Taekwondo for Beginners in London — Everything You Need to Know

Of all the martial arts available in London, taekwondo stands apart. It's an Olympic sport, a globally recognised discipline, and — in my experience teaching over 25 years — the single most complete activity for developing fitness, confidence, and mental discipline at the same time.

If you're considering starting, this guide covers everything you need to know: what taekwondo involves, what a class looks like, what to bring, and — most importantly — what to look for in a club.

I'm Master Sammy Shajirat — 7th Dan Black Belt, Kukkiwon-certified, and founder of Karoon Taekwondo Academy in North London. Every class at Karoon is taught personally by me. I've introduced hundreds of beginners to taekwondo and I know exactly what holds people back from starting — and what makes them stay.

What Is Taekwondo?

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art and Olympic sport known primarily for its kicking technique. It became an Olympic sport at Sydney 2000 and has been a fixture ever since. The name breaks down as: Tae (foot/kick), Kwon (hand/fist), Do (the way or discipline).

What sets taekwondo apart from other martial arts — and from conventional fitness activities — is the combination it delivers. High, explosive kicks develop leg strength and flexibility that no gym programme replicates. The cardio demand is intense. The discipline required builds mental fortitude. And unlike gym training, there's always a technical skill to develop, which means motivation doesn't fade.

There are two main governing styles: World Taekwondo (Kukkiwon) — the Olympic style — and ITF (International Taekwondo Federation). Most clubs in London, including Karoon, follow the World Taekwondo/Kukkiwon curriculum.

What Happens in a Beginner Class?

A standard beginner class runs 60 minutes and typically follows this structure:

1. Warm-up (10 minutes) — dynamic stretching, footwork drills, basic coordination exercises.
2. Technique (20 minutes) — the instructor breaks down fundamental kicks, blocks, and stances step by step. Beginners work at their own pace and are not expected to get things right immediately.
3. Drill work (15 minutes) — repetition of techniques, often in pairs or small groups. This is where muscle memory develops.
4. Patterns / sparring (10 minutes) — more advanced students may do controlled sparring. Beginners typically learn their first Poomsae (pre-set pattern of movements).
5. Cool-down and close (5 minutes) — structured close with etiquette. Students bow in and out of every session.

What Do I Need to Bring?

For your first class, you need:

• Comfortable sports clothing — joggers, leggings, or shorts and a t-shirt. Nothing too baggy.
• Socks or bare feet — shoes are not worn on the mat. Most beginners train in socks; bare feet is also fine.
• A water bottle — taekwondo is physically demanding. Stay hydrated.
• A small towel — optional but useful.

You do not need a dobok (taekwondo uniform) for your first session. If you decide to continue, your club will advise you on where to buy one and what grade suits you. Expect to pay £25–£45 for a beginner's dobok.

How Much Do Taekwondo Classes Cost in London?

Costs vary significantly depending on the club, location, and class frequency. As a general benchmark across London:

• Drop-in classes: £8–£15 per session
• Monthly membership (1x per week): £30–£60 per month
• Monthly membership (2x+ per week): £50–£90 per month
• Annual membership: Significant discount vs monthly at most clubs
• Grading fees: £20–£50 per grading event (typically every 3–6 months)

Most reputable clubs offer a free first class — the right way to evaluate before committing. At Karoon Taekwondo, your first session is completely free with no obligation. We'd rather you experience the class and decide for yourself than sign up without knowing what you're joining.

The Belt System Explained

Taekwondo uses a belt grading system to mark progression. The World Taekwondo curriculum follows this belt sequence:

Belt	Grade (Kup)	Approximate Duration
White	Starting grade	—
Yellow	8th Kup	3–4 months training
Green	6th Kup	4–6 months after yellow
Blue	4th Kup	4–6 months after green
Red	2nd Kup	6–12 months after blue
Black	1st Dan+	Typically 3–5 years total

Timing varies significantly based on how often you train, your age, and your physical aptitude. Adults who train twice a week consistently can realistically reach black belt within 3–4 years.

How to Choose a Taekwondo Club in London

London has a large number of clubs at varying quality levels. Here's what to look for:

• Instructor credentials — check their Dan grade, governing body affiliation (British Taekwondo), and whether they're Kukkiwon-certified. Ask directly if it's not listed.
• DBS checked — essential if your child will be training. Any reputable club should confirm this upfront.
• Who teaches the classes — at many clubs, junior coaches run most sessions. Ask whether the head instructor teaches every class or delegates.
• Class size — larger classes mean less individual attention. Ask the typical class size for your level.
• Free trial — any reputable club will offer a free first session. Never pay upfront without trying.
• Location and schedule — the best club is one you'll actually attend consistently. Check travel time and session frequency.

At Karoon Taekwondo, we tick every box on that list. Every class across all three venues is taught personally by Master Sammy — a 7th Dan, Kukkiwon-certified, British Taekwondo qualified instructor with 25+ years of experience. Every student gets direct coaching, not a junior coach running drills. We hold a 5.0 Google rating and have a free first session at Old Street, Holloway Road (Ramsay Scout Centre), and Lorraine Estate — five sessions per week across North London.

Is Taekwondo Right for Me?

Taekwondo suits people who want a martial art that emphasises speed, agility, and technical precision rather than pure strength. It's particularly well-suited to:

• Children aged 5 and upwards who benefit from structured physical activity and discipline
• Adults who want a full-body workout that's genuinely engaging
• People interested in competitive sport (regional and national competitions exist at all levels)
• Adults returning to martial arts after a gap — the body adapts quickly
• Anyone who has struggled to stick with conventional gym-based exercise

If your interest is primarily ground-fighting or wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu may be a better fit. But for striking ability, explosive fitness, flexibility, and the kind of physical confidence that carries into everyday life — taekwondo is the standout choice. And in North London, Karoon Taekwondo is where that training is done at the highest level.

Your Next Step

Don't overthink it. You don't need to be fit, flexible, or experienced. You don't need a uniform. You just need to show up once — and within 30 minutes you'll understand exactly why thousands of people across London train taekwondo every week.

If you're in North London — Old Street, Islington, Holloway, Finsbury Park, Clerkenwell, or anywhere nearby — book your first free session at Karoon Taekwondo. Junior and adult classes run Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday across three venues. Taught personally by Master Sammy, every single time.