About the club
About Leinster TaeKwon Do
Leinster TaeKwon Do is a family-friendly martial arts school teaching Taekwon-Do and self-defence to all ages across four clubs in Co. Wexford and Co. Wicklow.
Our story
Nearly 20 years in the community
Leinster TaeKwon Do is a family-friendly martial arts school with nearly 20 years of history in the community. We teach Taekwon-Do and self-defence to all ages across four clubs in Co. Wexford and Co. Wicklow.
Classes run year-round, including through the summer, so students keep moving forward with their training and belt progression without long seasonal breaks.
The club is owned and run by Tom and Caroline Thornton. Enquiries about class times, venues and getting started are handled directly by us — every message is replied to personally.
The art
What is Taekwon-Do?
A Korean art of self-defence — and a way of training body and mind together.
Taekwon-Do is a Korean martial art of self-defence, best known for its dynamic kicks and fast hand techniques. The name translates roughly as “the way of the foot and the fist”.
Training combines patterns (set sequences of movements), sparring, self-defence and fitness work. Children build focus, confidence and respect; adults build fitness, flexibility and practical self-defence — all at their own pace.
Kids Taekwon-Do
Ages 4–12
Focus, confidence and anti-bullying skills in a structured, encouraging class.
Teens Taekwon-Do
Ages 13–17
Discipline, fitness and respect — a positive outlet for teenage energy.
Adults Taekwon-Do
Ages 18+
Fitness, self-defence and the black-belt journey, at your own pace.
Progression
The belt journey
Every student starts at white belt and grades up through the colours — tag by tag — toward black belt.
- 01White10th KupDay one. Stance, etiquette and the first patterns.
- 02Yellow Tag9th KupWhite belt with a yellow stripe — the first grading.
- 03Yellow8th KupFoundations set. Blocks, kicks and basic sparring drills.
- 04Green Tag7th KupYellow belt with a green stripe.
- 05Green6th KupTechnique sharpens; fighting and self-defence begin in earnest.
- 06Blue Tag5th KupGreen belt with a blue stripe.
- 07Blue4th KupHigher patterns, control and confidence under pressure.
- 08Red Tag3rd KupBlue belt with a red stripe.
- 09Red2nd KupSenior grade — leading by example on the floor.
- 10Black Tag1st KupRed belt with a black stripe — the final colour grade.
- 11Black Belt1st DanPoom under 15, Dan from 15 up. The beginning, not the end.
After black belt
Black belt degrees are marked by stripes. Each degree takes longer than the last, so progress is measured in years of consistent training.
- 1st Dan — one year of training before testing for 2nd
- 2nd Dan — two years before 3rd
- 3rd Dan — three years before 4th
- 4th Dan and above — one further year for each degree
Poom & Dan
Students who reach black belt under 15 years of age are awarded a Poom grade; from 15 years and above the same standard is awarded as a Dan grade.
From green belt upward, fighting and self-defence are part of every grading. We confirm grading dates and exactly what is required for each belt in class.
Trust
Affiliations & credentials
- Listed in the Irish Taekwon-do Council directory — all four clubs.
- Club members have competed at the Taekwondo International World Championships.
- A family-run club teaching across four venues in Wexford and Wicklow.
Community
Year-round training & local updates
We keep a close connection with the families and students who train with us. Practical updates — local road closures, weather alerts, class reminders — are posted on the Leinster TaeKwon Do Facebook Page so everyone knows what is happening.
New students are welcome at any of our four clubs. There is no need for previous experience or equipment for a first class; just wear comfortable clothes and bring a bottle of water.
Classes run all year
Unlike clubs that close for the summer, Leinster TaeKwon Do keeps training going through the holidays. That means steady progress, consistent routine, and no need to rebuild fitness after a long break.
Four clubs
Where we train
The same coaching and syllabus at every club — pick the one nearest you.
Start training
Get in touch about a class
Phone Tom on 086 386 2020 or Caroline on 087 672 1843, or send an enquiry and we will reply with class times and venue details.