Frequently Asked Questions
We practice in the West Gym on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3:15-4 PM. Instruction often continues until 4:15-4:30 for those who wish to stay and practice longer. However, you're under no obligation to stay after 4PM.
Mon/Wed classes are taught by instructors, while Fridays are led by students. We generally visit a blue wave dojang on Saturdays for training geared towards sparring competition.
West Gym is located downstairs of Alumni Gym - walk into the gym's main entrance, walk down the stairs on the right, and enter the double doors leading into the basketball courts.
Anyone form the Dartmouth community - this includes undergrads, grad students, faculty, and staff. If you're affiliated with Dartmouth, you can join. You don't need ANY previous martial arts experience!! We have wonderful instructors with years of teaching experience.
Unfortunately, due to Dartmouth regulations other Hanover community members cannot join. However, Blue Wave TaeKwonDo (the organization we're affiliated with) has a school nearby - go to the Blue Wave website and click on "Locations" for more information.
Yes! You can join ANYTIME. You need not have taken TKD in the fall to join in the winter, and you can even join half way through the term.
Almost nothing. If you're taking TKD for Phys Ed (sing up on bannerstudent), you're in the taekwondo club, however this means you have to make a certain number of practices to receive credit (13). Official PE classes meet on Mondays and Wednesdays while Fridays are "make-up" days. You can only take TKD for PE credit twice due to Dartmouth Phys Ed requirements, however you can be in the club for as long as you want!
Shame on you. The Phys Ed department is very strict about this - they charge you a $50 fine and a "Fail" goes on your transcript. To prevent this, make sure you withdraw from the class before the deadline if you feel like you just don't have the time or if something comes up. This also applies to injuries - you must contact Rhonda Martin to withdraw from the PE class officially.
Note: This does NOT apply to those not signed up for PE. You can come to as few or as many practices as you want. (Though we recommend you come to many =) )
Not a problem! If you want to receive PE credit but can't make Wednesday classes just come on Fridays to make up those days. As long as you can come to 2 practices a week on average, you're fine. (This applies to Mondays as well). If you don't care about PE credit then you're free to come and go as you choose.
EVERYONE! Although Friday practices are not required for PE, they can help people make up missed practices if they need to or just serve as extra TKD workout time. Fridays are student led and a lot of fun - you get to try new things, see different styles of TKD practitioners leading class, and work on techniques that you've been dying to try or that you need help with.
Although you don't have to have a uniform, we would encourage those who anticipate sticking with TKD for more than one term to invest in one. The cost is about $45 (fully embroidered and with flags) and you can ask one of the about purchasing one. Of course, if you already own a uniform from previous martial arts experience feel free to use it!