WORLD CLASS TAEKWONDO
2026-2027 ELITE TEAM
STUDENT & FAMILY FAQ
We are excited to welcome our selected athletes to the 2026-2027 Elite Team. This FAQ answers the most common questions about the season, training schedule, tuition, competitions, apparel, attendance, and expectations.
1. What is the World Class Taekwondo Elite Team?
Elite Team is our selective competition and athlete-development program for Sparring and Poomsae athletes. It provides additional specialized competition training while athletes continue their regular World Class Taekwondo classes. Our goal is to develop stronger competitors, better teammates, and martial artists who represent World Class with character.
2. How long is the 2026-2027 Elite Team season?
The season begins October 10, 2026 and continues through August 2027. The program is designed around the full competition season rather than ending after the early spring tournaments.
3. How much is Elite Team tuition?
The 2026-2027 Elite Team Season Tuition is $1,396. For convenience, the season tuition is payable in four installments of $349: October 10, 2026; January 10, 2027; April 10, 2027; and July 10, 2027. The four payments are installments toward one full-season tuition; they are not four separate enrollment periods.
4. Is the $1,396 an annual recurring fee?
No. The $1,396 is the tuition established for the 2026-2027 Elite Team season. If an athlete participates in a future Elite Team season, that season would have its own enrollment and tuition.
5. Why does this season cost more than last year's $495 returning-athlete program?
Last year's $495 returning-athlete program covered October through March. This year's Elite Team has been expanded into a full October-through-August athlete-development and competition season. Training continues through the later championship portion of the year, including preparation leading toward Regionals and Nationals. The program also includes weekday Elite training at the athlete's home school along with combined Saturday team training at Bethany. This is a longer, more comprehensive full-season program rather than the same shorter program at a higher price.
6. Is Elite Team a full-season commitment, or can we participate one quarter at a time?
Elite Team is a full-season commitment from October 2026 through August 2027. The four $349 installments make the season tuition easier to manage but do not create separate quarterly participation periods. We understand that school, family, and other responsibilities can change during the year, and families should consider those commitments before enrolling. Extraordinary circumstances can be reviewed individually.
7. Is there a shorter-term or quarter-to-quarter participation option?
For the 2026-2027 season, Elite Team is offered as one complete October-through-August program. We are not offering a separate short-term or quarter-to-quarter option because the program is designed around athletes training, developing, and competing together throughout the season.
8. What exactly does the $1,396 season tuition cover?
Season tuition covers the Elite Team training and coaching structure from October through August, including approximately one weekday Elite practice at the athlete's home World Class location and the combined Saturday Elite Team practice at Bethany. Elite Team is specialized competition training in addition to the athlete's regular World Class Taekwondo membership.
9. What does the weekly Elite Team schedule look like?
Elite athletes attend approximately one 60-minute weekday Elite practice at their home World Class location and one approximately 90-minute combined Saturday Elite practice at Bethany. Saturday Sparring begins at 8:30 AM and Saturday Poomsae begins at 10:00 AM.
10. What does 'home school practice' mean?
An athlete's home school is the World Class Taekwondo location where they normally train. The weekday Elite practice allows athletes to work locally on areas identified by the coaching team, then bring those improvements back to the combined Saturday practice. Our training cycle is: Saturday Observation -> Weekday Correction -> Saturday Test.
11. What safety measures are used during Sparring?
Athlete safety is a priority. Sparring practices are supervised by the coaching team, and coaches manage drills, intensity, partner selection, and contact based on factors such as experience, size, ability, and the purpose of the training. Athletes are expected to use appropriate protective equipment and follow coaching and safety instructions. Because competitive Taekwondo is a contact sport, the risk of injury cannot be completely eliminated, but training is structured to develop athletes progressively and responsibly.
12. What happens if my child is injured?
Coaches will stop or modify participation when appropriate and communicate with the family when necessary. A minor or temporary injury does not necessarily require an athlete to leave Elite Team; training can often be modified during recovery. A documented season-ending injury or medical condition that prevents continued participation can be reviewed individually.
