GPTU – FAQ

How does the initial process work?
When you register, you will be immediately directed to create your personalized membership account. You will watch a ‘Welcome Video’ offering you additional information as well as letting you know what to expect and giving you step-by-step instructions on how to successfully complete your certification process to becoming a Internationally Certified Para-Taekwondo Instructor. Once your account is created, you may begin your home-study course immediately.

How long will it take to complete it?

It truly depends on you and your passion and commitment level. Typically the Para-Taekwondo Instructor Certification Program will take 30-60 days to complete. You will have access to all the lessons and you will work at your own pace. We strongly encourage you to make this a priority and complete the lessons in a timely manner.

Once you complete the course and pass the instructor certification exam, you will receive your international certification in Para-Taekwondo. You will also be listed on our World Para-Taekwondo Instructors Association Website database and receive all the benefits of membership in the WPTIA.

Are any study materials mailed to me?
No. The course is 100% online

When do I receive my certification?
After you successfully pass your exam, we will register you in global database of the World Para-Taekwondo Instructors Associations as a Certified Para-Taekwondo Instructor. You will also receive a in the mail a Certificate of Qualification. Depending on your residency, it may take 2 – 4 weeks for delivery. Mailing costs are covered with your registration fee.

Do I have to have any experience in working with people with special needs/disabilities?
Absolutely Not! Our program is specifically designed to take any taekwondo black belt or instructor with a ‘white belt’ in special needs/disability education and guide him/her to become competent, ethical and successful instructor. In fact, the person does not even have to be a black belt. The most important characteristics is your passion and Heart to Make a Positive Difference in the lives of those living with various physical, intellectual, developmental and/or sensory disabilities, imbalances and disorders.

Does the GPTU teach a specific style of Taekwondo?
No, our vision is to empower all Taekwondo instructors, coaches and masters regardless of affiliation and your loyalty. We view ourselves as an organization that will provide you with tools to teach ‘your’ Taekwondo to a greater community; those with special abilities. All styles of Taekwondo are very welcome to register and become a certified instructor.

Do I have to be a member of any specific Taekwondo organization?
No, we respect all styles and organizations. We will never ask you to switch/leave any organization. GPTU Para-Taekwondo Instructor Certification will add value to your program and your Taekwondo Club/School. We will show you how to incorporate Para-Taekwondo into your school so you may welcome all individuals regardless of their abilities.

Does it matter where I live? Can I complete the program regardless of my time zone or country?
Instructors are accepted from all over the World. Due to the advances of online learning, you will complete the Instructor Program at your own pace, at the time of day or night that works best for you. We have worked with Taekwondo Instructors from various countries and regions.

What if I already work with students with special needs? Why should I become a Certified Para-Taekwondo Instructor and join your organization?
First, we applaud you for welcoming special needs students into your program. Regardless of why or how it happened, they or their parents have looked to you for a place to help them grow and be accepted. We treat Martial Arts as a profession, no different than a doctor, barrister or a teacher. With each profession comes education and training to provide legitimacy, ethics and high standards. If you are looking for a surgeon, you would choose one that has a medical degree and a specialist for your specific cause. You would not go to a part-time surgeon who is a Family General Practitioner but never operated.

It is our aim to build specialists in the field of Special Needs/Adapted/Para/Therapeutic Martial Arts Education and Instruction. To provide you with pertinent knowledge to successfully run classes, programs and martial arts centers catering to people with special needs. The Certification you will receive will set you apart as a qualified leader in your community and open doors of prosperity. Further, as a member of the World Para-Taekwondo Instructors Association, you will be entitled to special privileges of this prestigious instructor membership.

How does a Taekwondo/Martial Arts School benefit from having a Para-Taekwondo Program?
There are several benefits to offering a Para-Taekwondo Program at your martial arts school. First, you are going to welcome a new sector of the community which often is overlooked yet will truly benefit from martial arts training. This will result in an increase of revenue. In some martial arts centres the Para-Taekwondo program is so successful that it generates 50% of the total gross revenue. We even work with instructors that only teach Para-Taekwondo. Secondly, you and your school will be viewed as experts in their field and instead of competing for a ‘typical’ program child with other martial arts schools and activities, you can create your niche of working with individuals with special needs. Para-taekwondo is also growing as an international sport. Competitions under the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) banner are held in various countries. Events such as the World Para-Taekwondo Championships, Deaflympics and Commonwealth Para-Taekwondo Championships promote Para-Taekwondo at the highest pinnacle of sport. Para-Taekwondo is also on the successful road of becoming a Paralympic Games Sport. Lastly, and which we believe is the most important benefit is that you will be making a significant change in the lives of countless people who without you and your Para-Taekwondo would not have platforms to evolve. Once your program is implemented, you will witness a transformation within the culture of your school that will make you, your instructors/coaches and your entire school proud!

Do I have to own my own martial arts school to take this program?
Absolutely not! You may wish to register to become a Certified Para-Taekwondo Instructor to offer programs at ‘disability/rehab’ centers, community centers (ie: Adapted Taekwondo) or to even offer your services in established martial arts centres in your city. Regardless of where you plan to teach and on what scale (volunteer, part-time income, thriving business), our online program will address your goals.

Will becoming a member of World Para-Taekwondo Instructors Association interfere with the organization I am currently affiliated with?
We do not place any restrictions on which martial arts/Taekwondo organization you are affiliated with and which martial arts style you teach. In fact, we have developed positive relationships with various national and international organizations. We are here to offer you the tools to teach ‘your’ style to people with special needs. We welcome all martial artists who have the genuine goal to make a difference in the lives of others, including themselves.

Do I need to be a Black Belt to become an Instructor?
We strongly encourage that prior to becoming a certified Para-Taekwondo Instructor that you have earned a black belt in Taekwondo. However, we have worked with individuals who are in the process of becoming a black belt and have the passion and drive to work with people with disabilities. We do however wish to work with ethical individuals who are sincere in working with virtues, ethics and integrity.

Will I acquire the skills to train Para-Taekwondo Athletes to compete in championships?
Absolutely, our educational program enables each coach to learn about various disabilities, how to communicate with para-athletes and how to succeed in operating grassroots to high performance programs. The certification program will address the Paralympic Movement and the rules of competition for WTF Para-Taekwondo.

Do you have any additional questions? Please contact us.