Taekwondo Middlesbrough

As a result of its more physical aspects, Taekwondo is maybe more appropriate for the younger person in Middlesbrough and is particularly suited to children because it's wonderful for developing self-discipline and respect for others. Older adults might find it somewhat too strenuous unless they're especially active and fit. However, those who take up Taekwondo in Middlesbrough at a young age will discover that they can easily continue with it when they are older. The less agile of you could consider participating in something gentler like Tai Chi.

With its beginnings in 1940's Korea, South-East Asia, Taekwondo is obviously one of the more recently developed of the martial arts and consists of mostly kicking movements such as fast kicking strategies, jumping/turning kicks and head-height kicks. It began when schools called "kwans" were set up by a bunch of Korean martial artists in Seoul, South Korea.

Taekwondo has grown to be very popular in Middlesbrough and all around the world, with more than sixty million participants worldwide. Registering with a local Middlesbrough Taekwondo class or club is a great way to become involved in this sporting activity which has even been a feature of the Olympic Games ever since the Sydney Games of 2000. Whilst you may not aspire to Olympic competition, there is no reason why you should not become a master of this intriguing martial art and have a bit of fun along the way.

A key aspect of Taekwondo is self-defence, and obviously this is one of the main reasons that people in Middlesbrough sign up to classes and get involved in the sport. There's been a worrying increase in violent behaviour over the last few years and this is particularly common in town and city centres throughout North Yorkshire and the nation in general. The fantastic thing about Taekwondo though, is that it also encourages self-discipline and a deep respect for others, not such familiar attributes in Middlesbrough nowadays.

While it will give you peace of mind being aware that you have these self-defence skills in your locker, the likelihood is you'll never be required to use them outside the controlled environment of a dedicated Taekwondo class.

Your First Class

If you've made up your mind to learn Taekwondo and are heading to your first lesson, you'll be curious as to what will happen. This could vary from class to class but will generally involve all or most of the following. A 15-20 minute warm up, a little technical training including learning some blocking techniques, kicks, hand attacks and stances, learning some forms (or Poomse), some ideas on sparring including good timing, movement and targeting attacks, and lastly a warm down to relax and stretch muscles.

Everybody who's a registered member of a Taekwondo class in Middlesbrough or any place else in Britain, is also required to join British Taekwondo, which is the regulating body of the sport. By going to the official British Taekwondo website you can obtain facts about coaching courses, safe practices, news, events, members and clubs, first aid, coaches and competition referees, starting a new club, equality and safeguarding, and lots more Taekwondo related facts.

The Benefits of Taekwondo

The benefits that may be gained by taking part in Taekwondo lessons in Middlesbrough are many and varied, among the most noteworthy are: Beef up confidence by inspiring you to succeed and to seize control of your life, Teach self-defence strategies by helping you to recognise occasions in which self-defence may be necessary, and empowering you to turn these types of scenarios in your favour, Empower your mind and body by means of increased physical coordination and mental discipline, Reduces anxiety by doing deep breathing exercises, Greater discipline by methodically schooling your mind and body in the concepts and strategies of Taekwondo, Improve flexibility, agility and stamina by way of extreme cardiovascular exertion, Increase self-esteem by maximizing both physical and mental health.

Taekwondo Forms

Taekwondo forms (also referred to as Poomse or patterns) are identified by specific facets like stance, technique and direction. From the start you will be taught some of the standard forms, and in order to progress through the grades (belts) you will need to master some more technical ones.

Taekwondo Belts (Ranking)

Because there are a number of kinds of Taekwondo there's never been any recognised arrangement for assigning belts (grades). What does exist however is fairly similar and comprises 2 belt groupings "junior" and "senior" ("colour" and "black"), each one of these groups is divided into grades, eight to twelve colours for juniors and 9 for seniors.

Taekwondo Tournaments

Competitions and tournaments are an important element of the Taekwondo experience, and all of the different styles around the world hold contests where Taekwondo masters come together to battle it out. Hard contact is rarely permitted in any of these tournaments which primarily comprise breaking, sparring and patterns. Sparring only is permitted in Olympic and World Taekwondo tournaments, while certain hand attacks are permitted in International Taekwon-Do Federation events.

Beginners Classes

Even the finest exponents of Taekwondo in Middlesbrough had to start as newbies, so there is no shame in being a beginner at Tae kwon do, or any other activity for that matter. The goal of a Taekwondo beginners class is to teach just a few basics, improve self-confidence and develop a firm base for the future. Most important of all is that it needs to be enjoyable, students having fun will learn quicker and be better invested.