13. Are the Elite Team jacket and competition uniform required?
Yes. First-time Elite Team athletes are expected to have the required team apparel. The Elite Team jacket is $100 and the competition uniform is $150. Apparel is separate from season tuition. Returning athletes who already have the current required apparel do not need to purchase it again.
14. When do we need to confirm enrollment?
The first official Elite Team practice is Saturday, October 10, 2026. We would like registration completed before the athlete begins Elite Team training. If your family needs a few days to review the information or has questions before enrolling, please speak with us.
15. What attendance is expected?
Consistency is important to athlete development and team preparation. Our attendance targets are approximately 75% or better for weekday Elite practices and 80% or better for Saturday Elite practices. We also recommend at least two regular Taekwondo classes per week. Designated pre-tournament practices are especially important.
16. What if we already know we will miss some practices?
We understand that an occasional school, family, or travel conflict can happen. The important question is whether the athlete can make Elite Team a consistent part of the season. Attendance, consistency, effort, coachability, readiness, and development may be considered when coaches make decisions about higher-level competition opportunities.
17. What competitions are currently planned?
November 7, 2026 - NW Martial Arts Festival - Portland, Oregon; January-February 2027 - State Championship - date/location TBD; March 6, 2027 - US World Open - Portland, Oregon; May 22, 2027 - Twin Tigers Championship - Tacoma, Washington; June 18-20, 2027 - American West Regionals - Albuquerque, New Mexico - selected athletes only; July 7-11, 2027 - USA Taekwondo Nationals - Fort Worth, Texas - qualified/selected athletes. Dates and locations are subject to change.
18. Does every Elite athlete attend every tournament?
Not necessarily. The competition calendar provides the planned pathway for the season, but participation can depend on the athlete's development, readiness, event level, and the purpose of the competition. Coaches will communicate expectations and recommendations throughout the season.
19. Are Regionals and Nationals automatic for Elite Team athletes?
No. American West Regionals is for selected athletes, and USA Taekwondo Nationals is for qualified athletes at the state championship. Selection for Elite Team does not guarantee participation in either event. Coaches will communicate with families as the season develops regarding athlete readiness, qualification, and selection.
20. What if my child does not qualify for Nationals?
Not qualifying for Nationals does not mean an athlete has failed Elite Team. Athletes develop at different rates. Qualifying athletes may move into Nationals-focused preparation, while other Elite athletes continue developing and building toward future competition opportunities.
21. Are tournament registration, travel, hotels, and other competition expenses included?
Season tuition covers the Elite Team training and coaching structure. Coaching Fees and Coach Expenses for competitions within the Pacific Northwest are included in season’s tuition. Nationals’ expenses, optional private coaching, special camps, and other athlete-specific competition expenses are separate. For out of state competitions Coach Registration Fees are covered but coaching fees may be separate based on the number of participants.
22. What if academics become especially demanding during the season?
We understand that our athletes are students first. Families should communicate with the coaching team when an athlete is under unusual academic pressure. Normal academic demands or schedule conflicts do not automatically end the season commitment, but extraordinary circumstances can be reviewed individually.
23. What if my child becomes discouraged or changes their mind about competing?
Competition can include exciting successes as well as difficult moments. Learning to handle nerves, setbacks, losses, and frustration is part of athlete development. We encourage families to speak with the coaching team before making a decision to stop. Choosing to stop competing does not automatically end the season commitment.
24. What is expected from Elite Team parents?
Our philosophy is simple: The coach coaches. The athlete competes. The parent supports. We ask parents to encourage effort, preparation, sportsmanship, resilience, and improvement rather than focusing only on wins and medals.
25. What does it mean to represent World Class Elite Team?
Elite athletes are expected to train with purpose, listen to their coaches, support their teammates, compete with confidence, win with humility, lose with character, and represent the team with pride. Winning is important. Development is essential. Character is non-negotiable.
STILL HAVE A QUESTION?
Please speak with our World Class Taekwondo staff. We want families to understand the Elite Team program, expectations, schedule, and season commitment before enrolling.
