Taekwondo Bridport

As a result of its rather more physical aspects, Taekwondo is maybe more suitable for the younger person in Bridport and is especially suited to children because it is wonderful for developing self-discipline and respect for other people. Older adults may find it somewhat too demanding unless they're particularly fit and active. Even so, those folks who persue Taekwondo in Bridport at a young age will discover that they can easily continue with it when they are older. The less nimble of you might consider participating in something gentler like Tai Chi.

Based largely around high-kicking manoeuvres and moves like turning/jumping kicks, head kicks and fast kicking techniques, Taekwondo was formulated from the techniques of various martial arts, by a number of Seoul martial arts experts in new schools known as "Kwans" during the 1940's and 1950's. These "Kwans" had the names Songmu Kwan, Changmu Kwan, Jido Kwan, Mooduk Kwan and Chungdo Kwan.

Ever since the Sydney Olympic Games in the year 2000, Taekwondo has been an Olympic sport. This has added to its popularity around the world with some sixty million people or more actively participating in classes. And it's by enrolling in a Taekwondo club or class that you can commence your quest of mastering this fascinating martial art.

Though there is a lot to be gained by mastering Taekwondo, it's the aspect of self-defence that most Bridport people find appealing. This is not a surprise when you take into account the ever rising levels of violence seen in town centres these days. The ability to defend yourself while still exercising self-restraint and a respect for others is one of the key benefits of Taekwondo.

While its great to know that you can defend yourself any time you need to, it's hoped that you never need to test this outside of your local Taekwondo club environment.

Your First Class

Different Taekwondo schools in Bridport will have different ideas about what learners should cover on their first class, but to give you a concept of what you can expect most initial Taekwondo lessons will include a warm-up, a bit of sparring, learning patterns (Poomse), an overview of kicks, stances, blocks and hand attacks (practical training) and a warm-down to relax tired muscles and return the body to a state of balance.

British Taekwondo is the official governing body of the sport within Britain, and membership of this organisation is compulsory if you wish to sign up with any Taekwondo club in Bridport or nearby. You will be able to find out about coaches and competition referees, news, events, health and safety, members and clubs, launching a new Taekwondo club, first aid, coaching courses, safeguarding and equality, and more on the British Taekwondo website, or find out the latest news on their Twitter or Facebook page.

Taekwondo - The Benefits

When getting started with Taekwondo classes in Bridport you will be aiming to get some benefits to make the entire adventure worthwhile. Therefore let's take a look at some of the many positive benefits that you might get by doing and learning Taekwondo. Help with self-defence by helping you identify circumstances in which self-defence may be required, and empowering you to manipulate these scenarios in your favour, Toughen up your body and mind by increased mental discipline and physical co-ordination, Turbocharge stamina, agility and flexibility through extreme cardiovascular exertion, Improve self-esteem by sharpening both mental and physical fitness, Reduced anxiety and stress using advanced breath control, Boost your confidence by motivating you to take control of your life and succeed, Better discipline and willpower by extensively training your body and mind in the techniques and concepts of Taekwondo.

The Basic Taekwondo Kicks

There are plenty of different kicks that are used in Taekwondo. Listed here are a few of the best known: Hook or Whip Kick (Huryeo Chagi), Back Kick (Dwo Chagi), Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi), Push Kick (Meereo Chagi), Side Kick (Yeop Chagi), Crescent Kick (Bandal Chagi), Axe Kick (Naeryeo Chagi), Front Kick (Ap Chagi). Taekwondo Blocks: To defend against the many hand attacks and kicks there are an equally diverse assortment of blocks (Makgi). Held in specific positions, they engage the hand and sections of the arm. Certain attacks require particular "blocks", but blocks can also be turned into counter-attacking movements by combining retaliatory kicks or punches. The key blocks in Taekwondo include: Knife Hand Block, Upper Block, Rising Block, Palm Block, Double Knife Hand Block, Double Forearm Block, Nine Block, Single Forearm Block and Low Block.

Taekwondo Competitions and Tournaments

There are an array of tournaments in Taekwondo associated with all the different styles. They mainly include patterns, breaking and sparring with hardly any hard contact. International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) competitions don't allow substantial contact but sometimes permit hand attacks towards the head. World Taekwondo and Olympic contests only allow sparring. Multi-style competitions also take place.

Safety Gear

British Taekwondo competitions require certain safety gear to be worn to protect competitors from being injured as a result of the forceful kicks that occur. These safety solutions include: a red or blue head protector, hand guards, shin pads, a groin protector, a gum shield, forearm guards and blue/red trunk armour.