Joining ITFNZ FAQ
In recent years we have had many clubs join ITFNZ that were previously
with other organisations. We believe we can offer many benefits to those
that join, and we welcome your enquires.
This section covers frequently asked questions instructors may have,
as they are considering joining their club up to ITFNZ. We hope it will
be of assistance, and please feel free to make contact with any of our
committee members if you have any further
queries.
Q1: What are the benefits for my club?
Your members would become part of a New Zealand run non-profit organisation,
meaning all resources are put back into the members to organise camps,
seminars, gradings, overseas trips, coaching, instructor training and
so on. As a part of the ITFNZ family, your members will have un-restricted
access to all the events. We have listed other benefits of belonging to
ITFNZ here.
Q2: Are your gradings widely recognised?
Yes. All ITFNZ gradings are conducted by ITF (International Taekwon-Do
Federation) qualified Examiners, who are at least 4th dan. This means
all gradings are recognised throughout New Zealand and the rest of the
world.
Q3: Do my students and I get to keep our rank?
If you have come from an ITF system (ie Chon-Ji, Dan Gun etc) and have
been graded by a qualified Examiner, then ITFNZ will recognise your rank.
If you are from a WTF (World Taekwon-Do Federation) or other system, then
generally we will also recognise your current ranks, but you are obliged
to grade within one year to have the rank ratified.
Q4: Can I keep grading my own students?
No. Only those on the Technical Committee are permitted to grade ITFNZ
members. As well as being ITF International Instructors, our Examiners
have been trained and have successfully completed an Examiners' Course.
We believe the standard of our Examiners is amongst the highest in the
world, and this is the key to maintaining a good and consistent grading
standard throughout the country.
Q5 :Can I keep instructing?
Yes. You can keep instructing as you have done previously. You will be
expected to attend an ITFNZ Instructors' Course as soon as practicable,
and obtain a first aid certificate.
Q6: What if I am teaching a club but not yet
a black belt?
In some cases we allow coloured belts to teach if there is no other black
belt available. This can be discussed with the Regional Director. In this
instance, you would come under the guidance of a qualified instructor
until you are able to grade to 1st dan.
Q7: Can I still run my club as a business?
Yes. Although ITFNZ is a non-profit organisation you are able to run the
club as a business. ITFNZ does not get involved in how you run your club
or the fees you charge. This is entirely up to you. All ITFNZ clubs however
must be run according to the rules in our Standards
and Discipline Document, ensuring an appropriate environment, including
the safety of all the members.
Q8: I normally teach a mix of styles, can I
continue to teach what I like?
Yes, as long as you are covering all aspects of the ITFNZ syllabus. ITFNZ
teaches ITF Taekwon-Do as designed by (our founder), General Choi Hong
Hi. This is what is tested at all gradings. We do not object however,
to instructors teaching other skills they may have, as long as it complements
the Taekwon-Do skills and doesn't confuse the students.
Q9: Do we receive any resources when we join?
Yes, all new clubs receive a New Club Kit. This includes a flag, basic
first aid kit, techniques handbooks, the techniques seminar video,
posters, brochures and other marketing materials, magazines, signs & banners,
portrait of Gen. Choi, reference materials, forms and so on. All free
of charge! If you start a new club you
can also apply for a $500 cash grant.
Q10: How do I learn the ITFNZ syllabus?
Your Regional Director would arrange for assistance for you to start learning
the ITFNZ syllabus and ITF techniques. This may be through special seminars,
visits to ITFNZ clubs, and instructors visiting your club. This will take
time of course, and you can introduce things to your class on a drip-feed
basis. Because the syllabus and techniques may be different to what you
were doing previously, a certain amount of flexibility is allowed for
some time. Examiners will be fully aware of the situation and give plenty
of time to adjust to the differences.
Q11: How much would it cost for my club to
join?
It is free to register your club, and it costs each member
$30 to register ($50 per family). If there is a large group joining,
it will be possible to negotiate a discounted price for joining.
Q12: What are the on-going costs?
Each year, your members must renew their registration at a cost of $20
per person ($40 per family). That is it! There are no other costs in belonging
to ITFNZ. As part of this fee, each registered student receives the three
issues of TKD Talk (our in-house magazine)
produced in that year. All registered members are eligible to attend any
of the gradings, tournaments, camps, seminars, etc. held during the year.
Gradings cost $40 per person (with family discounts), and other events
often have a reasonable attendance fee, but all such events are optional.
Q13: What about uniforms?
Uniforms can be changed over a period of time, however you are encouraged
to purchase new badges and back patches to comply with the ITFNZ uniform
standard. ITFNZ often subsidizes the cost of these items.
Q14: What is the process for joining?
Initially you should make contact with the Regional
Director in your area. Usually you would then meet with the RD - or
other instructors and attend a training session or two, either to watch
or participate. There may be a tournament or a seminar on, which you could
come to, and meet other instructors at that time.
When you are ready to join, you would then apply
on-line. The
application for membership would be submitted to the region (Instructors
in your region) for approval. Once the club has Regional Approval, it
also must be ratified by the Technical Director, which
is normally done via email. This whole process may only take a week or
two.
Q15: Who can I contact to talk confidentially?
You can talk confidentially with the Regional Director in your area,
or contact the President
directly.
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