INFORMATION FOR BEGINNERS

Recruitment is closed for the 2023/2024 school year.

We will be recruiting new members at all five gyms in September and October of the new 2023/2024 school year. In the following paragraphs you will find essential information so you can start practicing taekwondo.

Briefly about Taekwondo and Sonkal:
Taekwon-Do ITF is a Korean martial art of self-defence. In the Czech Republic its origins date back to 1987 and we can safely say that its father is Korean Grandmaster Hwang Ho-yong. He has been in the Czech Republic for more than 30 years and thanks to him taekwondo is at the top level.
Sonkal has existed as an independent school since 1998 and is a member of the Czech Taekwon-Do Association and the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF).

What age group is Taekwon-do for?
Taekwon-do can be actively practiced at virtually any age - from school age to retirement. According to our experience, it does not depend on age, but mainly on the desire and determination to do something for yourself. Our goal is that everyone should find their own thing in the training - for children it is mainly the variety of movement, for teenagers and adults it is comparing themselves with other taekwondo players on a competitive level. and for everyone else fitness, maintaining mobility and gaining the ability to defend themselves effectively. For children, we recommend starting training in the first grade of elementary school, that is, at age six or seven. Unfortunately, a younger age is not appropriate and it is better to direct children to basic physical development - ball games, running or basic gymnastics. For children aged 4 to 6, we offer training in a special group of preschoolers at the Vybíralova Primary School.

For several years we have been offering parents of newcomers the opportunity to practice for free. Our promotion is built 1 child = 1 parent free (note - eligibility for free workouts ends with the parent earning a green belt).

Do you want to practice?
Come to our regular training sessions for beginners, which are:

  • at Černý Moston Tuesdays & Thursdays from 17.00 to 18.00
  • children's group 4 to 6 years old at Černý Most on Mondays from 17.00 to 18.00
  • at Petřiny on Mondays and Wednesdays from 17.00 to 18.00
  • in Horní Počernice on Mondays from 17.00 to 18.00 and Fridays from 15.00 to 16.00
  • in Hloubětín on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 17.00 to 18.00
  • in Velké Přílepy on Tuesdays from 17.00 to 18.00 and Thursdays from 18.00 to 19.00
  • in Břevnov on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 17.00 to 18.00
  • in Velká Dobrá on Mondays and Thursdays from 17.30 to 18.30
  • Overview of our gyms where you can exercise.

    How many times a week do I have to exercise?
    The number of workouts is basically up to each individual, but the acquisition of movement skills is associated with as many repetitions as possible. For beginners, it is advisable to train twice a week and supplement this with repetitions in a home environment. Just 5-10 minutes 2x a week and skills will grow very quickly!

    What are they practicing?
    Many people call it a kimono, but because Taekwon-do is a Korean martial art, it has its own name, dobok. But for the first training sessions you just need to come in regular sweatpants and a t-shirt (preferably white), we train barefoot. As you can see to start practicing Taekwon-do requires no special equipment and is therefore accessible to everyone. Dobok, belt, later lapu or pads you can get from our trainers!

    How much will the training cost me?
    The price of training in Sonkal is regardless of the technical level (belt) 2200 CZK for the so-called school semester. That is September to January and February to June. The payment is always due by 30 September or 15 February. We also offer discounted year-round allowances (September to June) for CZK 4000. The bank account number is 189640131/2010 and you can find out more information about paying HERE.

    What do I get?
    Each Sonkal member can train up to 5 times a week for one flat fee, as well as use irregular Saturday training sessions at Černý Most and Wednesday racing sessions for members of the racing team. All members have access to a large amount of club material which is available free of charge. We offer material and equipment to our members for purchase (pads, knee pads, clothing and training aids) at discounted prices compared to regular retail prices.

    What events does the club organize?
    A long-standing tradition are the departmental camps - winter, Easter, summer and autumn. The camps are 4-10 days long, depending on the type of event and season. Our members regularly participate in regional, national and international seminars under the guidance of recognized taekwondo capacities. Last but not least, we participate in many national and international competitions where we achieve very good results.

    What do you have to do?
    Complete the application form for yourself or your child in our member portal. Find out how HERE. Each newcomer has 2 training sessions with us to try out. If you decide not to continue with the training sessions just give us the info and we will cancel your Sonkal registration immediately.

    What awaits you in Sonkal? Watch our promo videos:

     

    Report about Sonkal broadcasted in Taekwon-Do Magazine on O2 TV:

     

    Want to learn more about Taekwondo? Watch the documentary aired on TV Sport 5:

    I look forward to seeing everyone interested in the beautiful martial arts in our gyms.

    Ondřej Vrábel, VII. dan
    team leader and head coach

    
    Kontakt: Ondřej Vrábel, tel.: 777-011-692, sonkal@taekwondo.cz
    Adresa pro korespondenci: Sonkal z.s., Jiránkova 1137/1, 163 00 Praha 6,