Bethany, Beaverton, Cedar Mill. ONE TEAM.
TRAIN TOGETHER. COMPETE TOGETHER. REPRESENT
1. What is the World Class Taekwondo Elite Team?
Elite Team is our selective competition and athlete-development program for Sparring and Poomsae athletes. It provides additional specialized competition training while athletes continue their regular World Class Taekwondo classes. Our goal is to develop stronger competitors, better teammates, and martial artists who represent World Class with character.
2. How long is the 2026-2027 Elite Team season?
The season begins October 10, 2026 and continues through August 2027. The program is designed around the full competition season rather than ending after the early spring tournaments.
3. How much is Elite Team tuition?
The 2026-2027 Elite Team Season Tuition is $1,396. For convenience, the season tuition is payable in four installments of $349: October 10, 2026; January 10, 2027; April 10, 2027; and July 10, 2027. The four payments are installments toward one full-season tuition; they are not four separate enrollment periods.
4. Is the $1,396 an annual recurring fee?
No. The $1,396 is the tuition established for the 2026-2027 Elite Team season. If an athlete participates in a future Elite Team season, that season would have its own enrollment and tuition.
5. Why does this season cost more than last year's $495 returning-athlete program?
Last year's $495 returning-athlete program covered October through March. This year's Elite Team has been expanded into a full October-through-August athlete-development and competition season. Training continues through the later championship portion of the year, including preparation leading toward Regionals and Nationals. The program also includes weekday Elite training at the athlete's home school along with combined Saturday team training at Bethany. This is a longer, more comprehensive full-season program rather than the same shorter program at a higher price.
6. Is Elite Team a full-season commitment, or can we participate one quarter at a time?
Elite Team is a full-season commitment from October 2026 through August 2027. The four $349 installments make the season tuition easier to manage but do not create separate quarterly participation periods. We understand that school, family, and other responsibilities can change during the year, and families should consider those commitments before enrolling. Extraordinary circumstances can be reviewed individually.
7. Is there a shorter-term or quarter-to-quarter participation option?
For the 2026-2027 season, Elite Team is offered as one complete October-through-August program. We are not offering a separate short-term or quarter-to-quarter option because the program is designed around athletes training, developing, and competing together throughout the season.
8. What exactly does the $1,396 season tuition cover?
Season tuition covers the Elite Team training and coaching structure from October through August, including approximately one weekday Elite practice at the athlete's home World Class location and the combined Saturday Elite Team practice at Bethany. Elite Team is specialized competition training in addition to the athlete's regular World Class Taekwondo membership.
9. What does the weekly Elite Team schedule look like?
Elite athletes attend approximately one 60-minute weekday Elite practice at their home World Class location and one approximately 90-minute combined Saturday Elite practice at Bethany. Saturday Sparring begins at 8:30 AM and Saturday Poomsae begins at 10:00 AM.
10. What does 'home school practice' mean?
An athlete's home school is the World Class Taekwondo location where they normally train. The weekday Elite practice allows athletes to work locally on areas identified by the coaching team, then bring those improvements back to the combined Saturday practice. Our training cycle is: Saturday Observation -> Weekday Correction -> Saturday Test.
11. What safety measures are used during Sparring?
Athlete safety is a priority. Sparring practices are supervised by the coaching team, and coaches manage drills, intensity, partner selection, and contact based on factors such as experience, size, ability, and the purpose of the training. Athletes are expected to use appropriate protective equipment and follow coaching and safety instructions. Because competitive Taekwondo is a contact sport, the risk of injury cannot be completely eliminated, but training is structured to develop athletes progressively and responsibly.
12. What happens if my child is injured?
Coaches will stop or modify participation when appropriate and communicate with the family when necessary. A minor or temporary injury does not necessarily require an athlete to leave Elite Team; training can often be modified during recovery. A documented season-ending injury or medical condition that prevents continued participation can be reviewed individually.
13. Are the Elite Team jacket and competition uniform required?
Yes. First-time Elite Team athletes are expected to have the required team apparel. The Elite Team jacket is $100 and the competition uniform is $150. Apparel is separate from season tuition. Returning athletes who already have the current required apparel do not need to purchase it again.
