About Taekwon‑Do Leicester

Taekwon‑Do Leicester is a traditional martial arts club offering ITF-style Taekwon‑Do in a friendly, focused, and supportive environment for students of all levels.

Our Philosophy

We teach Taekwon‑Do as a martial art, not a quick-fix belt system. Every student is encouraged to progress through hard work, respect, and discipline — with plenty of support and challenge along the way. Our classes are structured, energetic, and rooted in the original ITF syllabus.

Who We Teach

  • 🧒 Children aged 8+
  • 👊 Teenagers looking to build confidence and focus
  • 🧍 Adults of all experience levels
  • 🥋 Complete beginners to experienced black belts

About Your Instructor

Mr Ian Spencer leads the club with years of experience in traditional Taekwon‑Do and a passion for teaching it the right way. His sessions combine technical precision with real‑world coaching — helping students grow physically and mentally, one session at a time.

Affiliations & Recognition

Taekwon‑Do Leicester is fully affiliated with the leading bodies for traditional Taekwon‑Do in the UK and worldwide:

🇬🇧 UKTA — United Kingdom Taekwon‑Do Association

The UKTA is the original Taekwon‑Do association in the UK, founded by First Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha. It is now led by Grand Masters John Williamson, Gary Miller, John Taylor, and Michael Prewitt. The UKTA maintains the integrity of the ITF syllabus and ensures high national grading and coaching standards.

🌍 ITF — International Taekwon‑Do Federation

Formed by General Choi Hong Hi, the ITF governs traditional Taekwon‑Do internationally. Through the ITF, our grades, patterns, and technical standards are recognised around the world.

✅ BTC — British Taekwondo Council

The BTC is the UK’s official National Governing Body for Taekwon‑Do, recognised by Sport England. It ensures our club meets national standards for safeguarding, insurance, and safe instruction practices.

What is Taekwon‑Do?

Taekwon‑Do is a Korean martial art that combines powerful techniques with discipline, respect, and mental strength. It’s not just about kicking and punching — it’s about becoming the best version of yourself through structured training and purposeful movement.

At its core, Taekwon‑Do teaches self‑defence, but it also builds fitness, confidence, and focus in students of all ages.

What to Expect When You Start

Your first few sessions will introduce you to the basics — how to stand, move, and perform key techniques with control. You’ll learn how classes are structured, how belt progression works, and how to work safely with a partner.

  • ✅ No experience needed — we start from the very beginning
  • ✅ You’ll train with people at your level, supported by senior students
  • ✅ We move at a pace that challenges but doesn’t overwhelm
  • ✅ Every class is structured, positive, and respectful

You don’t need to be fit or flexible to begin — all you need is a willingness to learn and a positive attitude. Most students feel nervous at first, but within a few weeks, they settle in and start building real confidence.

Values & Principles

Our Core Values

  • Integrity: We act with honesty, respect and strong moral principles.
  • Discipline: We show focus, perseverance and a willingness to improve.
  • Confidence: We aim to build self‑belief in every student through training and personal challenge.
  • Respect: We treat instructors, fellow students, opponents and facilities with courtesy.
  • Tradition: We maintain the time‑honoured practices and formalities of Taekwon‑Do, including bows, uniform protocols and formality in class.

Principles & Conduct

  • Responsibility: Take responsibility for your own learning, uniform, equipment and conduct.
  • Courtesy: Bow when entering and exiting the mat, and when engaging with instructors and seniors.
  • Courtesy in Sparring: Shake hands or tap gloves at the start and end of sparring sessions.
  • Graciousness: Be gracious in victory and defeat.
  • Presentation: Uniform should wrap once around the waist. It should be clean and properly fitted.
  • Etiquette: Present and receive items (e.g. belts, certificates) with both hands.
  • Listening: Pay attention to instructor and senior guidance during training.
  • Positive Attitude: Support fellow students and be a positive influence on the mat.

These values and principles guide every aspect of training at Taekwon‑Do Leicester, helping students to grow not just in skill but in character.

Club Constitution

1. Name

The name of the club shall be Taekwon‑Do Leicester.

2. Affiliation

The club is affiliated to the United Kingdom Taekwon‑Do Association (UKTA) and follows the rules and regulations of the UKTA and the International Taekwon‑Do Federation (ITF).

3. Aims and Objectives

  • To promote and teach Taekwon‑Do to students of all ages and abilities.
  • To provide structured and safe training in accordance with ITF/UKTA standards.
  • To encourage respect, discipline, self-confidence and personal growth.
  • To ensure equal opportunities for all members regardless of age, gender, ability, ethnicity or background.

4. Membership

  • Membership is open to anyone wishing to train in Taekwon‑Do in line with club values and UKTA licence terms.
  • All members must behave in a respectful and disciplined manner at all times.
  • Membership may be suspended or withdrawn in cases of serious misconduct.
  • Membership is dependent on having a valid UKTA licence and paying relevant fees.

5. Officers of the Club

The club shall be led by the Chief Instructor, supported by any appointed safeguarding officers or assistants. Officer roles include:

  • Chief Instructor: Responsible for all training, gradings, conduct, and club operations.
  • Safeguarding Officer: Responsible for managing all welfare concerns and ensuring safeguarding policies are upheld.

6. Finance

  • All funds raised by or on behalf of the club will be used solely for the benefit of the club and its members.
  • The club is non-profit making. Any surplus income will be reinvested into the club.
  • Payments and subscriptions will be managed transparently by the Chief Instructor.

7. Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures

All members are expected to uphold the principles and values of Taekwon‑Do. Breaches of conduct may result in warnings, suspension or expulsion depending on severity. Appeals may be made to UKTA if required.

8. Safeguarding

The club is committed to following the UKTA Safeguarding Policy. All instructors and officers working with children and vulnerable adults are DBS checked. Any concerns should be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Officer.

9. Annual Review

The constitution will be reviewed annually by the Chief Instructor. Any updates will be shared with members in class or via the website.

10. Dissolution

In the event of the club closing, any remaining funds or equipment will be donated to a UKTA-recognised club or used to support the development of students through UKTA.

Last reviewed: June 2025