Frequently asked questions

I would like to come to training, what do I need to do?

We are so excited you want to join our training. Your taster lesson is free and please contact us to let us know what date you’d like to come. When you get here, we’ll ask you to fill in some basic details including emergency contact details and any health conditions. We encourage you to wear appropriate clothing (see below) and bring a bottle of water and towel.
What times do you train?

For our latest training times, please see the timetable on the "Our classes" page.
Do I need to have any martial arts background?

No experience is necessary, we welcome everyone including beginners or anyone with a background in taekwondo or other martial arts.
I am worried that I am not fit or flexible enough to join.

All ages and abilities are welcome. Our existing members are a mix of abilities, age and fitness levels. Everyone has to start somewhere and the most important thing is attitude and indomitable spirit!
Is there an age restriction?

We accept children starting from the age of 5. There is no upper age limit, it's never too late to start taekwondo!
Do you offer classes for neurodivergent individuals?

We acknowledge that the sessions can be overwhelming for some of our members. We have a dedicated 'quiet hour' session at 6pm every Monday. All members are welcome but we cap the number of members to create an inclusive environment for any neurodivergent members.
Do I need insurance?

When you join Taekwondo Machine, you will also need to become a member of British Taekwondo, who are the UK’s national governing body of WT style taekwondo. The British Taekwondo licence is renewed annually and included in your Taekwondo Machine monthly membership.
I am a parent/family member/friend, can I sit in on the training sessions?

Yes, there is capacity for parents/family to sit in on the sessions. There is limited space in the hall and there are benches directly outside the hall.
What shall I wear? Is there a uniform?

We recommend you wear comfortable and loose clothing, for example, shorts/sports leggings/jogger bottoms and a t-shirt. We train in bare feet, though some students wear clean taekwondo shoes. If you are training in bare feet, we ask that you take your shoes and socks off before you enter the hall/dojang. A taekwondo suit is called a dobok. It is a white suit (top and bottoms) accompanied by a belt which indicates your grade. You can purchase these through our club, just let the instructor know.
What do I need to bring to training?

We strongly recommend you bring a bottle of water to keep hydrated. You may wish to bring a towel as well. If you forget to bring water, there is a bottled drinks vending machine on site. Advanced children and adults who take part in sparring will be asked to bring their sparring gear.
Where do you train?

We currently train at the National Taekwondo Centre, the address is Ten Acres Lane Sports Complex at Ten Acres Lane, Newton Heath, Manchester M40 2SP. The National Taekwondo Centre is the home of Team GB Taekwondo and the creation of this venue was supported by Sport England, UK Sport and Manchester City Council.
What facilities are at the venue?

There are toilets and changing facilities. There is also a bottled drinks vending machine which sells bottled water and sports drinks.
Is there parking?

Yes, free parking is available at the National Taekwondo Centre. If the car park is full, there is free street parking outside the centre.
Is the training facility safe?

The training hall (dojang) is fully matted, optimal for training in bare feet. Our club has nine qualified first aiders and there are hand sanitisation stations throughout the site.

Interested in joining us? Check out our training timetable, drop us a message and let us know which day you'd like to come.

Have a question? Please contact us if you have any queries that are not covered by the FAQs above.