UK Taekwondo: Initially established in Korea in the 1940's and 50's, Taekwondo is a fast combatative sport that's become more and more popular over the past 30 years or so. For people who would like to enhance your self-esteem, learn some self-defence techniques, develop your body and mind and boost your confidence, Taekwondo could be the perfect hobby or fitness activity.
Taekwondo is a perfect sport for children in the UK, because it advocates self-discipline and a respect for others. Its more physical aspects make it more suited to younger people. It can often be too tough for older adults except when they are exceptionally fit and active. For those people who take up Taekwondo when they are younger, continuing the experience into older adulthood should not be a problem. The less agile of you might find that Tai Chi which is a bit softer, is more to your liking.
The name Taekwondo has only been used since the 1950's, although the discipline started life in Korea in 1945. This combination of various martial arts techniques were practiced in some new schools in Seoul called "kwans", founded by a group of Korean martial artists. The emphasis of the discipline was on kicking manoeuvres, especially jumping/turning kicks, head kicks and fast kicking styles, and it was later given the name; Taekwondo, meaning "the way of the foot and fist".Today UK Taekwondo classes follow this tradition.
Since the Sydney Olympic Games in the year 2000, Taekwondo has been an Olympic sport. This has made it even more popular around the world with some sixty million people actively attending classes. And it's by enrolling in a Taekwondo club or class that you are able to begin your adventure of mastering this exciting art.
For the men, women and children of UK who like the idea of learning a martial art, a major priority is the element of self-defence. Since this is a central concept of Taekwondo, it's not difficult to see the attraction of this particular sport. With the extra benefit of learning self-restraint and having a deep-rooted respect for those around you, signing up for a local UK Taekwondo class seems to be a no brainer.
Whilst it will instill you with self-confidence knowing that you have such self-defence skills tucked away inside you, the chances are that you'll never need to use them outside the monitored environment of a dedicated Taekwondo class.
If you come to a decision to register for Taekwondo training in the UK, the first thing you will be thinking about is what will happen on the first class and what exactly will the trainer be expecting of you. Different Taekwondo masters in the UK area will formulate diverse routines for this first lesson but you can anticipate performing a 15-20 minute warm-up to get the blood circulating and loosen your muscles, learn several forms (Poomse), go through some practical training (kicks, stances, blocks and hand attacks), do a small amount of sparring, and to finish, warm-down.
Any person who joins a Taekwondo club in the UK has to also become a member of British Taekwondo which is the official governing body of the sport in Great Britain. You can read about events, coaching courses, news, coaches and competition referees, members and clubs, safeguarding and equality, establishing a new Taekwondo club, health and safety, first aid, and more on British Taekwondo's website, and get the latest news on their Facebook or Twitter page.