Taekwondo at the Markham YMCA is a mixture of modern sport taekwondo and the traditional ancient martial art. The curriculum includes learning and perfecting kicks, strikes and blocks, self-defence, Olympic-style sparring, body strengthening and conditioning, and training for competitions.

This program involves a training process during which students develop their strength level, stamina, flexibility, coordination and balance. Although it offers complete body exercise,taekwondo provides students the opportunity to learn discipline and focus while gaining confidence and a sense of accomplishment. Students also develop patience, humility, perseverance and respect.

New Students 
New students are always welcome to watch a class before registering and buying any uniform. Please speak to the instructor regarding availability and the possibility of trying a couple of classes to see if taekwondo is for you.

This is not a drop-in class. Once registered, each student is expected to have a certain level of commitment.

Students
Age and Medical Requirements
Our taekwondo program is open to members five years and up. As with any physical exercise, you should take caution. If you have a specific medical problem, please consult your doctor before joining the class and inform the instructor of your condition.

Schedule and Registration
The class  schedule for the taekwondo program is constantly changing and adjusting to the needs of our member participants. As students move up in their belt levels, they may have to change their class to match their proficiency. Although we endeavour to keep the schedule constant, we offer finite number of classes which makes changes inevitable. Please call us at (905) 513- 0884 ext 453 for the latest notice and update.

Class Times, Attendance and Tardiness
Attendance will be taken during every class. Any student missing three classes in a row without prior notice to their course coordinator, will be automatically removed from the class list.

Please arrive early for your class. Students who are more than 10 minutes late will not be allowed to participate. In order to run a smooth program with minimal disruptions, these rules will be strictly enforced.

If you will be missing a classes or classes due to illness or vacation, notice must be given to the course coordinator with a valid reason. You can contact the co-ordinator at chris.park@ymcagta.org or at (905) 513- 0884 ext. 453.

Uniforms and Safety Equipment
All students are required to wear an approved taekwondo uniform to take part in our program.

In order to promote the safest environment possible, students (both male or female, except those with white and yellow stripe belts) should have the following safety equipment in order to participate in the sparring sessions that takes place once a month:

• Chest protector
• Mouth guard
• Forearm protection
• Shin and instep protection
• Head protection
• Groin protection

To assure quality and safety, the instructor must first approve all safety equipment obtained. For your convenience, the equipment is also available through the program supplier. Please ask your instructor for details.

Code of Conduct and Behaviour
All students must abide by a Code of Conduct and Behaviour. For example, your uniform should be kept clean and neat. Not following the code of conduct and behaviour may result in expulsion from the program.