Taekwondo Richmond upon Thames

As a result of its rather more physical aspects, Taekwondo is perhaps more appropriate for the younger generation in Richmond upon Thames and is particularly suited to children because it is wonderful for developing self-discipline and respect for other people. More elderly individuals might find it a bit too strenuous unless they are particularly active and fit. However, those who take up Taekwondo in Richmond upon Thames from a young age will find that they can easily carry it on into older adulthood. The less agile of you might consider participating in something gentler like Tai Chi.

Taekwondo is one of the more recently formulated of the martial arts, with its beginnings in Korea in 1945. A group of Korean martial artists in Seoul founded some new schools which they called "kwans", combining many different martial arts practices. Taekwondo, which was eventually called, mainly involves kicking manoeuvres, particularly spinning/jumping kicks, fast kicking styles and head-height kicks.

Taekwondo has become really popular in Richmond upon Thames and all over the world, with over sixty million practitioners worldwide. Registering with a local Richmond upon Thames Taekwondo class or club is a great way to get involved with this sport which has even featured in the Olympic Games since the Sydney Games of 2000. While you might not have any dreams to take part in Olympic competition, there is certainly no reason why you cannot become a maestro of this challenging martial art and have some fun along the way.

A key element of Taekwondo is self-defence, and of course this is one of the main reasons that individuals in Richmond upon Thames get involved in classes and get involved in the sport. There's been a worrying escalation of violent behaviour over the last few years and this is especially rampant in city and town centres around Greater London and the nation as a whole. The beauty of Taekwondo though, is that it also promotes self-discipline and respect for others, not such familiar characteristics in Richmond upon Thames nowadays.

Such self-defence techniques may at some time prove useful in the outside world, although it is much more likely that you'll solely be putting them to the test within a monitored class environment. Yet it is a wonderful feeling knowing the fact that you will always be able to defend yourself when you have to.

What to Expect From Your First Class

If Taekwondo isn't a sport that you have ever done previously, you'll doubtless be wondering what to expect from your initial class if you make up your mind to join. Different Taekwondo schools in the Richmond upon Thames area have different ideas about this but in brief; you'll participate in a fifteen to twenty minute warm-up, you will do some technical training, you will learn some forms, you'll practice sparring strategies and finally you'll warm-down to help your body get back into a state of relaxation.

The UK governing body of the sport is British Taekwondo and if you want to sign up to Taekwondo club in Richmond upon Thames, you will also be required to register with this respected organization. You'll be able to find out about first aid, safe practices, news, coaching courses, safeguarding and equality, events, establishing a new club, coaches and referees, clubs and members, and more on British Taekwondo's official website, and find out the latest news stories on their Twitter or Facebook page.

Benefits to be Gained From Taekwondo

When you are getting involved in Taekwondo classes in Richmond upon Thames you will be wanting to get some benefits to make the entire project worth the effort. So let us examine a few of the many positive benefits that you could gain through learning and doing Taekwondo. Reduced stress and anxiety by doing deep breathing exercises, Strengthen your mind and body through improved mental discipline and physical co-ordination, Supercharge agility, stamina and flexibility by means of intense cardiovascular exertion, Better self-discipline by methodically schooling your body and mind in the tactics and principles of Taekwondo, Boost confidence by inspiring you to succeed and to seize control of your life, Teach you self-defence strategies by helping you to recognise instances in which self-defence could be necessary, and enabling you to turn such scenarios in your favour, Enhance concentration and self-esteem by heightening your mental and physical fitness.

Taekwondo Kicks

Taekwondo has pretty much the largest assortment of kicking movements in all of the recognized martial arts. The following are just a few: Axe Kick, Push Kick, Side Kick, Hook or Whip Kick, Front Kick, Crescent Kick, Back Kick, Roundhouse Kick. Blocks: To divert and stop an incoming Taekwondo attack, "blocks" (called Makgi) are employed. They are held in various positions and engage the hand with different sections of the arm. Specific attacks require specified "blocks", but "blocks" can also be turned into counter-attacking movements by linking retaliatory punches or kicks. The main "blocks" include: Single Forearm Block, Double Knife Hand Block, Knife Hand Block, Upper Block, Low Block, Nine Block, Palm Block, Rising Block and Double Forearm Block.

Richmond upon Thames Taekwondo for Beginners

Students setting out on their Taekwondo experience in Richmond upon Thames will initially sign up for a beginners class. Beginners classes are great, since there's no pressure and things are done at a relaxed, slow pace. Learning and having fun are the key goals at the start and students who are enjoying themselves have a tendency to learn a lot faster and digest significantly more of what they are being shown. Even Taekwondo masters started off as naive newbies, so take that initial step and you never know where you'll finish up!