Taekwondo Ware

While not wanting to deter any particular age group, it has to be said that Taekwondo is more suitable for younger people in Ware, being fairly physically demanding. Its encouragement of self-discipline and respect for others make it especially appropriate for children. Seniors may find it somewhat too challenging unless they are particularly fit and active. People in Ware who take up Taekwondo when they are young find it easy to continue when they get older. The less nimble of you might consider something softer like Tai Chi.

Taekwondo is a martial art that primarily consists of kicking manoeuvres and moves, most notably head-height kicks, jumping/spinning kicks and rapid kicking styles. It began in Seoul, in southern Korea in the 1940's, when a group of martial arts specialists founded schools known as "kwans", which combined various martial arts practices.

With more than 60 million people engaged in Taekwondo instruction all over the world, this has unquestionably become a popular and worthwhile activity, and if you become really good at this sport you might even one day be eligible for the Olympic Games, of which it has been an integral part ever since the Sydney Games in the year 2000.

For the people of Ware who want to learn a martial art, a major priority is the element of self-defence. Considering that this is a key concept of Taekwondo, it's not difficult to appreciate the appeal of this specific sport. With the added benefit of learning self-restraint and having a degree of respect for those around you, enrolling in a local Ware Taekwondo class seems to be an easy decision.

These self-defence techniques may in due course prove to be useful in the outside world, although it is much more likely you will only be using them within a supervised class setting. Nevertheless it's a reassuring feeling knowing the fact that you'll always be in a position to defend yourself when you have to.

Your First Taekwondo Class

If Taekwondo is not an activity that you have ever had a go at before, you'll likely be wondering what to expect from your first class should you decide to sign up. Different Taekwondo schools in the Ware area have varying thoughts on this but roughly; you'll take part in a 15-20 minute warm-up, you'll do a bit of technical training, you'll learn some forms (patterns), you'll practice sparring techniques and lastly you will perform a warm-down to help your body get back into a relaxed state once again.

Anyone wishing to join a Taekwondo club in Ware has to also become a member of British Taekwondo which is the official regulating body of the sport in the UK. By visiting the official British Taekwondo website you will be able to find information on clubs and members, safeguarding and equality, events, news, first aid, beginning a new Taekwondo club, coaching courses, health and safety, referees and coaching, and a lot more Taekwondo related facts.

Taekwondo - The Benefits

You will probably be intrigued to understand exactly what type of benefits could be gained by taking part in Ware Taekwondo instruction and partaking fully in its practices. You could expect that you will: Toughen up your mind and body by enhanced physical coordination and mental discipline, Reduces stress and anxiety with controlled breathing, Teach you self-defence by showing you how to identify circumstances where self-defence may be necessary, and empowering you to control these types of situations in your favour, More discipline and willpower by extensively educating your body and mind in the tactics and principles of Taekwondo, Improve flexibility, stamina and agility through strenuous cardiovascular exertion, Build your confidence by encouraging you to succeed and to take control of your life, Enhance feelings of self-esteem by sharpening both physical and mental powers.

Taekwondo Kicks

There are loads of different Taekwondo kicks, listed here are just eight of them: Back Kick, Crescent Kick, Roundhouse Kick, Axe Kick, Push Kick, Side Kick, Front Kick, Whip or Hook Kick. Blocks: To fend off the many hand attacks and kicks there are a similarly diverse array of blocks. They're held in specific positions and use the hands with areas of the arm. Every "block" can be merged with a kick or punch to create a counter-attacking move, and each is appropriate for a particular attack. The principal "blocks" (makgi) include: Palm Block, Rising Block, Double Forearm Block, Double Knife Hand Block, Single Forearm Block, Nine Block, Knife Hand Block, Low Block and Upper Block.

Summary

We can't all be like Jade Jones or Lutalo Muhammad, and I guess that we don't all want to be. Taekwondo isn't just about Olympic titles and National Championships. Most of us are happy to meet different people, make new friends and improve our levels of fitness, and that is how it ought to be. Yet, as with many things in life, what you get out of it will be determined by what you invest in it. Good luck!