FAQ

Master Kim Academy

All the answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Registration, classes, equipment… everything is explained here.

Click on a category and then on a question to display the answer.

 

Registration

Trial class, club choice, re-registration

Classes

Organization, frequency, access

Payments & Fees

Fees, payment options

 
 

Uniform / Dobok

Mandatory and recommended equipment

Grades & Exams

Belts, requirements, diplomas

 

 

CONDITIONS TO ATTEND CLASSES

Can I start Taekwondo without experience?

Taekwondo is accessible to everyone. There is no maximum age.
The minimum age is set at 5 years old for educational reasons.

In case of a particular medical condition, it is recommended to consult your doctor.

My child is under 5 years old. Can they register?

No, we do not accept registrations before the age of 5.
A trial class may exceptionally be considered a few months beforehand.

I have never practiced Taekwondo

No problem. Most students begin without experience.
You will start with a white belt.

I have already practiced Taekwondo

Master Kim does not downgrade students. You may keep your belt.

CHOOSING A CLASS

Are there still available places?

Yes. We do not strictly limit the number of students.

Can my child change class days?

Yes. The membership provides free access to all classes.

Which club should I choose for registration?

Choose the club you attend most often.
It will serve as your administrative reference club.

My child changes age group. What should we do?

We prioritize stability throughout the season.
Adjustments may be discussed during the year with Master Kim.

Can someone train in a different age group?

In principle, no.
Exceptions may exist at the beginning of the season or upon Master Kim’s recommendation.

TRIAL CLASS

Can we take a trial class?

Yes, trial classes are accepted all year round.

How do I register for a trial class?

You simply need to complete the online registration form.
You then choose the date of your first class and come directly.

How does a trial class work?

The student directly joins a regular class.
Sports clothing is sufficient, barefoot.

AFTER THE TRIAL

How do I finalize the registration?

You simply complete the online registration and pay the remaining balance of the annual membership.

Do I need to register again after the trial?

Yes. The online registration form must be completed.

ACADEMY BOOKLET

What is the Academy booklet?

The Academy booklet is the student’s personal document.
It contains useful information related to their journey within the club.

What is it used for?

It helps track the student’s progress, belt exams, important administrative information and certain references related to training.

When is it given?

The booklet is generally provided one to two weeks after final registration.

What should I do if it is lost?

In case of loss, a duplicate can be requested. It is recommended to contact Sophie.

 

Here you will find answers to practical questions regarding class organization.

How many times per week can I train?

Students registered for the trial month or the annual membership may attend unlimited classes within their age group across our different clubs.

Can I attend class with a nose piercing?

For safety reasons, jewelry must be removed during training.
If this is not possible, it must be covered with tape or a bandage.

Long hair must also be tied back.

What are the schedules?

You can find the current season schedule in the Schedules & addresses section.

I am late. Can I still join the class?

Yes, as long as the warm-up is not finished.

If you arrive after the class has started, warm up independently and wait for the teacher’s or assistant’s approval before joining the group.

Who teaches the classes?

Each club presents its instructors on its dedicated page.
Instructor substitutions or exchanges may occur depending on the period.

For all black belts, instructors and substitutes, you may consult the Academy presentation page.

Can I attend 2 clubs?

Yes, you may attend the Academy’s different clubs freely.
However, one main reference club must be designated.

If you wish to attend classes outside the Academy, it is preferable to discuss it with your instructor.

Are there classes during school holidays?

We follow the French-speaking school calendar.
Therefore, there are no classes during school holidays.

However, training camps or activities may occasionally be organized.

Do you offer private lessons?

Yes, upon request.

For a private lesson, please contact our office through the Contact section and provide your details, experience, goals and desired number of sessions.

A private lesson is more expensive than a group class and is mainly suitable for specific requests.

 

HOW MUCH?

How much does it cost?

You can find all fees on the Fees page.

This is a fixed annual membership, identical whether you attend once or several times per week.

What does this fee include?

The membership gives unlimited access to all classes as well as annual insurance.

Not included: uniform, equipment, training camps and exams.

How many training sessions per week?

You are free to attend one or several classes per week depending on your availability.