14. When do we need to confirm enrollment?
The first official Elite Team practice is Saturday, October 10, 2026. We would like registration completed before the athlete begins Elite Team training. If your family needs a few days to review the information or has questions before enrolling, please speak with us.
15. What attendance is expected?
Consistency is important to athlete development and team preparation. Our attendance targets are approximately 75% or better for weekday Elite practices and 80% or better for Saturday Elite practices. We also recommend at least two regular Taekwondo classes per week. Designated pre-tournament practices are especially important.
16. What if we already know we will miss some practices?
We understand that an occasional school, family, or travel conflict can happen. The important question is whether the athlete can make Elite Team a consistent part of the season. Attendance, consistency, effort, coachability, readiness, and development may be considered when coaches make decisions about higher-level competition opportunities.
17. What competitions are currently planned?
November 7, 2026 - NW Martial Arts Festival - Portland, Oregon; January-February 2027 - State Championship - date/location TBD; March 6, 2027 - US World Open - Portland, Oregon; May 22, 2027 - Twin Tigers Championship - Tacoma, Washington; June 18-20, 2027 - American West Regionals - Albuquerque, New Mexico - selected athletes only; July 7-11, 2027 - USA Taekwondo Nationals - Fort Worth, Texas - qualified/selected athletes. Dates and locations are subject to change.
18. Does every Elite athlete attend every tournament?
Not necessarily. The competition calendar provides the planned pathway for the season, but participation can depend on the athlete's development, readiness, event level, and the purpose of the competition. Coaches will communicate expectations and recommendations throughout the season.
19. Are Regionals and Nationals automatic for Elite Team athletes?
No. American West Regionals is for selected athletes, and USA Taekwondo Nationals is for qualified athletes at the state championship. Selection for Elite Team does not guarantee participation in either event. Coaches will communicate with families as the season develops regarding athlete readiness, qualification, and selection.
20. What if my child does not qualify for Nationals?
Not qualifying for Nationals does not mean an athlete has failed Elite Team. Athletes develop at different rates. Qualifying athletes may move into Nationals-focused preparation, while other Elite athletes continue developing and building toward future competition opportunities.
21. Are tournament registration, travel, hotels, and other competition expenses included?
Season tuition covers the Elite Team training and coaching structure. Coaching Fees and Coach Expenses for competitions within the Pacific Northwest are included in season’s tuition. Nationals’ expenses, optional private coaching, special camps, and other athlete-specific competition expenses are separate. For out of state competitions Coach Registration Fees are covered but coaching fees may be separate based on the number of participants.
22. What if academics become especially demanding during the season?
We understand that our athletes are students first. Families should communicate with the coaching team when an athlete is under unusual academic pressure. Normal academic demands or schedule conflicts do not automatically end the season commitment, but extraordinary circumstances can be reviewed individually.
23. What if my child becomes discouraged or changes their mind about competing?
Competition can include exciting successes as well as difficult moments. Learning to handle nerves, setbacks, losses, and frustration is part of athlete development. We encourage families to speak with the coaching team before making a decision to stop. Choosing to stop competing does not automatically end the season commitment.
24. What is expected from Elite Team parents?
Our philosophy is simple: The coach coaches. The athlete competes. The parent supports. We ask parents to encourage effort, preparation, sportsmanship, resilience, and improvement rather than focusing only on wins and medals.
25. What does it mean to represent World Class Elite Team?
Elite athletes are expected to train with purpose, listen to their coaches, support their teammates, compete with confidence, win with humility, lose with character, and represent the team with pride. Winning is important. Development is essential. Character is non-negotiable.
STILL HAVE A QUESTION?
Please speak with our World Class Taekwondo staff. We want families to understand the Elite Team program, expectations, schedule, and season commitment before enrolling.
Bethany, Beaverton, Cedar Mill. ONE TEAM.
TRAIN TOGETHER. COMPETE TOGETHER. REPRESENT