Taekwondo Staveley

Taekwondo is quite physically demanding, which means it may be considered more suitable for the younger rather than the older generation in Staveley. Its teachings of self-discipline and respect for others make it particularly good for children. Older adults may find it somewhat too taxing unless they are particularly fit and active. People in Staveley who take up Taekwondo when they are young find it easy to continue when they get older. If you are less agile you could always try something a bit softer such as Tai Chi or Yoga.

Taekwondo is one of the more recently formulated of the martial arts, with its root beginnings in Korea, South-East Asia in 1945. A number of Korean martial artists in Seoul established some new schools which they called "kwans", combining various martial arts practices. Taekwondo, which was ultimately called, largely consists of high-kicking manoeuvres, particularly fast kicking methods, jumping/turning kicks and head kicks.

These days an Olympic sport, Taekwondo has more than 60 million followers worldwide, and even though you may not aspire to be an Olympic Games medalist, you can still join a Taekwondo club or class to learn what will undoubtedly prove to be a worthwhile and intriguing activity.

For many people in Staveley, it is the self-defence element of Taekwondo which has the most appeal. And in these times of increasing violence, especially in city and town centres, it is little surprise that this features high on people's priority lists. It is a key factor of Taekwondo that you are able to gain more confidence in your capacity to defend yourself while at the same time learning to respect other people and learn self-restraint.

With luck, outside your local Taekwondo club environment, you won't ever need to try out your newly acquired techniques to defend yourself.

What to Expect From Your First Class

If you've just booked your very first Taekwondo lesson, you'll be wondering what to expect. The majority of Taekwondo schools in Staveley follow a similar structure, but there could be variations to the following. A 15-20 minute warm up, some technical training comprising some kicks, blocking techniques, stances and hand attacks, a look at forms or patterns, some tips on sparring including good timing, movement and targeting attacks, and to round off a warm down to stretch muscles and relax.

Everybody who is a member of a Taekwondo class in Staveley or anywhere else in the British Isles, is also required to join British Taekwondo, which is the official regulating body of the sport. By checking out the British Taekwondo website you can discover information on clubs and members, coaching courses, coaches and referees, launching a new Taekwondo club, equality and safeguarding, events, news, first aid, safe practices, and lots more Taekwondo related facts.

The 8 Basic Taekwondo Kicks

Kicking movements serve a leading role in Taekwondo, here are a list of the more basic ones: Front Kick, Side Kick, Hook or Whip Kick, Back Kick, Push Kick, Roundhouse Kick, Axe Kick, Crescent Kick. Blocks: Taekwondo "blocks", which are used to fend off the various attacks, are called Makgi. Held in diverse positions, they involve the hand and different parts of the arm. Each block can be coupled with a punch or kick to create a counter-attacking move, and each is appropriate for a specific attack. The primary "blocks" (makgi) in Taekwondo include: Double Forearm Block, Double Knife Hand Block, Rising Block, Palm Block, Nine Block, Knife Hand Block, Low Block, Upper Block and Single Forearm Block.

Taekwondo Patterns (Forms)

Forms are a key element of Taekwondo and are important if you're to master this intriguing sport. A few basic "forms" need to be grasped at the start and more advanced forms will have to be perfected so as to advance through the various levels. A Taekwondo form is characterized by a number of points such as direction, technique and stance.

Taekwondo Beginners Classes

Even the best exponents of Taekwondo in Staveley set out as rookies, so there is no shame in being a total beginner at Tae kwon do, or any other activity for that matter. The purpose of a Taekwondo beginner class is to provide a few of the basics, boost confidence and develop a firm base for the future. Most important of all is that it must be enjoyable, trainees having fun are going to learn faster and be more invested.

Taekwondo Safety Gear

In all competitions, contests and events being held under the patronage of British Taekwondo, safety gear like shin pads, hand protectors, forearm guards, a gum shield, a groin guard, a blue or red trunk guard (hogu) and a red or blue head protector is obligatory. The fast kicking tactics used in Taekwondo can cause serious injuries and this preventative measure helps to make the activity safer for its competitors.

To Summarize

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