The price remains the same.

Do I need to pay the displayed amount every month?

No. The amount depends on the registration month and covers the period until June.

Price differences take school holidays into account.

Why this price?

This is a flat-rate membership: the more you attend, the lower the cost per class becomes.

Our instructors are qualified and teach with a focus on quality and long-term progression.

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PAYMENT

How can I pay?

Payment is possible online, by bank transfer or cash.

Payment information is available in the Practical info section.

Which account should I use for payment?

Payment must be made to the account of the chosen reference club.

I attend several clubs, what should I do?

Please choose one main club for your registration and administrative communication.

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WHEN TO PAY?

Can I pay in installments?

Yes, in one or two payments.

Payment in 2 installments: deposit upon registration + remaining balance later (an additional fee may apply).

How much is left to pay?

You can check your remaining balance through your member area.

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ASSISTANCE & SPECIAL SITUATIONS

I receive CPAS / CEMO support

Please contact your social worker to learn about possible financial support options.

In some cases, you pay first and are reimbursed afterward.

Financial difficulties?

Do not hesitate to contact us.

Solutions may be considered so everyone can practice Taekwondo.

What is the uniform called?

The Taekwondo uniform is called a dobok.

It is the traditional outfit worn during practice.

Which uniform should be worn?

A Taekwondo dobok generally consists of trousers, a jacket and a belt.

Within the Academy, we use the official black Master Kim uniform with a traditional jacket and the Academy logo.

How can I get the uniform?

You can order the uniform through the member area / orders.

Once ordered and paid, it will be delivered to the club as quickly as possible, subject to availability.

Can I buy a second-hand dobok?

Yes, depending on availability.

You may express your interest when ordering or contact the Academy directly.

How do I choose the right size?

Available sizes generally range from 120 cm to 200 cm.

The dobok is usually designed with a loose fit, which is normal to allow good freedom of movement.

Why must I wear the Master Kim dobok?

The shared dobok contributes to group unity, visibility of levels and the Academy’s identity.

It is also a practical and aesthetic choice consistent with the way we operate.

Can exceptions be made?

In principle, we apply the same rules to everyone.

In case of special difficulties, it is always possible to contact the Academy to discuss a solution.

Why are your doboks black while many others are white?

Black is a specific choice of the Academy.

From a practical point of view, it gets dirty less quickly. It also reflects our visual identity and our way of teaching the practice.

Can I wear a white dobok?

During the trial period, sportswear is sufficient.

After registration, the official Academy uniform must be worn.

I have a dobok I no longer use, what can I do?

If your dobok is still in good condition, you may contact the Academy to offer it as a second-hand item.

GRADES

How do you earn levels / belts?

A student progresses by successfully passing a grading or examination.

What is a grade?

A grade corresponds to the student’s Taekwondo level.

Keups correspond to colored belts.
Dans correspond to black belt grades.

What is my grade?

Your grade is indicated in your Taekwondo booklet / passport.

If you are a beginner, you start with a white belt.

I have already practiced Taekwondo elsewhere

If you already hold a grade, it will be taken into account when evaluating your level.

Depending on your background, several solutions may be proposed: continuing at your current grade, resuming at an intermediate level, or restarting lower if necessary.

Are examinations mandatory?

No, a student is never required to take an examination.

An examination is proposed when it represents a logical step in the student’s progression.

EXAMINATIONS

How does an examination take place?

Examinations are specific sessions organized outside regular classes.

The student presents the required material for their grade before the Academy jury.

How are examinations organized?

Registrations are completed in advance.

Students are grouped by grade and must remain present during the entire duration of their examination group.

Who is part of the jury?

The jury is composed of Master Kim and, depending on the case, other qualified black belts from the Academy.

Can students from other clubs come to Uccle for an examination?

Yes. Examinations are open to members of the Academy’s affiliated clubs.

How do I register for an examination?

Registrations are completed online once the examination session is open.

Information is communicated through the Academy calendar and usual communication channels.

What are the conditions for taking an examination?

The student must be administratively in order and have trained sufficiently since the previous grade.

Minimum waiting periods between grades must also be respected.

