to class too soon.
- I work out of town all week and I would really like to sit in and watch my child doing TKD.
What are the Uniform requirements?
Each student is issued an official Taekwondo America Uniform upon enrollment. All students are required to wear either their full uniform or their uniform pants, a Taekwondo America T-shirt and belt. Female students should wear a plain white T-shirt under their uniform jacket when in full uniform. Uniforms should be clean and free of holes.
Should students practice at home?
Practicing at home is not required provided that students attend 2 or more classes per week. However, if students wish to practice at home, it should be done in an approved area with plenty of space. Board breaking should not be done until the student is taught how to do it in class. Parents can help by holding a target, watching forms and asking questions. But please, don't try to teach. That will actually create confusion.
How do I find out what is happening in the school?
We have a two month Calendar printed, the website and the Instructors announce upcoming events at the end of class. We also have an email list that we would encourage each of you to sign up for.
What if my child uses Taekwondo at home or at school?
Tell Mr. Abbott IMMEDIATELY. While he understands that students can be a little over anxious to share and show off, this can be dangerous. Please inform him as soon as possible so that we can take steps to correct the situation.
What do the instructors expect from the students?
We expect our students to give their best effort. Technique at the early stages of training is not as important as a positive attitude. If a student tries hard and has a good attitude, they will develop better technique over time because they are listening and learning.
How do the students earn "stripes" in class?
Each stripe is earned in class for achieving a short term goal that breaks up the requirements for advancement from one belt to the next. Students will have the opportunity to test for stripes during their class times throughout the testing cycle, and should have all their stripes by testing. When a student has all their stripes, they are ready to test for their next belt. The student is responsible for knowing their rank requirements, and should refer to the rank and stripe charts in order to prepare properly.
What is testing?
Testing is a process where we evaluate the skills of the student to determine whether they are ready to progress to the next level of training. What is expected of students depends on the rank, age, and physical ability of the student. What is required to pass testing increases dramatically as a student advances in rank. Each student is encouraged to train consistently in order to learn their material and test when they are eligible, but testing is optional. Testing color belts happens every two months. Should a student not pass testing, the student does not have to pay for the next testing provided that the student continues to test in an attempt to obtain that rank.
How long does it take to become a Black Belt?
It is mathematically possible to become a Black Belt in 2 years. However, it takes most people longer to attain that rank. But remember, Black Belt is the beginning, not the end, of serious training. A black belt is simply a master of the basics. Black Belt indicates that the wearer is a serious student of the art.
How much does it cost?
We have many pricing options available, please click here to view our pricing and specials.