Taekwondo Eastbourne

While in no way intending to be ageist, Taekwondo can be rather physical and is generally more suited to younger people in Eastbourne, it is particularly good for children who will become self-disciplined and respecting of others. Older adults trying Taekwondo for the very first time often find it too taxing, unless they have consistently kept themselves active. However those in Eastbourne who get involved in Taekwondo at a young age, will find that carrying it on into older adulthood isn't an issue. The less nimble of you may find that Tai Chi which is a bit less demanding, is more to your liking.

With its beginnings in 1940's Korea, Taekwondo is obviously one of the more recently developed of the martial arts and entails primarily high-kicking moves such as rapid kicking methods, spinning/jumping kicks and head kicks. It began when schools known as "kwans" were founded by a bunch of Korean martial artists in Seoul, South Korea.

With more than sixty million people participating in Taekwondo classes all over the world, this has certainly become an extremely popular and beneficial pastime, and if you really master this martial art you might possibly one day qualify for the Olympic Games, of which it has been a part ever since the Sydney Games in the year 2000.

In these days of ever-increasing violence, it is hardly surprising that people in places like Eastbourne are attending self-defence classes like Taekwondo to help them to feel safer in their local environment. The self-defence element is one of the primary benefits of Taekwondo but at the same time it also promotes self-restraint and a deep respect for other people, which are qualities that are frequently lacking in this modern age.

Although it will instill you with self-confidence being aware that you have these self-defence skills tucked away inside you, the chances are that you'll never be required to test them outside of a dedicated Taekwondo class.

Your First Lesson

If you've never tried Taekwondo before, you may be somewhat concerned as to what can be expected on your very first lesson. This may vary from club to club but will normally comprise all or some of the following. A fifteen to twenty minute warm up to loosen muscles and increase your heart rate, a bit of technical training involving learning some blocks, hand attacks, kicks and stances, discovering some forms, an introduction to sparring which will include timing, movement and the timing of attacks, and finally a warm down to relax and stretch tired muscles.

If you would like to sign up to a Taekwondo class in Eastbourne, you will also have to become a member of the sport's regulating body, namely British Taekwondo. By exploring the official British Taekwondo website you will be able to discover information about referees and coaching, events, clubs and members, safe practices, coaching courses, first aid, safeguarding and equality, news, launching a new Taekwondo club, and many more Taekwondo related facts.

Taekwondo Kicks

Some of the most widely used Taekwondo kicking movements that you will master early on include: Axe Kick (Naeryeo Chagi), Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi), Front Kick (Ap Chagi), Back Kick (Dwo Chagi), Crescent Kick (Bandal Chagi), Side Kick (Yeop Chagi), Push Kick (Meereo Chagi), Hook or Whip Kick (Huryeo Chagi). Taekwondo Blocks: To divert and stop an incoming attack, blocks (called Makgi) are implemented. They're held in particular positions and engage the hands with parts of the arm. Certain attacks require specified "blocks", but blocks can also be transformed into counter-attacking moves by combining reciprocal kicks or punches. The most used blocks used in Taekwondo include: Double Knife Hand Block, Single Forearm Block, Upper Block, Palm Block, Double Forearm Block, Rising Block, Low Block, Nine Block and Knife Hand Block.

Taekwondo Belts

The belt and ranking system can get rather complicated in Taekwondo because there isn't any recognised structure across the different Taekwondo styles. Similarities can be found though, and typically there are 2 distinct belt groups, signified as "seniors" (black belts) and "juniors" (colours). The number of grades in the junior section varies across the disciplines but is generally somewhere between 8 and 12 belts, while the senior section typically has nine belts or dans.

Beginners Taekwondo Eastbourne

Students setting out on their Taekwondo adventure in Eastbourne will first of all enroll in a beginners class. Beginners classes are excellent, as there are no stringent demands and everything's carried out at a slow, relaxed pace. Having fun whilst learning is the key objective to start with and trainees who are enjoying themselves are inclined to learn much quicker and absorb considerably more of what they are being shown. Even Taekwondo masters began as naive newbies, so take that first step and who knows where you'll wind up!

In Summary

So, what do you want from doing Taekwondo? Well, that is a great question, and the answer to that will vary for different people. Most participants will just look to gain more confidence, meet new people and improve their levels of fitness. We're definitely not all going to reach the dizzy heights of Jade Jones or Lutalo Muhammad, although perhaps you will, you never know? 👊