Can two grades be taken at the same time?

In principle, no.

Progression follows a structured rhythm and each grade must be fully mastered.

PREPARATION

How do I prepare for an examination?

Preparation takes place progressively during classes, with the help of instructors and the program corresponding to your grade.

What material must be studied?

Each grade has specific theoretical and practical material.

It is available through the member area / examination programs.

Am I ready? Do I have the required level?

You can always ask your instructor for advice.

Their opinion helps you assess your level without replacing the official eligibility conditions.

AFTER THE EXAMINATION

When do we receive the new belt, booklet or diploma?

The new belt is generally awarded shortly after successfully passing the examination.

The booklet and diploma are delivered in the following weeks.

Can I keep my old belt?

In principle, old belts are collected by the Academy so they may be reused by other students.

I did not pass my examination

That is not a problem.

You simply need to continue training, understand what was missing and try again when you are ready.

Do you organize training camps during school holidays?

Yes, we regularly organize training camps and activities during certain holiday periods.

Information is communicated in advance depending on availability and planned organization.

What are the conditions to participate in a summer camp?

Participants generally need to be members of the Academy, train regularly and meet the required age for the proposed activity.

Registration within the deadlines is also necessary, as places may be limited.

We would like to organize a training camp or initiation session. How can we proceed?

You may contact our office through the Contact section and present your request.

The more precisely your project is described, the better we can provide an appropriate response.

What is Taekwondo?

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art focused on kicking techniques, movement, body control and the development of the mind.

It has also become an Olympic discipline, but it is not limited to the sporting aspect alone.

? Learn more about Taekwondo

What do you mean by traditional Taekwondo?

We mean a practice that is not limited to competition.

It includes technique, forms, martial principles, discipline, attitudes, respect for the framework and the development of the person as a whole.

Taekwondo is not only a sport: it is also a path for developing the body, mind and character.

Why do you shout during training?

The shout is called a Kihap.

It helps engage energy, strengthen the action, improve breathing and support the intention behind the movement.

It also plays a mental, strategic and educational role in practice.

I would like to learn self-defense for the street. Can Taekwondo help me?

Taekwondo can develop useful qualities such as posture, awareness, coordination, emotional control, confidence and discipline.

However, a martial art should not be confused with unrealistic promises. The best defense often remains avoiding conflict and keeping calm.

My child has difficulty concentrating at school. Can Taekwondo help?

Yes, regular practice can help develop concentration, listening skills, discipline, perseverance and self-control.

Technical exercises, forms and the structure of the class stimulate attention in a concrete and progressive way.

It does not replace specific support when necessary, but it can be an excellent educational complement.

I have a problem with a member of the Academy staff. Who should I contact?

If you experience a problem with an instructor or assistant, do not hesitate to speak with a manager or the office.

You may also speak to another instructor you trust.

I have a problem with another club member. What should I do?

It is important not to let a situation continue unresolved.

Speak quickly with your instructor, who will be able to intervene and manage the situation appropriately.

Are the clubs open permanently?

No. Classes take place at specific scheduled times.

Outside class hours, the training halls are generally not accessible.

I have a disorder, illness or disability. Can I still practice?

In most cases, yes.

It is important to inform the instructor confidentially so the practice can be adapted if necessary.

My beliefs or personal constraints raise questions during classes

The class environment is based on common rules that apply to all students.

However, certain situations may be discussed. Do not hesitate to speak with a manager in order to find a balanced solution.

I am travelling to South Korea. Do you recommend any clubs?

Yes, several options exist depending on your level and objectives.

The Kukkiwon area (world headquarters of Taekwondo) remains an essential reference.

Other renowned dojangs may also be recommended :

  • Namcham Dojang
  • KHM (Master Song Gi-Seong)
  • K-Tigers
  • Doboksori (Master Lee Kyung-Jung)
  • Taekwanyon (Master Ki Pil Kang)

Do not hesitate to ask for advice before your departure.

Which social networks do you use?

You can follow the Academy on our different platforms :

  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook

Can't find your answer?

Contact us

 +32 0476/958.677                send an email

Last edited: 11/05/2026